God Has a Purpose for You

Have you ever asked God: What is my purpose in life? If so, I’m right there with you. Sometimes life can throw you a curveball, or storms may crash upon the shores of your heart that make you question God’s will for your life—and if that’s where you’re at today, friend, I want to encourage you.

Today’s Scripture readings for CBN's “Bible in a Year” plan are Numbers 3 – 4, andMark 3:20-35CloseMark 3:20-35 One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn't even find time to eat. When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. "He's out of his mind," they said. But the teachers of religious law who had arrived from Jerusalem said, "He's possessed by Satan,* the prince of demons. That's where he gets the power to cast out demons." Jesus called them over and responded with an illustration. "How can Satan cast out Satan?" he asked. "A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse. Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart. And if Satan is divided and fights against himself, how can he stand? He would never survive. Let me illustrate this further. Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man like Satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house. "I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. This is a sin with eternal consequences." He told them this because they were saying, "He's possessed by an evil spirit." Then Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, "Your mother and your brothers* are outside asking for you." Jesus replied, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then he looked at those around him and said, "Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God's will is my brother and sister and mother." OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) (if you haven’t had a chance to read those yet, take a moment to do so). When you dive into the Old Testament book of Numbers, you see in the first few chapters the grand organization of the nation of Israel and instructions for how the tabernacle is to be run (which was the dwelling place for God’s Spirit at the time).

As you read chapter 3, you see that certain tribes and clans are called to perform sacred duties and tasks in the tabernacle. For example, Aaron (Moses’ brother) and his sons were called to be priests, and the tribe of Levi was called to assist them. As you move into chapter 4, you see this organizational chart continue to be written out. The Lord then calls the specific clans within the tribe of Levi, such as the Kohathites and Gershonites, to perform duties like handling the most sacred objects for transport (Numbers 4:4-6CloseNumbers 4:4-6 "The duties of the Kohathites at the Tabernacle will relate to the most sacred objects. When the camp moves, Aaron and his sons must enter the Tabernacle first to take down the inner curtain and cover the Ark of the Covenant* with it. Then they must cover the inner curtain with fine goatskin leather and spread over that a single piece of blue cloth. Finally, they must put the carrying poles of the Ark in place. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ), general service, and carrying loads (Numbers 4:24-27CloseNumbers 4:24-27 "These Gershonite clans will be responsible for general service and carrying loads. They must carry the curtains of the Tabernacle, the Tabernacle itself with its coverings, the outer covering of fine goatskin leather, and the curtain for the Tabernacle entrance. They are also to carry the curtains for the courtyard walls that surround the Tabernacle and altar, the curtain across the courtyard entrance, the ropes, and all the equipment related to their use. The Gershonites are responsible for all these items. Aaron and his sons will direct the Gershonites regarding all their duties, whether it involves moving the equipment or doing other work. They must assign the Gershonites responsibility for the loads they are to carry. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ).

By now, you might be thinking, what’s the point of all of this? And again, I’m right there with you. As we digest this passage let’s:

• remember the spirit and purpose of the law (seeGalatians 3:23-25CloseGalatians 3:23-25 Before the way of faith in Christ was available to us, we were placed under guard by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed. Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) )
• not forget that Jesus’ death and resurrection have fulfilled the purpose for that way of life (seeMatthew 5:17CloseMatthew 5:17 "Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ). We now live in an era where we each are like a tabernacle, housing the Spirit of God.

Let’s take a step back and see the bigger picture. Though each tribe, clan, and individual within the nation of Israel had a specific task or duty to perform, they all served a larger purpose—to serve and obey the Living God. 

If you’re questioning God’s purpose for your life, let this be a reminder: Don’t let the details overwhelm the purpose. As sons and daughters of God, we are all called to the amazing, life-giving purpose of serving Jesus. Don’t get stressed out because you’re not exactly sure how that’s going to look, just focus on the bigger picture—serving God in every area of your life.

Let the Holy Spirit guide you step by step, day by day, and eventually, you’ll look at your life and see that God was guiding you into the beautiful and unique destiny He had for you all along. The path might get bumpy, and have unexpected turns, but God is faithful. You can trust Him and bank on the fact that as you continue to abide in Him each day, His plans and purposes for your life are bright and full of wonder.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Jeremiah 29:11CloseJeremiah 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. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) (NIV)