Pursue Your Purpose

Jesus fed the masses. Do you remember that story in the Bible? The disciples found a little boy who had 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread and Jesus multiplied it over and over again until all had been fed. It is recorded that there were 5,000 men there and that number does not include the women and children. Can you imagine? The disciples wanted to send the people home so they could eat. Jesus replied, “’They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.’ And they said to Him, ‘We have here only five loaves and two fish.’ He said, ‘Bring them here to me.’ He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes.” (Read the story in Matthew 14:13-21)

This story – this miracle – has me thinking. You know we are not an accident. We were created on purpose and instilled with purpose. We learn in the Bible that God has given each of us gifts and talents that He wants to use to play a role in fulfilling His ultimate plan. Oh, He can do it without us, but how incredibly gracious is He to invite us to partake of His glory. But we say, "We have nothing, Lord." So today, I am wondering… What has Jesus blessed and broke and given to you specifically? What is it that He is asking you to share with the multitudes? How does He want to use you to feed His people?

Oh, I know you are thinking, “Me?” Satan wants you to believe the lie that you are not gifted and have nothing to offer. However, if you believe the Bible is the Word of God then you have to admit God wants to use you. Oh, I know you are thinking, “You don’t know what I have done.” Well, Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, one of His very best friends, denied knowing Him 3 times as Jesus was being beaten and crucified. But Jesus forgave Peter and restored Him to His ministry. Jesus told Peter to “feed my lambs”, “tend to my sheep”. Even though Peter had failed Jesus – He still had a purpose to fulfill. So do you. It’s time to pursue your purpose.

My guess is that a few people in the crowd that day – the day Jesus performed a miracle so significant it was recorded in all four gospels – had something negative to say. “Fish? I do not like fish?” “Does that bread have carbs in it?” “Who do those disciples think they are? They are so full of themselves to be showing off and feeding us.” “I knew that one in high school and let me tell you what he did his sophomore year.” And on and on. Is that something you fear? Are you worried about what others might say if you do what Jesus is calling you to do? Remember, their negativity reveals a lot about them and your obedience reveals a lot about you. Keep your eyes on Jesus, He is the only One we need to please.

We use who we are and what we have done as an excuse to not fulfill our purpose and to not share Jesus with others. But... it's not about us. If you want to be encouraged, google the background of the disciples. Now those guys had a dark past. Here is the good news… your purpose is all about who Jesus is and what He has done.

Stop worrying about the smelly fish, trying to make it make sense, gaining people’s approval and your fear. Do it afraid. Surrender all of you to all of Him. Pursue your purpose.

Do whatever He leads you to do!

A Note from Pam:

I am praying for you today! I am praying that you release those things that hold you back, that you raise your hands in surrender to the King of Kings, that you live for Him and pursue the purpose He has instilled in you. He has big plans for you! If this post resonates with you, please share it. Let's start a movement! Let's encourage all we know to pursue their God given purpose.

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