The Purpose for the Present Pain

The seasons of brokenheartedness we experience, as worshippers, come to break our will power of the stubbornness that has led us astray from the heart of Yahweh. By disregarding Father's wishes to instead do that which we have deemed to be right in our own eyes, we ultimately set ourselves up to experience the sort of painful spiritual reckoning that is meant to crush the soul as well as the ego. 

As spirit beings having a human experience, we must undergo a maturing process that makes it unmistakably clear to us when even our best intentions conflict with Heaven's agenda. Consequently, the only way Father can most effectively get our attention is by ALLOWING us to presently experience the pain of our humanity contending with the plans He both ordained and set in motion before the foundation of the world. 

Pain creates brokenness. And yes, there are times in our life journeys when it takes us experiencing brokenness to produce our willingness to embrace the culture of righteousness. In other words, sometimes our way has got to hurt more than we ever thought it would in order for us to see why Yahweh never wanted us to go that route. But it is often through brokenness that we are steered back into the right direction.

Get In Your Element

There is nothing like being in your element because--when in that space--you come across as confident, at peace and fearless. This is why it is important for you to allow your Creator to make clear the gifts He has wired you to express via your existence. Any area of gifting you possess, as shared by Dr. Myles Munroe, is to be understood as territory in which you are meant to dominate. And being armed with this understanding, you can--without apology--focus your time, talent and treasure in maximizing your efficiency through targeted deployment of your unique giftedness.

The abilities you come to understand as GOD-given gifts MUST be nurtured. Doing so refines the rawness of your abilities into a polished presentation of them that sets you apart as one who dominates in your respective area(s) of gifting. But in order to fluently express your gifting at such notable levels, demand MUST be consistently placed on your potential to produce it with excellence. This is the key to surpassing good and becoming exceptional. As you deploy your gift, excellent delivery of it ensures the continued employment of your gift, because people will consequently come looking for you in order to access what you produce when in your element.

So whenever you experience being in your element, thank GOD for each and every opportunity He gives you to function in the capacity for which you have been well-equipped. After all, it is His gift working in and through you to do that which is His will and good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). Each opportunity you are afforded testifies of GOD's ability to guide your feet into places which He has already prepared for you to succeed. Therefore, wherever you may find yourself on the journey to greatness, being in your element is always a cause for celebration and thanksgiving. 

When You Feel Overwhelmed

Have you ever been in a place where the weight of your life's challenges seemed to be way too much to handle? It's probably safe to say that all humankind has experienced such feelings. In the midst of the heaviness, it can be seemingly difficult to cast your cares upon GOD in worship. But the one thing your opposition is counting on is you doubting what YOU can incite through worship.

Make no mistake about it, the very best thing to do WHENEVER you feel overwhelmed is to ascend in worship. Don't bother worrying about all that may be weighing on you in trying moments. Worrying solves nothing. Also, avoid rash decision-making born out of your flustered emotions. Emotional reactions change nothing. When overwhelmed, these sort of carnal-minded approaches only make YOU worse off... 

BUT when you choose to elevate your mind (i.e. your thinking) above the circumstances and begin to bless (i.e. speak well of) the LORD your GOD, something more advantageous happens... YOU change! Your perspective, your response, your attitude ALL change because NOW you're looking at those very same circumstances from a totally different angle than before. Worship literally shifts your line of sight from what has you feeling overwhelmed to the One whom those troubling circumstances must bow and become subject. 

Know that the upper hand has NO CHOICE but to be yours as an atmosphere-shifting worshipper of Yahweh. You being able to get past how you feel at any given moment and earnestly call for an uprising of GOD's glory WITHOUT musicians, a worship team or pastor is precisely what keeps you together away from whatever physical sanctuary wherein you worship corporately. PLEASE understand that your sanity depends on YOU--as a worshipper--being able to command atmospheres for yourself. Therefore, begin to decrease your dependence on those whom you have looked to as glory carriers. Start stirring up the gift of GOD within you, so the worshipping warrior you were redeemed to become rises up and releases the governing influence of Heaven in the earth. 

