03/05/2024
Purpose over desire.
You are exactly where you are. Grow where you are planted.
Oftentimes, we have no idea what we want in life. We think we do; we think we know what’s best, and sometimes we may to a degree. But, many times, what we would choose for ourselves is not what the Lord would have for us.
Lately, I was offered a great opportunity that was so tempting that I almost grabbed it without praying or asking God about it. Honestly, I was overwhelmed and excited to start a new life. But, as I study the word of God, I slowly understand the importance of seeking Him first, and He led me to the story of Adam and Eve in the book of Genesis, Chapter 3, where the man and woman fall into temptation. Imagine that God has already supplied all their needs, but the woman endulged in temptation when she saw how beautiful and delicious the fruit of the tree of life is, which they are forbidden to eat, and for wanting the wisdom that it would give her instead of running away from it.
https://bible.com/bible/116/gen.3.1-6.NLT
As I sought an answer to my current situation of quitting my job, I checked my intentions and purpose and prayed for it, and God reminded me of three things:
1. A good opportunity can steal you away from your purpose.
- In John 10:10, the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Sometimes, the enemy will offer you the greatest desire or dream you have in life to sn**ch you away from fulfilling your purpose and to destroy your relationship with God.
*Pray for discernment and listen to the voice of God. Believe in and trust His process.
2. All that glitters is not gold.
- Not all good things are good for us. Sometimes we think what we want is what we need, but God knows just what we need, so not all open doors are meant for you to go through.
*Pray and seek God’s guidance on which door to take. Ask for the alignment of your plan with His.
3. Discontentment may lead to disobedience.
- Because of the woman’s discontentment and desire to want more, it leads to disobedience to God’s instructions not to eat from the tree of life.
*Always be grateful. God knows just what you need, so the things you have right now are exactly what you need, and the things you don’t have will be given to you at the right time.
I was also reminded of when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, where Satan offered all the greatest things he could offer, but Jesus never gave in—none of those great things gave Him the reason to fall into temptation, but He fulfilled what He was called to do, as He knew He was sent with purpose.
The more I seek Him, my intimacy with Him grows deeper. From small voices I can hear to loud and clear.
My realization:
The world may offer great opportunities, but fulfilling our purpose must be the greatest. For now, I chose to listen to what God has called me to do, which is to “stay where I am now.” Some may think I’m too naive to let it pass, but for me, it’s my joy to honor Him and glorify His name.
God wants us to be purpose-driven people, driven by His plan and His purpose for our lives.
May we all have the courage to do something to fulfill our God-given purpose. Do not be afraid, and take that leap of faith, for He is always with you. God bless you!
Love,
Rhea
