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Purpose in the Ordinary
Posted By Jennifer
“What is my purpose?”
We’ve all asked that question 100 times. I think it’s a perfectly legitimate question–one that reminds us to keep searching for something higher, Someone Higher, who does have all the answers. In fact, asking that question is one thing that separates us from the animals. Do you think our dogs and cats doubt or question their eat, sleep, sleep, eat, play existence? Pets don’t question their mundane and repetitive lives, or even wonder where their next meal is coming from, but can you live out your purpose while taking care of the mundane tasks of your daily life?
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving (Colossians 3:23-24).
Maybe you’ve been fortunate enough to pinpoint a purpose. Maybe you are involved in a ministry that fulfills you and builds up others as well. Embrace that “big calling,” but look at your other interests and responsibilities as well. Can God be glorified in data entry? In changing diapers? In making dinner for your family?
What about blogging? I came up with this prayer one morning when writing inspiration struck after I had thought that I had nothing to say for the week. As I wrote down the ideas, I remembered to thank the original inspiration of all creativity:
Dear Father,
Thank you that as a writer-in-training I have this proving ground of a blog, a place to write my thoughts and develop my craft. Thank you for a sudden burst of ideas when I thought that they were all dried up. Thank you for using me to communicate Truth. Thank you for other bloggers who do the same. Thank you for this community of the 21st century that the internet has become. Protect me from overindulgence so that this good thing does not become a vice. May I continue to turn to You first and foremost, the original Creator and the spring of all creation. Amen.
Do you see blogging as a part of your purpose? Maybe you don’t take yourself seriously, because you just write a funny little blog, but Proverbs 15:30 upholds the purpose of that: “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.” Maybe you use your blog to write about your experiences or strengths, in parenting, cooking, or housekeeping… Don’t most of those fall under the Titus 2 exhortation? “Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
How do you struggle with or embrace using the ordinary to bring glory to God? Which of your talents and responsibilities can you dedicate so that God can use them for His purpose?
Oct 11th, 2006
“How do you struggle with or embrace using the ordinary to bring glory to God? Which of your talents and responsibilities can you dedicate so that God can use them for His purpose?”
I have Galatians 6:9 (”Let us not become weary in doing good…”) taped up where I keep the bottles and formula for Logan, my 4-month-old. It can indeed be wearying to make bottles, change diapers, do laundry day after day. But Galatians reminds me that those actions are part of “doing good.” And “doing good” - seeking to honor God every day in all I do - is a key part of my purpose. My prayer is that I would use these and other ordinary duties to bring glory to Him and blessings to my family.
I think we can use our blogs to help fill our purpose. I love to see how God is using the blogosphere to spread His word and have us encourage each other.
I have learned and been inspired and encouraged by so many wonderful blogs. We must never underestimate the importance of the words we share.
Thanks for the thought-provoking post!
amen! i am reminded of moses - when he and the israelites were fleeing from the egyptians and they found themselves cornered and caught - hedged in by the RED SEA. moses turns to God and prays, “HELP US!! DELIVER US!” and God replies, “What do you have in your hand?”
yesturday it was cinnimon buns. and they brought some cheer to a neighbors heart. i think cinnimon is important. God will use anything yielded to Him!
Purpose! Since the Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren, I have rested comfortably in knowing that God has a plan and a purpose especially for each one of us–even when we don’t feel it! Long story short–I discovered Psalm 139: 13-18. When we believe that we were created, knitted together, in our mother’s womb…..we are His handiwork, and all the days of our lives are “written in [His] book,” we can no longer believe that we are wandering through life without a specific purpose! Knowing that God has been with me from the first moments of conception gives me the strength to surrender my life; whatever I do, whatever I am–to Him. When we return to our Creator and the author of our life, our road map calls out to us.
Yes, I believe that blogs can be part of that road map. Since beginning my blog earlier this year, I have discovered God’s ability to use our weakness for His glory! I have found throughout this life, that He faithfully picks up the pieces, puts them back together in a fashion that will later glorify Him. There isn’t the fear of being broken when you see that the Master Potter is at the wheel of our lives.
Purpose, what great topic! Whether we are SAHM’s, professional women, or still in school….I believe that God uses us all….exactly where we are. That kind of divine purpose is a joy to rest in.
Diane