Demand More From Life

There is so much more to life than merely existing or surviving.  It was never GOD's intention for our lives to be stuck on repeat, literally spending our days purposelessly navigating through the routine boredom that life tends to become for so many.  Furthermore, it was never Father's intention for our lives to be filled with so much trouble that we find ourselves encountering episode after episode of seemingly endless drama.  Like, for real... At what point do we truly live?  When do we embrace the possibilities life affords?  And why aren't we really enjoying life? 

As scripture tells us (in John 10:10), Christ came that we might have life more abundantly. So let's do ourselves a huge favor here and STOP being content with just getting by. We've celebrated long enough that we've made it through, we've survived and that we've not let go. It's now past time for us to demand MORE from life. 

There's absolutely nothing wrong with expressing gratitude for wherever you may be in life and what you've come from. After all, we're instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to give thanks in everything. But let's be clear: our refusal to settle for whatever life dishes doesn't make us ungrateful. Yet, it does motivate us to REACH higher, WORK harder and THINK bigger. Because, for those who are determined to have (and enjoy) a "life more abundantly" experience, good enough is simply NOT enough. 

To the truly renewed mind, we are much greater than where we are right now. And it's not rocket science to see that we'll never achieve greatness until we first experience a shift in culture towards greater. Our way of living MUST shift away from satisfaction with a "just getting by" cultural mindset. 

We must challenge ourselves. We must embrace more progressive paradigms. We must dare to do things differently than we've seen them done. In order to experience life more abundantly, we must be willing to humble ourselves and be taught by the Set Apart (Holy) Spirit how to leverage Heaven's influence over the earth for the advancement of our King's agenda.  For EVERY believer, that literally means adjusting to a whole new way of life.  So, are YOU willing to demand more from life?  Or will you just continue in the way that seems right because it's all you've ever experienced?

Father, it is our prayer that we be shifted from the vain traditions that have influenced us to live beneath our privilege as Your children. As You continue to open the eyes of our understanding that we may be enlightened, keep stirring within us the desire to demand more from life. Do not allow us to remain complacent with how life is (or has been) for us. Ignite our passion, O GOD, to pursue the greatness which we are more than capable of manifesting. May supernatural strength arise in us to reach higher, work harder and think bigger. For the glory belongs to You, forever and ever. Amen. 

How to Keep Moving Forward Through the Storm

With life comes rainfall experiences. From the lightest sprinkles to the most torrential downpours. A friend of mine recently shared in her weekly inspirational message about the challenges of driving in the rain, which got me thinking about this in an interesting way. She noticed while driving through this heavy rain that some motorists had chosen to pull over, which suggested that their windshield wipers failed to clear the falling rain water fast enough for them to safely continue their journey. And so life can be when the rainy seasons of your life dump more on you than one can seemingly bear (or see beyond).

Rainy conditions will indeed challenge your visibility. And depending on the shape your wipers are in, you may not be able to see well enough to safely proceed to your destination. After all, given the great risk associated with moving forward while unable to clearly see what's ahead, a delayed arrival is better than not arriving at all. While sitting alongside life's highway watching the other vehicles passing by, you may even recall brushing off the need to get a fresh new set of windshield wipers to replace the now dull pair. As it's often said, hindsight is 20/20. So there's no point in being frustrated about it now. You just have to wait until the rain slacks up, however long that may be.

Here is where I'm going with all of this... One of the greatest advantages of enjoying a vibrant life of prayer and communion with your Heavenly Father is the way in which He improves your visibility despite the conditions. There is literally no amount of rainfall He cannot quickly clear from your windshield when He is allowed to provide for you. But a lack of prayer and communion with Him deceives you into believing that you can see things on our own--that is, until you find yourself parked on the shoulder of the road waiting for the storm to pass.

