God Has a Purpose for You

 

 

Ashley Key, cbn.com

Have you ever asked God: What is my purpose in life? If so, I’m right there with you. Sometimes life can throw you a curveball, or storms may crash upon the shores of your heart that make you question God’s will for your life—and if that’s where you’re at today, friend, I want to encourage you.

Today’s Scripture readings for CBN’s “Bible in a Year” plan are Numbers 3 – 4, and Mark 3:20-35 (if you haven’t had a chance to read those yet, take a moment to do so). When you dive into the Old Testament book of Numbers, you see in the first few chapters the grand organization of the nation of Israel and instructions for how the tabernacle is to be run (which was the dwelling place for God’s Spirit at the time).

As you read chapter 3, you see that certain tribes and clans are called to perform sacred duties and tasks in the tabernacle. For example, Aaron (Moses’ brother) and his sons were called to be the priests, and the tribe of Levi was called to assist them. As you move into chapter 4, you see this organizational chart continue to be written out. The Lord then calls the specific clans within the tribe of Levi, such as the Kohathites and Gershonites, to perform duties like handling the most sacred objects for transport (Numbers 4:4-6), general service, and carrying loads (Numbers 4:24-27).

By now, you might be thinking, what’s the point of all of this? And again, I’m right there with you. As we digest this passage let’s:

• remember the spirit and purpose of the law (see Galatians 3:23-25)
• not forget that Jesus’ death and resurrection have fulfilled the purpose for that way of life (see Matthew 5:17). We now live in an era where we each are like a tabernacle, housing the Spirit of God.

Let’s take a step back and see the bigger picture. Though each tribe, clan and individual within the nation of Israel had a specific task or duty to perform, they all served a larger purpose—to serve and obey the Living God.

If you’re questioning God’s purpose for your life, let this be a reminder: Don’t let the details overwhelm the purpose. As sons and daughters of God, we are all called to the amazing, life-giving purpose of serving Jesus. Don’t get stressed out because you’re not exactly sure how that’s going to look, just focus on the bigger picture—serving God in every area of your life.

Let the Holy Spirit guide you step by step, day by day, and eventually you’ll look at your life and see that God was guiding you into the beautiful and unique destiny He had for you all along. The path might get bumpy, have unexpected turns, but God is faithful. You can trust Him and bank on the fact that as you continue to abide in Him each day, His plans and purposes for your life are bright and full of wonder.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)