For This Purpose! Part 3 Divinely Equipped!

We pray you will find this post to be invaluable to you in your walk with the Lord. We are grateful that your being here indicates that you have made a determination to grow and mature in your spiritual walk. Eric

As we have shared in Parts 1 and 2 of our posts concerning God's Purpose for our lives, we will be sharing an equally important aspect today.

In the previous two posts, we've taught and encouraged you to understand that God Almighty had established a foreordained plan and purpose for your life, before the world began.

Some of the biggest hinderances to us fulfilling the purpose of God for our lives are: a lack of knowledge, our flesh or self, and the enemy of our soul, satan.

As we stated in Part 1, many of us have discovered that fulfilling His purpose for us is not always easy. It is not without danger, trouble, persecutions or even death. Jesus very bluntly told the disciples that persecution and hatred would be a part of the life of a believer and that, our faith would be tested as we faced that hatred and persecution. James 1:12 reads, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." To 'persevere' is to endure, bear bravely and calmly. Jesus spoke these words in John 15:18, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." Then, we read in Matthew 5:11, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." "'Blessed' describes a believer in enviable of fortunate position from receiving God's provisions or favor which extend His grace." (HELPS Word-studies).

There are many modern examples of those who have been persecuted for the cause of Christ.

Richard Wurmbrand, a former Jewish atheist who became a Christian and pastor, endured 14 years of Communist imprisonment and torture in Romania. His wife, Sabina spent three years in Romanian slave camps and prisons and then, spent several years under house arrest. "Christians are meant to have the same vocation as their King, that of cross-bearers. It is this conscience of a high calling and of partnership with Jesus which brings gladness in tribulation." (Richard Wurmbrand, A to Z Quotes). Richard and Sabina co-founded , “The Voice of the Martyrs.”

Haralan Popov, a Bulgarian pastor, spent 13 years of his life in a Communist prison where he led other prisoners and even some of the guards to Christ. "Suffering was a fire our churches had to undergo so that all that was hay and stubble would be burned up, leaving the pure gold shining more brightly than ever." (Haralan Popov, thelittlemanreviews.com).

The apostle Paul suffered great afflictions for the cause of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:23-33) . For the many who are suffering today, be encouraged by Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 4:14, 16-18, "because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. ... 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

How were these martyrs able to stand firm and true in their relationship with God as they fulfilled the purposes of God in their lives? How are modern day brothers and sisters enduring and remaining faithful in the midst of their persecution?

Our human nature naturally resists difficult truths especially concerning suffering and sacrifice. (Particularly in the United States where to date, we have faced very little persecution.). We see a prime example of this when, after Jesus acknowledged to His disciples that He was the Messiah and informed them that He must go to Jerusalem, be killed and raised on the third day. Peter took Jesus aside and strongly resisted the hard truth of what Jesus had shared. Peter did not understand Jesus' mission. "Human reasoning often conflicts with divine purpose. Peter was speaking from a human perspective." (Bible Hub Study Bible).

After Jesus death and resurrection, all of the disciples (aside from Judas) fearlessly spread the gospel to the surrounding world. What caused or brought about the difference for the disciples and for those who bravely face persecution today? Spiritual insight and discernment! The modern martyrs and Jesus' disciples knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is real, had discernment of the importance and absolute truth of the Word of God and had an unshakable personal relationship with Him.

Truly understanding spiritual truths requires revelation from God. 1 Corinthians 2:10-14 reveals that spiritual truths are revealed by the Spirit - not understood by natural means. "Our natural human tendencies are to prioritize worldly success and comfort over spiritual truth and sacrifice. We need spiritual discernment and alignment with God's will." (Bible Hub Study Bible). This is where we need to live, in order to fulfill God's divine purposes for us. It is not always easy for us, however, we have good news!

God equips individuals to that we can be successful in fulfilling His divine purposes. He, by His Spirit, gives us the spiritual insight and discernment we need to enable us to choose to be obedient to what He calls us to do, no matter the hardships. Just as Jesus, Paul, Peter, the disciples, Sabina and Richard Wurmbrand, Haralan Popov, and so many others have done!

However, that is not all of it - there is more. When God calls people to fulfill specific roles and tasks, He provides all the necessary tools, skills and spiritual gifts needed to accomplish His will and fulfill His purpose.

God called Noah to build an ark and provided all he needed to complete the task. It was an enormous task! However, the Lord gave the resources, the architectural and carpenter skills and understanding to accomplish the task. All of this even though it had never rained before! Noah didn't question, didn't need to understand what rain was, didn't say it was an illogical idea, he was obedient to what God has told him to do and followed the Lord's instructions completely.

He called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt even though Moses doubted his own ability to speak. The Lord equipped him with the confidence and the words he needed to accomplish his mission. Once again, as enormous task, leading millions out of slavery!

To understand fully God's provision to enable a fulfillment of His purpose regarding the building of the Tabernacle, let's read Exodus 31:1-6, "Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills-- 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. 6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you." Let's look at that again!

God filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, wisdom with understanding with knowledge and with all kinds of skills. The Lord appointed Oholiab to assist. In verse 6b we read, "I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I commanded you."

God doesn't call the equipped - He equips the called! Whatever His purpose for you, and whatever you need to accomplish it, He equips/will equip you to accomplish it! Thank You Father!

When Saul was chosen king of Israel, he was hiding at the back of the crowd. God changed him and gave him a new heart. (1 Samuel 10:5-9).

In the New Testament, Saul's wonderous transformation to become the Apostle Paul began on the road to Damascus with a blinding light from heaven. Jesus revealed Himself to Saul, Ananias was sent to restore his sight and prayed for Saul (Paul) to receive the Holy Spirit. Paul, then, was called to take the gospel to the Gentiles.

2 Timothy 3:16 and 17 reveals that God's Word is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. God gave us His Word!

After His resurrection, Jesus commanded the disciples to remain in Jerusalem, until they received power when the Holy Spirit came upon them so they could effectively fulfill God's purpose for them in spreading the gospel. (Acts 1:4,8).

God endows you with personality, skill, talents, interests, desires and creativity which coincide with His purposes for you.

Some of His giftings might be musical talent, being mechanically inclined, having artistic talent, a desire to teach, compassion for those who need healing, a gift of bringing peace into a tumultuous situation, to spread joy or hope....His giftings are innumerable. We have a young friend who has a tremendous interest in meteorology or astrophotography - he is a Freshman in college and yet, we have already seen amazing images of various nebulae! He shares with us the wonders of God's creation!

Often times, God teaches and trains us through our own, sometimes, painful experiences.

We glory in our sufferings because they produce perseverance, character and hope in us. (Romans 5:3,4).

Our suffering grief in all kinds of trials, though only for a little while, proves the genuineness of our faith and results in praise, glory and honor to Jesus. (1 Peter 1:6,7).

You see, the afflictions are temporary, within God's refining process! We can count it pure joy when we face trials knowing that our becoming more mature is the end result.

When we join ourselves to a body of believers, with each of us fulfilling the purpose of God for our lives, together we fulfill God's purposes for our church and accomplish His will.

As I share this quote by Richard Wurmbrand, I trust you will come to the same conclusion. "I do not understand everything that has happened to me, but I believe that my whole life, and the life of all His (God's) children has been planned by God, down to the smallest detail."

Finally:

"For it is God who works in you to will and set in order to fulfill his good purpose." (Philippians 2:13).

"Now may the God of peace...equip you with every good thing to do is will, And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13a and 21, BSB).

Unless noted otherwise all Scriptures were taken from the New International Version.

BSB Berean Standard Bible