Be encouraged today to make prayer and communion with Yahweh a consistent part of your life with Him. Trust Him to be faithful in making sure you can always see the way, even under the worst of conditions. He will clear the rain from your view, so you can keep moving forward THROUGH the storm to your destination.

Stock photo by Matheus Bertelli (IG: @bertellifotografia) from Pexels

Overcoming Barriers to Fulfilling Purpose

When it comes to pursuing one's dreams, there are times when you may feel inadequate.  The idea comes to mind that if you had access to certain abilities or resources, it would be much easier for you to go after what you desire.  My decision making has certainly been affected by such thoughts over the years, which is why stories like that of America's Got Talent contestant Mandy Harvey are so inspiring.  Each time I see the video of her appearance on the hit television show, it greatly encourages me to see setbacks as set-ups for even greater comebacks.

Mandy's story is a reminder that everything YOU think is needed is not required. Neither your condition nor your position can limit you, as long as you're willing to not give up the pursuit of YOUR path to greatness.  As Mandy indicated in her interview, it was her desire to sing.  When her condition suddenly changed, she had to decide between giving up altogether or finding an alternative path to fulfilling what she understood to be her purpose.

When life presents challenges that affect your ability to move forward in your purpose, don't mistake the attack against your path as an attack against your purpose.  As the scriptures read in 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT), "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure."  To help you withstand the temptation to quit, Yahweh is committed to showing you a way to escape whatever has presented itself to block the manifestation of destiny.

Show Me How To Get It For Myself

"You can't be my friend and NOT show me how to get it for myself." --Floyd Mayweather

As I recently watched video of a recorded conversation between boxing champion Floyd Mayweather and award-winning recording artist Snoop Dog, my attention was arrested upon hearing the above statement.  Mr. Mayweather was sharing that it was simply not enough to enjoy experiencing someone else's home, yacht or jet.  It was, in fact, more important to him that he learn how to get his own to enjoy.  But here's the kicker: look at how important it was that he gain access to this information...  In his mind, it is the granting of access that legitimizes the friendship!  There was no way Floyd Mayweather was going to regard ANYONE as friend who would rather showcase their prosperity than show him how to prosper as they have so done.  NOW THAT'S POWERFUL!  

Too often, we find ourselves merely admiring what others have attained AND feeling privileged for the opportunity to witness their prosperity.  But what good is experiencing someone else's prosperity and afterwards remaining clueless as to how they were able to come into such abundance?  Of course, everyone isn't interested in that kind of information because we all know people who would rather enjoy the privileges of others without the responsibility of securing and maintaining it themselves.  However, for those who desire to know, each encounter with another's abundance is seen as a life-changing learning opportunity. 

Wisdom In Giving

Something of great concern among people in ministry who exercise spiritual gifts is the expectation to receive a financial seed from those whose lives they speak into.  Thanks to the affordability of social media over traditional broadcasting, there is an abundance of ministering personalities present on the Internet seeking platforms to share the Gospel and build their audiences.  But what's disturbing is that there are people daily hosting live streams--sometimes multiple times per day--encouraging people (who are mostly struggling financially) to give financially to the advancement of their ministry.

It is normally not the practice of From the Heart of a Worshipper to post about highly controversial matters.  But this topic deserves some air time because these kinds of activities lead believers and non-believers alike to feel apprehensive about giving.  It sends a very confusing message to the world about the instruments through which GOD speaks--that they are hustlers, swindlers, tricksters and schemers.  And as a result of this unseemly behavior, not only are generous-hearted people more skeptical about placing their hard-earned money into the hands of ministers.  There are genuine ministry gifts out here who are hesitant to make a request for funding out of fear that they will be lumped into the same category with those who repeatedly solicit financial support.

