The Importance of Changing The Question

Too often we spend arbitrary time "looking for our purpose". The truth of the matter is that our purpose is not lost. Jesus outlines our purpose in Matthew 28. We are to bring people into the knowledge of Christ and teach them how to live out their life in Christ. 

We need to shift our focus from asking God "what" our purpose is to asking God, "How do I utilize my skills, gifts, and talents to fulfilll your purpose for my life?" ~ Dr. Sharla Walker

God Said It & That Settles It

The Bible makes it clear that God does not withhold any good thing from us (Psalm 84:11). Furthermore, the Bible tells us that God does not lie (Numbers 23:19). Because I know that God will withhold no good thing, that He knows the plans He has for me (Jeremiah 29:11), and that if I ask for wisdom He will give it without rebuke (James 1:5-8). I can have full confidence in God giving me the instructions I need to fulfill His purpose here on earth. 

What we really need to ask ourselves is whether or not we truly want God's will OR are we seeking our own. Understanding and walking in purpose will require you to lay down your will, plans, and mindsets to fully accept God's will. 

God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? ~Numbers 23:19 NLT

The Plan Isn't The Problem

Too often we spend unnecessary time trying to revise God's plan because we are not satisfied with results or the lack thereof. However, the plan isn't a problem. It is our lack of strategic execution. 

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. ~Ephesians 5:15

Strategy Defined

Strategy is the skill of applying one or  more ideas or principles utilized to reach an intended result or goal.

Strategic Execution

Too often we measure success based on results and not execution. We do not have control over results. We do have control over our own actions.

Then he said, “Now pick up the other arrows and strike them against the ground.” So the king picked them up and struck the ground three times. But the man of God was angry with him. “You should have struck the ground five or six times!” he exclaimed. “Then you would have beaten Aram until it was entirely destroyed. Now you will be victorious only three times.” ~2 Kings 13:18-19 NLT

The Framework For Success

• Supernatural 
• Self-Examination & Awareness
• Stewardship 
• Strategy 

Purposeful Prayer & Study: Supernatural 

The #1 reason many people are not walking in their purpose and seeing the level of success in their lives that they want is because too many believers have moved from being content to complacent especially as it pertains to their relationship with God and His word.

Biblical illiteracy is killing the body of Christ and stifling the impact that we can have here on Earth. The Bible says we are destroyed because of lack of knowledge not because we don’t fast enough, not because we don’t pray enough, but because we lack knowledge.

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. ~Proverbs 16:9 NLT

Reflection: Self-Examination 

This is critical for true accountability. True accountability requires ownership and choice. What we believe is accountability is truly just consequence. Once you make the decision to own your choices and your outcomes you will have the advantage to see true transformation in your situation.

Accountability: the ability to make a statement explaining one's conduct; to furnish a justifying analysis or explanation.

Consequence: a result; a conclusion or opinion that is formed because of known facts or evidence

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. ~2 Corinthians 13:5 NLT

Evaluation Of Resources: Stewardship

We often give God an excuse for our no when it comes to executing what He's called us to. We even truly believe that we don't have what we need for the assignment, but not only is it not true...it's not Biblical. Scripture tells us:

• God supplies all of our needs (Philippians 4:19).
• God has supplied us with everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
• That those who seek the Lord will know no lack (Psalm 34:10).

“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. ~Luke 14:28-29 NLT

Planning: Strategy

True success and greatness does not occur in front of an audience. It happens when you strategically plan and execute. The recognition is just a response to the greatness that was already established when you were doing the work.

The “balance” that you think you are looking for will not happen passively. It will require intentional prioritization because everything is not of equal importance. These must be readjusted for the seasons that we are in as each season has its own requirements.

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. ~Proverbs 21:5 NLT