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| What is God's Purpose for My Life? |
On April 15, we went Dumpster Diving!
That's right: Dumpster Diving to
uncover God's purpose for our lives!
Susan Penning gave us encouraging and
thoughtful words to consider. First we wrote down something that we
can not change. She gave us 5 minutes to mentally “throw a fit and
complain” about that situation. Then, we crumpled those papers and
literally threw them away. We are not to think about them again! The
following are notes from a handout Susan gave each lady.
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| Throwing away those things that we can not change. |
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| We are created for a divine purpose. |
“Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
Scripture confirms that we are created for a divine purpose.
God gives us unique skills, talents, and desires meant to work together to fulfill His master plan for our lives. We are unique treasures, capable of making a mark on the world no on else can make.
“God's
glory is man fully alive!” John 10:10
God's
designed us so that in order to be fully alive, we must operate from
the center of His will. This begins with obedience to his Word and
submission to the Holy Spirit.
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| Why don't we live out God's purpose for our lives? |
TOP 2 REASONS
WHY We Don't Live
Out God's Purpose For Our Lives:
1. We
are (consciously and subconsciously) sabotaging it.
“FEAR”
is a four-letter word. It is Satan's use of massive destruction.
5
Core Fears:
* Fear of failure,
* Fear of success,
* Fear of rejection,
* Fear
of change, and
* Fear of worthlessness
Circumstances
don't control me. The Holy Spirit controls me.
People
don't direct me. God directs me.
2. We
can't figure out what it is.
This
is the time to do some dumpster diving of the heart.
When
we take time to reflect on some of our life experiences, we can
uncover many useful clues to our divine purpose.
Your
calling may be more an act of recovery than discovery.
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| How do we uncover God's purpose? Ask yourself these questions.... |
HOW
TO Uncover God's Purpose for your life:
Peruse
the past, looking for clues that may help you better understand what
path you should take.
Here
are some questions to ask yourself.
1. What
have I accomplished that has made me feel significant?
_________________
2. What
projects/moments have brought me joy and satisfaction?
____________________
3. What
have I been praised for? _______________________
4. How
would I like to make a difference in the world?
_____________________
5. What
causes or situations have moved me emotionally, compelling me to
take actions? ________________
6. What
do I want people to say about me at my funeral? __________________
Then,
explore patterns of opportunity. Recall situations when doors easily
opened for you.
1. When
was I called upon as a subject matter expert or asked for advice on
a topic? _____________________
2. What
could I do for a long time without paying attention to the clock?
_________________________
3. What
do I seem to be good at doing? ____________________
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| We have the opportunity to experience immense joy, peace, and fulfillment |
Susan
encouraged the ladies to look back at our answers to the questions.
Were there any intersecting opportunities or patterns? When choosing
future jobs and projects, be discerning and consider only the
opportunities that complement those answers (whenever possible).
She
concluded with, “If we look for ways to use our God-given skills,
talents and desires to accomplish a greater purpose, we have the
opportunity to experience immense joy, peace, and fulfillment.
“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 a hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
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| You Are Created for a DIVINE PURPOSE!! |
Check out Susan's blog!
Go to our "Links" page above.
May 20– Purpose: Spring Picnic
At 10:00 am
(note time change), we will meet at the park in McAlisterville. Come
share ideas for outdoor fun for both children and adults. Bring your
own sandwiches and a finger food to share. Drinks, cups, and napkins
will be provided. Childcare workers will be on location.