If you find yourself struggling in this area as a giver, then prayerfully this post will be an encouragement to you.  When it comes to releasing the money over which your Heavenly Father has given you stewardship, give as you are led by the Set Apart (Holy) Spirit.  Do not allow anyone to pressure you into giving, especially if you do not have it to give.  GOD expects you to manage your household well and pay your bills.  So, understand that it is not the challenging of your faith to give money that has already been budgeted for the maintenance of your household to a minister or ministry.

In Pursuit of Intentional Corporateness

It is often said that teamwork makes the dream work. And as cliche' as that may sound, it really doesn't take a rocket scientist to conclude that two heads are better than one.  We live in an increasingly social culture that strongly encourages collaboration in the areas of education, commerce, and even government.  With greater emphasis now being placed upon building high-performing teams as opposed to celebrating superstar MVP's, the Body of Christ has an amazing opportunity to lead the way in exemplifying how the culture of Heaven interprets teamwork.  More importantly, we can shift the cultural dynamic in the various environments in which we go in and out by appropriating Messiah's teachings in our everday dealings with those whom we collaborate.

As an observant believer, I more clearly see now why the Body of Christ MUST be in the world but not of the world.  The world around us is filled with messy situations that cannot be overlooked.  And if we--as high-performing teams--are going to shift the cultural climate in the territories to which we have been sent, then we simply cannot afford to be "religious" ostriches burying our heads in the sand.  No more can we avoid grappling with matters we deem to be ungodly.  That excuse has been overly used to deflect attention from any frank admission that the messy matters lying before us are REALLY above our theological pay grade, and we know not what to say of these things without risk of sounding irrelevant.  As citizens of the Kingdom of Light, we have been placed in the earth to be light bearers wherever we are sent.  Our very presence is meant to eradicate darkness--not in a judgmental, condescending way but in a loving, encouraging manner that evokes the same kind and quality of conviction with which Messiah communicated during His earthly ministry.

Why Momentum Requires Maturity

It recently became clearer to me how maturity affects momentum.  As I read over some notes taken during a recent teaching shared by my good friend William Johnson, I began to reconsider various unmet personal goals from years gone by.  And as I pondered them, the Set Apart (Holy) Spirit began showing me how the maturity I lacked back then killed my momentum.  I lacked the necessary force to drive through the obstacles blocking my path.  Therefore, unable to plow through what stood in my way, I made no further progress towards reaching those goals.

Lately, my thoughts and energy have been consumed with what's next for me.  One of the pivotal statements William made that evening was, "Momentum is necessary for the assignment that lies ahead, because you can't be slowed down in the coming season."  Obstacles will indeed be faced in meeting the demands of assignments to come.  But this time, things must be different!  Immaturity cannot be given the opportunity to zap the zeal that comes with the excitement of starting something fresh.  I have, therefore, committed myself to ensuring that the momentum I start out with is not only sustained but intensifies according to the maturity by which I operate in my work.  In doing so, I am also committed to changing because that's ultimately what maturity requires.

When pursuing a different outcome, staying the same is no longer an option.  Change must occur, and it must be intentional.  And in order to possess the degree of momentum that drives through obstacles, there must be an intentional pursuit of holistic development.  This process of maturation requires personal change, which means I must be held accountable for building my own momentum.  After all, maturity is essentially the willingness to accept responsibility for your own success.  The mantra of maturity pretty much says, "I will not put the responsibility for MY change on someone else."

Building momentum starts with being burdened for change.  The slow down you may be experiencing is most likely due to you not changing.  And the reason why you're NOT changing is because you don't care enough.  The burden for change has yet to weigh heavily enough upon you to make something happen.  Yes, please understand that it's burdened people who make things happen.  They don't just watch stuff happen and talk about what they see.  They feel the weight of what they see and are inspired to change.  They're inspired to mature.  And like a seed fighting its way through the soil to the light above the surface, their momentum increases to bring the transformational development that makes seemingly impossible goals reachable.

