Found Faithful: Living Your Purpose Until Jesus Returns
Sis, in the whirlwind of our daily lives, where schedules overflow and duties clamor for our attention, it's easy to lose sight of the deeper purpose that God has intricately woven into the fabric of our being. Yet, as women of faith, we are beckoned to a higher calling—a calling of being faithful stewards of the abundant gifts, talents, and opportunities lovingly entrusted to us by our Heavenly Father.
In the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 19, verse 13 (New International Version), Jesus paints a vivid parable, illuminating our responsibility as stewards of His divine investments: "So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. 'Put this money to work,' he said, 'until I come back.'"
Within this parable, Jesus imparts a timeless lesson, stressing the significance of wisely utilizing and multiplying the blessings He has bestowed upon us, all the while awaiting His glorious return. We are called to live out our God-given purpose right here, right now—faithfully tending to the talents, time, and treasures lovingly placed within the sphere of our influence.
In this blog post, we will immerse ourselves in the wisdom and guidance of the Scriptures. I seek to uncover the profound principles that illuminate our path of faithful stewardship and ignite the flame of purpose within our hearts. My aim is to inspire you to rediscover your unique purpose, align your desires with God's will, and boldly respond to the divine call to be found, a faithful steward.
Let’s dive in!
1
Understanding God's Purpose for You
At the very core of our existence lies the beautiful truth that God has fearfully and wonderfully created each one of us with a unique purpose. This divine purpose is not a product of chance, but a deliberate and intentional act of our Creator. Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV) reveals this profound reality, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Imagine an artist carefully crafting a masterpiece, thoughtfully choosing each color, brushstroke, and detail to bring forth a work of art that captivates hearts. Likewise, God has meticulously woven together the very fabric of our being, infusing us with specific gifts, passions, and qualities that uniquely equip us for the purposes He has assigned. Just as an artist envisions the end result before beginning a painting, God had a purpose in mind when He fashioned you.
Recognizing and embracing God's purpose for your life is like embracing the essence of who you are. It's like unlocking the potential of the masterpiece God has created within you. This purpose is not to be hidden away or trivialized but cherished and brought to fruition. God, in His infinite wisdom, has appointed a divine role for you, designed to bring Him glory and serve His people.
Through prayer, introspection, and seeking His word, God will illuminate your purpose and guide your steps, allowing you to align your life with His magnificent plan.
Consider the life of Esther, a young Jewish woman chosen "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14, NIV). Her purpose was to save her people from annihilation, a role she initially hesitated to accept but eventually embraced. Just as Esther recognized and fulfilled her God-given purpose, may you, too, grasp the unique purpose for which you were fearfully and wonderfully made.
2
Surrendering to God's Will
In a world that often encourages us to assert our independence and rely on our own understanding, surrendering to God's will stands as a counter-cultural act of profound faith. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) beautifully encapsulates this truth: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Imagine a ship on a stormy sea. Surrendering to God's will is as entrusting the steering of our ship to a skilled and trustworthy captain—God Himself. We relinquish our desire to navigate life's tumultuous waters by our limited vision and understanding. Instead, we place our unwavering trust in God's wisdom and guidance to chart a course that aligns with His perfect plan.
To surrender to God's will is not an act of resignation but an act of courage and faith. It's an acknowledgment that God's plans far surpass our own, and His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV). By submitting our plans, dreams, and desires to Him, we invite God into the very essence of our being and open the door for Him to guide us in ways we could never imagine.
Consider the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her, announcing that she would conceive the Son of God, her response was one of surrender and submission: "I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled" (Luke 1:38, NIV). Mary's willingness to surrender to God's extraordinary plan for her life showcases the beauty and blessing that come from yielding to His will.
Just as Mary exemplified this surrender, may you, too, open your heart to God's plans, yielding your aspirations and desires to His divine orchestration.
3
Investing in Kingdom Work
Jesus, our divine Teacher and Guide, imparts invaluable wisdom about the allocation of our resources in Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV): "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
In these verses, Jesus urges us to consider the eternal perspective and wisely invest our lives and resources in advancing God's kingdom. Earthly treasures are transient and susceptible to decay or loss, but heavenly treasures—actions that align with God's will, love, and service—are everlasting and beyond the reach of decay.
Imagine a gardener sowing seeds in fertile soil. The seeds represent our actions, intentions, and efforts, while the fertile soil signifies a heart devoted to God's work. By investing in kingdom work, we sow seeds that will yield an abundant harvest in God's eternal kingdom. This investment extends beyond material wealth—it's an investment of our time, love, generosity, and compassion into the lives of others.
Consider the story of the widow's offering in Mark 12:41-44 (NIV). Despite having very little, she gave all she had—her two small coins. Jesus commended her for her sacrificial giving because she invested in God's kingdom wholeheartedly. Her offering was a demonstration of trust, faith, and a heart genuinely devoted to God's work.
Similarly, we are encouraged to invest in acts of kindness, generosity, forgiveness, and love, which have an everlasting impact. As women of faith, we are called to serve others, share the Gospel, support those in need, and contribute to the flourishing of God's kingdom in any way we can.
In today's world, where materialism often reigns, may you be intentional about where you invest your time, energy, and resources. May you choose to invest in building God's kingdom, knowing that every small act of kindness, every prayer, every gesture of love, is an eternal investment that will bear fruit in the glorious kingdom that awaits you.
So how do you do it?
What do you need to be a faithful steward while waiting for Jesus’s return? Below are 5 practical tips for implementing faithful stewardship.
5 Practical Tips for Implementing Faithful Stewardship
1. Identify Your Gifts and Talents
Take time for self-reflection and prayer to identify the gifts and talents God has blessed you with. These gifts are unique to you and are intended to be used for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
2. Pray for Discernment
Seek God's guidance and discernment in understanding how you can best use your gifts and talents in the roles and opportunities He presents in your life.
3. Serve Others with Love
Look for opportunities to serve others with love and compassion. Galatians 5:13 (NIV) reminds us, "Serve one another humbly in love." By serving others, you are living out your purpose and reflecting Christ's love to the world.
4. Be a Financial Steward
Be intentional in managing your finances in a way that honors God. Budget wisely, give generously, and invest in causes that align with God's heart for His people and creation.
5. Grow in Knowledge and Faith
Invest in your spiritual growth by immersing yourself in God's Word, engaging in meaningful prayer, and being an active member of a Christ-centered community. Grow in faith, allowing it to deepen and guide your actions and decisions.
Invest in Support Along the Way
Sis, living out your God-given purpose and being a faithful steward can be challenging without guidance and support. Consider investing in coaching or mentoring from a Christian leader or life coach. These individuals can provide personalized guidance, encouragement, and accountability as you navigate your journey of faithful stewardship.
Let Us Pray
Father God,
Thank You for the precious gift of life and the purpose You have uniquely designed for each of us. Help us, as Your daughters, to surrender our plans and desires at Your feet. Grant us the wisdom and discernment to recognize and embrace the gifts and talents You've bestowed upon us.
May we be faithful stewards, investing in Your kingdom and advancing Your purposes in the world while we await the glorious return of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Give us the strength and courage to serve others with love, manage our resources with wisdom, and grow in knowledge and faith.
Lord, we pray for your divine guidance in our lives, that we may walk in the paths You have prepared for us. Surround us with a community of believers who will encourage and challenge us in our journey of faithful stewardship.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Live with purpose today.
Your Sis in Christ,
Dr. Brenda
