Day 30: On The Eve Of Our Curtain Call

It's July 30th! Can you believe it? Our journey towards discovering and walking in our God-given purpose is coming to a close -- at least together. My prayer is that you and I will spend our lives here on earth walking in the purposes that God planned for each of us before we were born.

But this small part of my purpose is definitely in its finale. After tomorrow, the curtain will close on this act, and I've got mixed emotions. On one hand, I'm exhausted. I don't think I'd be able to write a blog for August 1st if someone offered me a million dollars. On the other hand, I'm going to miss this daily interaction with my own mind and spirit, with my blogger-sisters Monique, Michelle, Cheryl and Jennifer and with you. It's been a joy sharing this journey with you. We've been encouraged together. We've been convicted together. We've certainly grown together. I can tell from your facebook messages, blog comments and emails. God has stretched us, and we won't ever be the same again.

But then, we don't want to be the same again. Do we?

Tomorrow I'll close with a final thought for you. So come back for our final day together. And after tomorrow, July 31, I will continue to blog regularly -- at least twice a week. I'm seeking God about exactly what shape my blog will take. Pray for me. When I know for sure, I'll let all of you know!

For today, let's look at what we've discussed over the month:

First of all, we took a look at the fact that we all -- every human being -- craves purpose. Many walk through life aimlessly, but there's a purpose to each and every life. After all, why would God create us for nothing?

Then we discussed where we should go -- or rather Who we should go to -- to discover our purpose. If we need to find the purpose for a product, we have to consult the manufacturer. God is our manufacturer. He wrote the instruction manual!

We gleaned a treasure in God's Word: we are God's workmanship, which means poem. God has made some beautiful things in creation -- the birds of the air, fish in the sea, animals and insects of almost every color, size and shape. And just think of the many species of plants and flowers He created. God is an amazing artist, but out of all those creations, we're the only ones that He created for relationship with Him. We're the only creation that He sent His son to the cross to die for. Obviously, we're amazingly special to Him.

On Day 5: Believing God, I was about to lose it! My blog was therapy for me. Sometimes I sit around and think, "This is crazy! Am I the only one that sees, hears and smells that big ol' elephant in the middle of the room?" We've got to be real, y'all. We've got a lot of mess to clean up. Better yet, let's just give it all over to God, and let Him clean it -- and us -- up.

On Day 6 and 7 I got personal and shared my own journey of relocation. I shared the steps God took to call Anthony and me to full time ministry. And after a new friend's request, I shared how we came to live in Conway, Arkansas. On the following three days, we took a look at who our purpose should be about -- God first, and then others.

For the next ten days I got practical about purpose. We looked at talents, spiritual gifts, passions and personality. I highlighted several believers that are passionately walking out their various purposes. And then we discussed how to walk in purpose with so much against us: the muck and mire of daily life, trials, and closed doors. Then we peered into one of my favorite children's books to see how we can invest in a legacy of purpose through the next generation.

Our last nine days have been spent examining those issues that creep in to steal our purpose from us. There are many more; I shared the few that God laid on my heart each day. For me, these days were the most convicting as God showed me my own heart and its weaknesses. I appreciate you hanging in there with me. I know it sometimes hurt, because it hurt me too. Our consolation is found in the book of Proverbs:

"My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in." Proverbs 3:11-12

If you're a son or daughter of God, be encouraged today. He delights in us. Say that to yourself right now:

God delights in me.

Isn't that refreshing to hear and say?

Some of you have been walking in your purpose for many years now. I hope God still had a lot to say to you over the last month.

Some of you have been walking in your purpose, but God's beginning to lead you in a different direction. I have one friend who believes that God wants her to write her story. These blogs have helped her hear God's voice a little clearer.

Others of you are still searching, unsure of the purpose for which God created you. Hang in there. Keep seeking Him. He will speak in His time. 

For all of us, God is letting us know that He delights in us. He loves us. We're the apple of His eye. We're His poem, His masterpiece. No matter how we fall short. No matter how small a part we play in the world. He adores us. 

I'll leave you with a praise song I heard just tonight, played by a band of teenagers at a Christian camp. For me, it summed up much of what I've already shared this month. (To view this video, click here)

From The Inside Out

A thousand times I've failed

Still your mercy remains

And should I stumble again

Still I'm caught in your grace

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades

Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame

My heart and my soul, I give You control

Consume me from the inside out Lord

Let justice and praise, become my embrace

To love You from the inside out

Your will above all else, my purpose remains

The art of losing myself in bringing you praise

Amen and amen. See you tomorrow for one more Day of Purpose...

Purposed For Him,

Carla