Why Your Gift Makes Room For You

In Proverbs 18:16, it reads, "A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men."  As I've heard this verse of scripture both preached and taught throughout my life, what I heard (and in some cases read) explained "a man's gift" here as an individual's innate ability to excel at various exploits.  The idea was that GOD has placed something special within you that is purposed to bring you before people of great influence and renown.  With that said, if you so desired to be great, you would then discover what gifts you possess and cultivate them to the extent that the excellence you embody when exercising them, in turn, becomes a platform upon which you can prosper.  It's a great concept that makes perfect sense!  If I may, however, allow me to share with you a little something extra I just learned regarding this...

As I researched the terms in this particular verse of scripture, I noticed that the word translated as "gift" in Proverbs 18:16 is the Hebrew word "mattan" (pronounced "mat-TAWN").  It means "a present".  In considering this information, the verse immediately took on a whole new meaning to me.  As I see it, when you aim to sit among people of greatness, it is the gift you bring that makes room for you to be in their company.  In other words, time is an extremely valuable resource; and influential people are in no way obligated to give their time to anyone, especially those who do not value it.  Their knowledge, wisdom, and feedback often comes at the expense of the failures, mistakes and setbacks they have experienced along life's way.  Out of respect for all it took for them to ascend from the bottom to their places among the top within their areas of influence, you just can't glean from them FOR NOTHING.

Power Belongs To The Responsible

I was reminded last week of something my good friend and brother Prophet William L. Johnson II shared in a teaching a couple of years ago: "Power belongs to the responsible."  That statement really stood out amongst all he shared in that particular evening of revival, and it arrests my attention even now as I ponder over who power belongs to.  If you have ever taken a Physics course, then you're most likely familiar with the idea that power is the ability to do work.  Not just something that lies dormant, it is a force that enables the empowered entity to fulfill some degree of purpose. Therefore, power is only as valuable as the work it actually accomplishes. It makes no sense to possess power if it results in nothing purposeful. And let's be frank here: irresponsible people lack a sense of purpose.

In the hands of irresponsible people, power becomes abused (or "ABnormally USED").  As my favorite teacher, Dr. Myles Munroe, has said, "Where purpose is NOT known, abuse is inevitable."  Irresponsible people do not seek to understand purpose because it requires too much of them.  And without an understanding of purpose, people are totally clueless as to how they should respond to anything.  Furthermore, if responsibility indeed be the ability to respond, then why should supernatural power be entrusted to those who fail to appropriately exercise the limited ability they've already been given to favorably respond to life's demands?  It makes zero sense whatsoever...

Hand Him Your Worst

For the sake of not looking as pitiful as our situations may be, most believers--especially those who are well-acquainted with church culture--have mastered the art of disguise.  Oh yes, we go to great lengths to mask the struggles with which we grapple, the insecurities secretly tormenting us, even the consequences of the mistakes we've made.  Because GOD forbid the saints see how jacked up we REALLY are!  So we say, "I've got to give the LORD my best..."  And all the while we are hiding our worst, and for what?!

Recently, a dear woman of GOD by the name of Evangelist Cynthia Diggs shared on her Facebook timeline, "We are so busy trying to give Jesus our best but our best without Him still isn't good enough. He actually wants our worst so He can make it better!"  What an encouraging Word for this modern day church!  There are too many people of faith NOT receiving better because they remain hung up on trying to publicly present a version of themselves that is not only inconsistent with their present reality but one that actually hinders them from truly experiencing life more abundantly.

As Evangelist Diggs continued in her status update, she referenced Mark 3:1-5 where Messiah healed the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath.  It angered Yeshua Jesus to see people in the synagogue so caught up in THEIR OWN agendas that it was just accepted for the afflicted to remain bound.  There was no mercy, no compassion--just hardness of heart from the very people whose lives should be the very embodiment of Yahweh's loving-kindness.  The behavior of this people evidenced a culture of worship that was very much counterproductive to the restoration of that which was withered to a state in which it was made fully functional.

