Day 3 Devotional: The Shift: Defeating Hopelessness through Purpose

Chasing Hope: The pursuit of a Hope that lasts

Day 3: The Shift: Defeating Hopelessness through Purpose

After receiving my grim cancer diagnosis, I hopped into my car heading back to the airport in Nashville before catching the first of two flights to California.  That trip seemed long, and I had a lot of time to reflect on the diagnosis, God’s word, and my outlook. I was very conscious of the fact that I had to fight to keep my sights off the temporal things of this world and instead, fight to keep fixing them on the eternal promises that God has for me.  This was a tough thing for me because I realized that I needed to authentically look at what God says about my life. The truth of the matter is for those of us who know Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior, He has saved us from a death that is far worse than sickness, and an eternal destination where we would suffer far longer and deeper than cancer could ever cause.  As I pondered this, I really began to realize that God has created me for something far greater than to just live a life of my own, encounter cancer and die. I realized God has so much more!

The truth is He has a unique purpose for both me and you, and He created us for good works! I remember telling myself, “if I live or if I die I am going down fighting.” I didn’t mean just against cancer, but what I really meant is I was going to fully fight against the devil.  I was going to go down fulfilling my purpose and completing those good works that Paul talks about in Ephesians 2:8-10. I now made my heart resolute on the new standard that Jesus gave me. I was created to share the Good news, and if I was going down, it was going to be at the detriment of the devil. I wanted God to use me to encounter as many people battling hopelessness as I could. The truth is that cancer did not change my purpose, my worth or my calling. by no means! it just made these things pronounced and urgent, now more than ever at the forefront of my mind!

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:8-10

This is a wonderful reminder that God has given you and I a purpose that is far beyond the temporary things and circumstances of this world- a purpose that echoes through the halls of eternity and should echo the love of Christ.  God saved us from Hell! Not only did he offer us salvation, but he also has a unique purpose for our lives that he values and has prepared from the beginning of time. I began to see myself through the lens of God from the vantage point of Jesus that says because I accepted Him as Lord and Savior, I am worthy, I have purpose, and I have value. Therefore, what I do for the Lord is worth the cost! I began my shift from the world’s definition of value and hope to the Father’s truthful definition of value and hope. 

Assignment:

Write down your answers to the following questions.

Do you know that God has a purpose for you?  Do you know what that purpose is, if so write it down. If not make a commitment to pray and seek it.

What are somethings that keep you from realizing your true worth in God’s eyes?

If you could do anything in life, what would it be? Do you feel God would want you to it?

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray today that you make that shift in my mind, my heart and my soul from the world’s standards and measures to your eternal truth filled hope that tells me you have made an inheritance that cannot be destroyed!  Father, may we begin to realize that all of what you promise is for us, and is made true through your Son Jesus Christ.  That no longer do I have to keep up with the Jones or climb the corporate ladder in vain, but instead can begin to focus on the truths of why you placed me here and what I am to pursue.  Give me the strength for this journey and watch over me!  In Jesus Holy Name, AMEN