You are created with purpose

By Sam Clear, Acting Director of the Office of Youth Evangelisation

In chapter twenty-nine, verse eleven, of the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord says;

“For I know the plans I have for you,

declares the LORD,

plans for wholeness and not for evil,

to give you a future full of hope.”

It would be nice to think that “wholeness” and “a future full of hope” equated to an abundance of financial security and more than enough time to do the projects and passions we love, but wholeness extends well beyond these.

In fact, the removal of them in no way impedes our ability to be whole. Many saints have testified to the removal of financial security and the everyday things we find comfort in as actually assisting our journey towards wholeness and a future full of hope.

We have been created to be in relationship with God, to love and be loved. Anything else is a distraction and it can be a messy journey untangling from those other ambitions.

Our purpose is love. Jesus entered the world to restore us into wholeness, which is a relationship with Him, in Him, and through Him. This isn’t a quick fix – it’s not a wholeness achieved over a long weekend retreat – so be patient.

“Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by your name, you are mine,”

(Isaiah 43:1b)

Here’s a twist on a helpful exercise I’ve often ask students and teachers to prayerfully engage with. I normally hand out a particular card for them to write on, but if you have a prayer journal, or even a post-it-note you can place inside your bible, grab a pen when you’re next praying and consider where you feel called to carry God’s love into the world. Jot down the following three lines and then ask the Holy Spirit to help you answer them.

1.            How can I better love my neighbours/others?

2.            How can I better love God?

3.            How can I better allow God to love me?

You may find some easier to answer than others, in fact some might be confusing. Sit with them. It’s not a test. We are created with great purpose and it centres on relationship forged through perseverance. Please pray for each other in that journey.