Revisiting the Idea of Child-Like Faith

With Father's Day approaching, I am reminded of the role fathers play in setting their offspring up for success in life.  For me, this concept stems from the way in which Yahweh fathers us.  The providential care of GOD, our Heavenly Father, includes His wise instruction on how to get heavenly outcomes in our earthly environments.  And because Yahweh ultimately desires to see us fulfill the purposes for which we have been given life, He favors us by providing supernaturally charged directives to ensure our success.

It almost seems too simple that doing things GOD's way guarantees GOD's results.  But it's truly THE best insurance policy EVER!  Yet, as is the case with most children, the spirit of rebellion deceives us into believing that we know a better way than that of our Father's.  So we go our own way, only to experience failure due to the poor choices we made.  Why then--after doing things our way--do we get upset when we fail to get the optimal results?

Faith comes by hearing the Word of GOD, according to Romans 10:17.  So if we're going to walk by faith and not by sight (as noted in 2 Corinthians 5:7), we are to walk (i.e. operate) according to the Word we hear.  Therefore, when we operate according to the Word we have heard, the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of the unseen manifests.  In other words, what we hope for only has substance when we operate according to the Word we heard from GOD; and the unseen things only become evident when we adhere to GOD's instruction.  Therefore, let's commit to becoming better listeners and followers of our Father and His Word, so we can obtain GOD-results instead of human failures.

The Hardships Were Sent To Harden You

Throughout our lives, we will experience seasons of hardship.  It is, therefore, not wise for us to view life through the rose-tinted lenses that deceive us into thinking that everything will ALWAYS be pleasant for us, especially as born again believers in Christ the Messiah.  Right here is where sobriety of the mind is necessary in order to endure the afflictions we will--without a doubt--experience.  Sober thinking, furthermore, ensures that our souls (i.e. mind, will and emotions) PROPERLY process the trouble we experience.  When we appropriately handle hardship, the hardness we experience fulfills its purpose to bring forth THE BEST of us and not OUR WORST.  And with understanding of the order of righteousness, according to Romans 8:28, we are better able to see how GOD is indeed HELPING us by HARDENING us to difficulty.

If you would, take a look back over a season in your life that was hard for you to get through.  As much as you may hate to admit it, what you suffered most likely helped you in some way.  And as a result of enduring that as well as other hard seasons of your past, herein lies the good news: thanks to what you've been through, the challenges to come won't even phase you!  Because you know it was GOD who brought you through the past hardships, you can trust and believe that He will bring you through whatever trouble comes your way next.  And why is that?  Because every hard thing you overcome toughens you to face the adversary's forthcoming attempts to defeat you.

Take Your Passion Off The Back Burner

Our passions are indeed avenues through which Yahweh can be glorified and people can be reconciled to His Kingdom.  Much more than just mere interests or things we someday dream about doing, our passions point to ideas, experiences, and feelings with which we possess deep connections.  However, in most cases, the things we are passionate about hardly ever get pursued.  It's true!  Life happens and we seem to recall more reasons why our passions shouldn't be pursued as opposed to why they should.  But for those who are ready to live their passions, all of that stops TODAY!

For too long we have talked ourselves out of life's greatest joys, including that of pursuing our deepest aspirations.  No longer must we doubt that there is an unmistakably innate joy found in answering the callings on our lives.  And, although this may sound crazy, it appears that the longer we delay our answer, the more frustrated we become with what we have instead chosen to pursue.  In our heads, the safe existence that meets our immediate needs--almost like clockwork--stays going toe-to-toe with this risky possibility that just may bring the self-fulfillment we've been longing to experience for years.  So what then do we do about it?!

Extracting The Greatness In You

Nothing worth having comes easy.  This is why there are people dying every day who left themselves no choice but to leave this life unfulfilled.  They played it safe.  They settled for good enough.  They chose the familiarity associated with survival over the risk of potentially thriving.

