DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT DESTINY IN GOD?
Biblical Discipleship is essential for the new believer, so that strong spiritual and Biblical foundations can be laid into their life, so that quite quickly they mature spiritually (without the weeks/months/years of defeat) and can become Disciplemakers. Another essential reason for Discipleship/Mentoring is to tell and show the new believer who he is in Christ, and what is his inheritance is in Christ (now and in eternity).
I speak out of painful experience not having someone come along side and walk with me, I regret the years of unnecessary struggle. I also regret that I was a Minister for over twenty years before I really knew what my destiny (in ministry) was. I received my call to Ministry as a fifteen year old boy, I was very conscious that God had given me a Pastor’s heart, I was taught in Bible college you can only be a Pastor or teacher but not both. Again I lost years of potential ministry because of this lie I was taught. undoubtably our understanding of our destiny is a progressive thing, but I sincerely believe if I had had a Mentor the picture would have come much clearer much more quickly.
Too many Christians wander through life without a strong purpose, because they haven’t a clue who they are in Christ, or what their current inheritance is in Christ, and no idea of God’s planned destiny for their lives.
A colleague and dear friend the late Bryn Barrett taught a chorus written below penned by Rev. Mark Altrogge the Senior Minister of Sovereign Grace church in Indiana USA where he has has been ministering for over thirty years. This chorus blessed me so much, and does even more today, as I have come to understand my destiny in God. He suggests there are two aspects to this awesome truth, we will look at them today.
I have a destiny I know I shall fulfil
I have a destiny in that city on a hill
I have a destiny and it’s not an empty wish
For I know I was born for such a time as this
Long before the ages You predestined me
To walk in all the works You have prepared for me
You’ve given me a part to play in history
To help prepare a bride for eternity
I did not choose You but You have chosen me
And appointed me for bearing fruit abundantly
I know You will complete the work begun in me
By the power of Your Spirit working mightily.
Like Queen Esther “we were born for such a time as this” we are not an accident but in the eternal purposes of God, in His omniscient foreknowledge, he chose us, He predestined us,to our destiny. We have an important part to play in history.
BEAR FRUIT ABUNDANTLY. That is why we need to know that:
We are more than conquerers through him that loved us. Rom.8:37
We have been set free to live a victorious life John 8:31-32
We are crucified with Christ Gal. 2:20
We are free from condemnation Rom.8:1
We have the mind of Christ Phil. 2:5
We have peace which passes understanding Phil.4:7
We have all things pertaining to life and godliness 2 Peter 1:3
We are the righteousness of God 2 Cor. 5:21
We are partakes of the divine nature 2 Peter 1:4
We are overtaken with blessings Deut. 28:2
We are light and salt in the world Matthew 5:13
I am raised with Christ in heavenly places Col. 2:12
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Phil 4:13
We have constant access into the presence of God Heb. 4:16
I am established to the end 1 Cor. 1:8
Secondly, Mark Altrogge makes the point we have a part to play in preparing the bride (the Church) for eternity.
Our destiny is not just something we selfishly hold to ourselves, it would produce a spiritual snobbery, but as well as seeking to lead people to respond to the Lordship of Christ, we are called to Disciple and mentor and see the Bride is ready for the divine bridegroom.
LET ME ASK YOU SOME QUESTIONS
Do you have a Mentor ? We are never too old to have people speak into our lives.
Do you know what God’s plan and destiny is for your life ?
Are you walking in victory and purity and power?
If there are any negative responses to these questions, it is not to late to start. Ask the Lord to show you who you could start relating too, and learn to be open and honest and teachable.
The best form of mentoring is of course face to face, but if I can be a blessing to you in your walk with the Lord, I am available ok ?
Let me remind you of the Lord’s promise to us in Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you says the lord, “they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. NLT.
