Brace yourself for what I am about to share…
IT IS NOT ABOUT YOU
Your purpose is NOT about YOU… When in pursuit of your purpose you MUST view your life through a wide-angle lens. There is more than what the eye can see.
There Is A Bigger Picture
The Big Picture always involves other people. It would be a boring life if it were all about you or me. Just ask the many people who would say they are ‘lonely’. This would not be the case if this journey called life were designed to be lived in isolation.
Others Are Counting On You
No man is an island. We all need each other. I need what you have and you need what I have. Working together creates a beautiful picture… it is called the ‘body of Christ’. Each member doing his or her part to support the whole. (Ephesians 4:16)
Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10) Abundantly, means to have a profuse supply. Why would you need an overflowing amount of anything, if it were not designed for you to share?
Repeatedly, when I speak with people about uncovering their purpose, the conversation almost always begins around what they ‘want’ to do in order to supply the things they want to ‘have’.
Hence the problem…God knows us better than we know ourselves. Shouldn’t we be consulting with Him regarding our purpose?
Every architect can tell you every detail about the building they designed, and the purpose for which they designed it. How much more can we trust God, who formed us in our mother’s womb, and perfectly designed us for a unique purpose? (Psalms 139:13)
God Has The Perfect Design For Your Life
It is apparent to me; we have things out of order. Instead of petitioning God about His purpose for our lives, we often demand He supply our desires.
Do not misunderstand, when you uncover your divine purpose, all your desires will be met, exceedingly abundantly more than you can dream or imagine, for we serve a great God who desires to give good gifts to His children. (Ephesians 3:20)
Narrow Vision Will Distract You
All too often, people are distracted from their purpose because their vision is too narrow-minded.
I know this was true for me.
Before moving to Southern California, I lived in Florida for twenty-two years. During the last 10 years before moving, I was a Corporate Pilot. I was quite content with my job, I had my own business, traveled all over the country, made my own hours, served at my church, basically lived a comfortable life. God is not interested in our comfort He is interested in getting us to our destiny. My comfort zone was about to be rattled.
My husband was offered a job in San Diego. He accepted the position and we prepared to move to California as soon as all the details were finalized.
Only Seeing Part of the Picture Will Detour You
It was at that moment I just knew, I had to start preparing the way for me to find work as a Pilot in California. I must admit, I NEVER petitioned the Lord to see what His plans were for me once we moved to beautiful San Diego.
I immediately took matters into my own hands without consulting God. (How often do we to this? Consequently, missing out on God’s purpose in our everyday life).
‘My plan’ was to make the necessary connections with Pilots and Flight Schools. Surely, I could begin Flight Instructing while I built my reputation on the West Coast as a Corporate Pilot.
I had successfully made my connections and informed them of my estimated arrival in California. All along, giving myself some time to settle into our new home and get familiar with my new surroundings, before starting work.
So far so good, or so I thought. We made the move Cross Country, found a house and moved in. Bryan began his new job.
As for me, While Bryan was at work all day, I found myself in a strange city where I knew absolutely NO ONE; I was 2800 miles from any family, friends or sense of comfort. Needless to say, it was not long before the excitement of moving to a new city dissolved and homesickness set in!(God will position you for your purpose).
After taking a few weeks to settle into our new home, I decided it was time for me to get back to work. I called my contacts, made the appointments, and visited the Flight Schools. Things all seemed to be falling into place. All but one thing… I had NO PEACE!
Your Purpose is Secure In God’s Provision
It has been my experience, when I am living in God’s will for my life, I have PEACE in my heart, even in the midst of a storm, or in this case, unfamiliar territory.
I began to pray, (finally) and ask God what it was He wanted me to do. To my surprise, I heard within my spirit… ‘Spend time with me’!
What? Spend time with you, that’s all? You brought me all the way out to California just to tell me to spend time with you? (How foolish this sounds to me right now). How narrow-minded my thinking was. I knew in my heart I was not to work, instead, I was to spend time with God in prayer, worship and His word.
When Bryan got home from work I hesitantly shared this revelation with him. To my surprise, he was in agreement with me. (God will prepare the hearts of others who are connected with your purpose).
God Prepares You for Where He Is Leading You
So for the next year, I did nothing but spend time growing my relationship with God. Learning more and more of His word, His ways, His leading and most of all His great Love for people. All people.
Did I encounter opposition from others close to me? Absolutely, I had to stay focused on what God desired for my life, not what others thought I should be doing. (The enemy will use those closest to you to try to discourage you). Stay focused; God is working His plans for your life.