Understand that it's YOUR unwillingness to experience discomfort that's keeping you from being great--NOT PEOPLE.  In order for greatness to come forth, YOU must be willing to step into discomfort.  Yes, the struggle is real; and you won't even begin to scratch the surface of greatness until you're willing to face your self-imposed limitations head-on.

You Have Something To Offer

My friend Chandra Hill shared a story about an occurrence earlier today that got my attention in a very unavoidable way.  She was getting gas and noticed an older gentleman doing the same across from her. After finishing, he got back in his car to leave but the vehicle failed to start.  So, as expected, he popped the hood to inspect things.  However, it still would not start once he got back inside.

By this time, Chandra had finished pumping her gas and was in her vehicle preparing to drive off. But before she could leave, she heard the Lord say, "Ask him if he's okay..."  Her initial thought was, "If he isn't, what can I do?"  The Lord's response was no different: "Ask him."  So she rolls down her window and does what she was instructed to do.

"I need a boost," he says.

"Well," she replies, "I have cables, but hooking them up is another story."

His response: "I can hook them up, if you have them."

The Process of Fulfilling Purpose - Part 3

Knowing your purpose but not how to manifest it can be a very challenging position to be in.  For most people, it's a difficult season often lived through a period of years--and might I add, highly unsatisfying years.  With such seasons come terrible feelings of unfulfillment as well as intense frustration with so much of what may be happening roundabout.  By chance, does the current season of your life somewhat resemble this?  If so, then I hope you benefit from the tiny bit of advice I'm about to share: simply walk in your purpose.

Although it may sound cliche, find yourself putting one foot in front of the other.  Since you most likely already know the direction in which you should be heading, it's time now for you to get moving in that direction.  Commit to engaging in SOMETHING that puts you a couple of steps closer to your destination of purpose, even if it's small.  Bible instructs us in Zechariah 4:10 to despise not small beginnings, so go ahead and get busy NOW!  As this scripture points out, it's not wise to ignore, overlook or underestimate even the slightest start.  Regardless of how insignificant your start may seem, every start has the potential to be finished.

Yes, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.  But don't stop there!  Daily walk in your purpose.  Build up your momentum, so you're not slowed down by the challenges that arise along the way.  Stay encouraged by celebrating your milestones.  And trust me, as you journey in pursuit of fulfilled purpose, you will find great joy and fulfillment.

Have you read the previous installment in this series?  If not, then please take a few moments to read it now.

The Process of Fulfilling Purpose

There is indeed a process to fulfilling purpose.  As part of this process, what often goes overlooked is the transformative work being accomplished within us.  When in pursuit of purpose, the pursuit forges the degree of maturity required to experience success on Yahweh's terms as opposed to our own.  It takes mature offspring to understand that what actually makes success, according to Father's plans, so sweet is that it's timed so perfectly.  This is why one of my favorite biblical phrases has become that of "in the fullness of time."

In our microwave mentality of a society, we daily see people willing to settle for "good enough" right now instead of waiting to receive "the best" at the appointed time.  While this largely occurs because of an impatient mindset, some people are simply worn down mentally by the frustration of waiting.  Their frustration further manifests itself in their hearts.  No longer willing to await destiny's arrival, a frustrated person may--with seemingly good reason--buckle under the pressure of waiting in order to obtain immediate relief and easily settle right now for that which is pleasing instead.

My encouragement to us all in the days ahead is that we intentionally ascribe to the words penned in Philippians 4:4-8.  Within these extremely powerful verses of scripture are found life-changing keys that the Set Apart (Holy) Spirit has made available to us for the express purpose of ensuring we fulfill purpose and are matured by the process of its fulfillment.  Since the weight of this topic is resting so heavily upon me, the final weeks of this year will be spent expounding on these five verses in a multi-part series to prepare us for the New Year.  So please be on the lookout for the coming installments.