By Cathy Wilson on May 1, 2022

“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
God has planned your life before you were even born (Psalm 139:13). That plan includes joy and purpose! Do you believe that you have a purpose for each day? Each day becomes an exciting opportunity as you look for purpose. In Proverbs 16:9 the Bible states “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Does God have purpose for us each day? Yes, He does. How about the monotonous times of everyday life? Yes, God has you there, too. How about the time when you are going on an awesome vacation? Is there a higher purpose? Yes, in those times too, God is there. We are to experience life in the here and now through the lens of our Creator to make a difference in the world. We were created in God’s image (Gen 1:27), for God’s pleasure (Rev 4:11) and for His glory (Is 43:7). We were created to be salt of the earth (Matt 5:13), so let’s spread out that salt and spice up the lives of others! We were created to be light in a dimly lit world (Matt 5:14). In Matthew 5:16 the Bible states, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.“
Trust Jesus with each day. Trust Him with all the tomorrows. Trust Him for the years ahead.
FINDING PURPOSE IN EACH DAY
Each day, each step, trust that he is leading you in the path that he wants you to take. The purpose He has for you today may not be earth shattering, but may be more subtle. An encouraging word or sharing your life happenings with someone may alter their decisions. It may set them on the path God intended them to take. Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”
Believe that every meeting, every encounter that you have with others is not coincidence but divinely appointed. Be willing to allow Him to speak through you into each situation. Let’s face it, we aren’t always on the top of our game and aware of the needs around us, but God is. He’s never taken by surprise, even though I am sometimes.
Recently, I went shopping to a quaint little town that’s a bit of a drive for me. It’s what I do to get away for a moment of time when I am feeling exhausted and need a break. Most of the time, I don’t bring friends. It’s just a quiet time for me. The drive is my “talk with Jesus time.”
Main Street is lined with stores. It is full of antiques, boutiques and my favorite cupcake shop. I was enjoying my ME time, when I was snapped back to reality. I was putting a package in my car that was parked near the sidewalk when I glanced to the storefront. An older woman leaving the store fell and I gasped. She stepped out of the boutique, didn’t realize there was a step and landed, sitting up on the step. The look on her face was sheer surprise and embarrassment. I ran to her and said, “Are you okay?” After assessing that she really was, I helped her get up. She was scolding herself about the incident and was being very negative in her self-talk. I gave her words of encouragement and acceptance. I assured her that we’ve all fell at one time or another.
I didn’t quote Bible verses, even though I could have. I didn’t tell her that she would be going to hell if she didn’t accept Jesus, even though that’s a true statement. I just showed her loving kindness. Sometimes, that’s all God asks of us in that day: Just show up and show loving kindness. You never know when someone is going to need a “pick-me-up.”
Sometimes we get the idea that “God moments” are only when God does a miracle. There may be times such as those, but even in the monotony of life, God is there. Relax in where you are. You are where you are supposed to be.
Be ready for those “God moments.” I call them “God Winks.” That’s where He winks at you and says “I see you.” Be ready for the time he teaches. Be ready when you are keenly aware that what you are saying to a stranger seems so simple, but is profound to them because God is in it.
Just like when you tune a radio to a certain station to hear the desired music clearly, tune into the Holy Spirit. Make your heart ready to speak a word in season and out of season (2Tim 4:2).
TUNE IN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT – MAKE READY YOUR HEART
Prepare your heart ahead of time:
• Seek Godly counsel: Surround yourself with people that are trying to be like Christ. Read good Christian literature. Read the Bible and pray every day. God places people in our lives to be our mentors, anchors and guides. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
• Obedience to God: If you feel God is placing someone in your path to help, don’t hesitate. Obey God and he will bless the situation. Obey God if he is directing you to use your talents for Him.
• Be in tune with the needs of others: The world is full of people in need. People may have physical needs as well as spiritual needs.
• Show a little kindness: Showing kindness speaks volumes to people and especially to strangers.
• Be willing to be involved with messy lives: Sometimes God places in our paths people with messy lives. These people seem to have many problems.
If you’re in tune with the Holy Spirit and have a willing heart, God will place people in your path. You will meet them to help them or for your personal learning experience.
TRUE JOY COMES FROM THE LORD AND HIS PURPOSE
The world seeks joy in money, power and possessions. These are never fulfilling. Only Jesus and His purpose for others will give you a lasting joy. Jesus said, “”These things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full””(John 15:10-11).
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AS YOU BRING PURPOSE TO YOUR LIFE AND SALT AND LIGHT TO THE WORLD.
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3