GOD PERFECTS PURPOSE

“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the PURPOSE of HIM who works all things according to the counsel of His will” – Ephesians 1:11

GOD PERFECTS PURPOSE to fulfil destinies: “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the PURPOSE of HIM who works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Eph.1:11). Purpose refers to the “reason for being.” The question, “Why am I?” is the starting point for a worthy life. God operates by Plans and Purposes. He has a purpose for every plan. All of creation revolves around “the PURPOSE of HIM who works all things according to the counsel of His will.” God works ALL THINGS, including those relating to our lives, “according to the counsel of His will.” Nothing is accidental or happenstance with Him. We were born by His purpose and for His purpose. Life is about letting God use us for His purpose, not using Him for our own.

Purpose is primary to life. Purpose gives direction and overrules confusion. Purpose precedes and promotes progress. Purpose is the fundamental key for outstanding Success. Right decisions and choices in life stem from purpose. Purpose enhances permanence: strong lasting lives and institutions are built on God’s purpose. Purpose liberates us from living by trial and error: “There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel – that will stand” (Pro.19:21).

God has a purpose in mind concerning each one of us; hence there are slumbering possibilities in us all waiting to be awakened! We were made for ends fully known only to Him, and He is willing to reveal such to us: But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God” (1Cor.2:9-10).

Let’s reconnect this theme of Purpose to the Year’s Key Scripture: “The LORD will PERFECT that which concerns me; Your Mercy, O LORD, endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your hands” (Psa.138:8). The English Standard Version says, “The LORD will FULFIL HIS PURPOSE for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. God perfect His purposes for our lives.

“The Lord will perfect" – the conviction that God has a Purpose to perfect in our lives is what ignites passion for life. There is no cry as pathetic as “Nothing to live for.” We need to be assured that through the diverse scenes of life, God is moulding us, and even by the ‘strokes of trials’ fashioning us ‘to shape and use’ that our lives might sparkle with shining significance. Paul wrote: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to HIS PURPOSE” (Rom.8:28). Every calling in life is according to God’s purpose. A life devoid of purpose is no life!

“Your Mercy, O LORD” – the conviction of Purpose is based on the grounds of Mercy! Our first appeal must always be to mercy. But for mercy, none of us can present a flawless record of submission to divine purpose. With our past of perversity; what can we do but cast ourselves on God's infinite compassion? Mercy provides for ruined lives to be restored and rebuilt according to the plan of the great Architect. Mercy invites the powerful hands of the Perfect Potter to remould our lives and beautify our destinies.

"Do not forsake the works of Your hands” – This is a reverent plea that He who made us should complete His work. He is the Faithful Creator, and if we seek to answer the end for which He made us, His everlasting honour binds Him to fulfil His part. His Word pledges to this effect that He will complete His work in us: “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil.1:6).