God Will Open Doors for You
Almost a year to date, I received a call from our Pastor asking me if I would preach one Sunday a month to the women at the Brig, (Military Prison) on the Marine Base here in San Diego. Preaching in prison was never on my radar. (God is fully aware of what He has placed within you.)
For one whole year, God was preparing to pull out of me, what He had deposited within me from the beginning of time. I accepted the challenge.
Five years later, I am still preaching at the Brig. What began as a once a month assignment is now a five day a week work schedule. I am preaching, teaching, mentoring and praying with both the women and the men.
Usually, women minister to women and men minister to men. (God’s vision will supersede man’s agenda every time).
Not only has God opened the door for me to minister to the inmates, but He has opened the door for my husband as well. We now minister together. Bryan’s plans were to support me in ministry; he was not planning on going into the ministry himself, ( That is another story for another time). When we submit ourselves completely to God’s will for our lives, His purposes will always override our plans.
It was NEVER my intentions to work as a Pastor when I came out to San Diego, yet I am designed perfectly for this role. I can testify from my heart…I have never been more fulfilled than I am right now. I know I have uncovered God’s plan and purpose for my life.
I am thankful God had a huge lens when He was looking to create the vision for my life. Those who continue to be connected to God’s intended purpose for my life have blessed me beyond description.
You Do Your Part…Allow God to Do His Part
Your Purpose Will demand more from you than you ever imagined you had to give. I work harder than I have ever worked before, yet the load I carry every day is lighter than I carried before. The rewards of my labor far exceed what I would have dreamed.
Living life passionately for God’s Glory is an amazing life.
The lens which I was viewing my purpose was way too small. I challenge you…dare to pick up a ‘Zoom Lens ‘ and take another look at the horizon.
God has great things for you to discover. Do not miss out on your purpose by keeping your vision too small. OTHERS are counting on you!
-Lucy Ann
Challenge Question:
- Do you need to enlarge the lens through which you view your purpose?
Leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you.
If you have been encouraged, inspired or challenged by this post…share it with a friend.
Jessy says
Your story is truly inspiring. I keep wondering about why I am where I am and what will come out of it. If the truth be said, I have no idea but I have -and still am – confident that one day I’ll find out. I take clues one after the other and try to make sense of it all. Not easy,if not discouraging at times. Your story give me hope. Thank you
Lucy Ann says
Jessy, may I say… I have replied to your comment two times already, and both times I have been kicked offline before hitting the post button. I know God has a plan and purpose for you hearing my reply. I will post again, trusting God will see this through!
Thank you for sharing and for your honesty. I love your attitude.
I understand it can be difficult at times to process where we are at and where we are headed. Some days can be more challenging than others, I have been on both ends of that spectrum as well. Each and every day we have something we can learn which will aid us on our journey to uncovering our purpose.
I trust you find hope in knowing you are not alone. This is exactly why this website exists. To bring inspiration, encouragement and support. Stay connected, Join the Team (pick up your Free Gift), by subscribing (in the box on the right side bar) you will be notified whenever I post new content to the blog.
Take a look at the post entitled 9 Keys to Discovering Your Purpose, based on your comment “I take clues one after the other”, I believe you find this article practical.
I pray for you now, May God cover you with His peace, may you find comfort in knowing you are loved. May you embrace every day with the truth of God’s word wrapped tightly within your heart. You are more than a conqueror through Christ who strengthens you.
Blessings over your day 🙂
Rosemary says
Thank you so much for sharing your truly inspirational story. I must search deeper to discover my purpose. I must listen for His voice. Praise Jesus!
Lucy Ann says
Thanks for sharing Rosemary. As you stay close to God, and listen to His voice … You will uncover your purpose. It is a process, daily walking with God will lead you there. I have found every assignment I was given along the way on my journey has led me to uncover His purpose for my life. I also truly believe, our purpose looks different as we transition through various seasons in our lives. Keep you eyes fixed on Jesus. You are Loved!
Blessings! 🙂
Jeanne says
Thanks for sharing your story, Lucy Ann. As much as I miss having you here in FL, I love knowing that God had prepared a mission field for you and that you were attentive to His call. Praying that I will be, also!
Lucy Ann says
Jeanne, I know you well enough to say…You are attentive to God’s voice. What do you hear him saying to you for this season? Blessings as you continue to be lead by God’s Spirit!
I Miss you 🙂