I remember when I was in my early teens, I had no concept of who or what I wanted to be or do when I grew up. I figured, at the very least, I would get married at some point and have children. Beyond that, I wasn't at all certain about what path my life would take. I knew I loved the Lord and I had always been taught that He would lead and guide me. Still, this gave me no clue or indication about exactly what He was going to do.
I remember, when I entered my late twenties, I began growing more preoccupied about my purpose and God's will for my life. Although I had been ministering the word of God and singing since I was very young, suddenly, I began feeling like there was more to do. Things like not missing my season and not letting my living be in vain, began taking over my mind.
I didn't really understand at first... why all this restlessness all of a sudden?
Well, I didn't realize it then, but God was actually stirring up my spirit and birthing a desire in me to be used by Him in new ways. This isn't something I had to conjure up or manufacture. In fact, up until the Lord began dealing with me, I was content with sharpening my "domestic engineering" skills, being faithful to a local assembly, ministering the word of God and singing when I was called upon by various ministries.
I was genuinely happy with that alone, but then, my desire to live my purpose on a deeper level began surfacing. Back then, I asked, God what do you want me to do? As a matter of fact, I didn't know of anything else that could be done beyond what I was doing.
But God knew.
I now understand that it was a divine urging and prompting. It was the nudging of the Holy Spirit, because it was time to begin fulfilling His mission and calling. He was awakening the gifts and talents I didn't even knew I had, that were lying dormant in me and I'm so thankful He saw fit to choose me. These days, I look at my life and realize that, nobody but God could have led me down the path of purpose I'm on today. It wasn't my exceptional skill, desire or drive. Rather, it was the seed God had planted in me before I was born, that began blossoming and producing fruit. The scripture found in Jeremiah 1:5 is so applicable here that says, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee..."
Today, as you're reading this post, this word is for you. There's a seed in you just waiting to bloom. God is stirring up something on the inside of you, so you'll begin moving along the path He's set for you. Don't worry about missing your season or not fulfilling your purpose. As long as you abide in the "vine," that is Jesus Christ, you'll be led by His spirit into the place you're chosen to occupy.
Right now, God is giving you a deeper revelation of who you are. Your life is not your own. You were not born without a purpose. On the contrary, you have been specially designed to live out a unique Kingdom purpose. You are a leader. You're called and chosen, but in order for God to use you the way He wants to, YOU have to first recognize, believe and embrace this truth.
You see, we all start out just sort of going through the motions in life. You know, we live, learn and gain experience. But then, there comes that appointed time in each of our lives when God challenges us to begin pursuing our purpose. He pushes us to step out of the shadows and lead, just as Joshua was forced to do after the death of Moses. (See Joshua Chapter 1) He literally was tasked with getting the Children of Israel to the Promised Land. All of Joshua's preparation, was for a purpose.
The same is true for you.
All your life, whether you realize it or not, God has been grooming you to walk in your calling. He's been molding you for your mission and shaping you for your destiny. As He begins stirring up that desire in you to live a "purpose-driven life," don't get worried about whether things will come together. They will. But remember, they'll happen according to God's timetable.
When the fullness of time is come, the Holy Spirit will reveal His will with lucidity, clarity and specific directions and you'll receive your "Joshua call" to lead. You might not be required to part the Jordan River, but believe you me, you're called to do something significant in the Kingdom.
I wonder. Have you felt that stirring yet? If so, God will provide all the answers you need to carry out His will. Just stay rooted and grounded in the Lord. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5 KJV).
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
