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Path to Purpose From brokenness to wholeness to walking in Purpose!

Kareem Lee Valerie Charles Chike Nezianya

Copyright © 2019 A Chosen To Give Life & Zao Publishing Partnership Authors: Kareem Lee and Valerie Nezianya First edition, Copyright © September 2019 Disclaimer All rights reserved. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the authors/publisher. Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright 1983, by The Zondervan Corporation. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Printed in Singapore Available from select vision partners Second Printing Edition, Copyright © November 2019 ISBN 0978-164669114-2 If you would like more information about this book, visit: www.ZaoPublishing.com or if you need support on your journey to pursuing your purpose, visit: www.HummingbirdJourneys.com

Dedication

This book is dedicated to all those yearning to discover God's purpose for their lives. To the many who will make it their first priority to discover why they exist and why they were created, this book is for you. To those who have wandered away from the very One who holds the keys to life and death, it is time to come back into His perfect will for your life; He is waiting for you. To all who will rise this day from brokenness to wholeness, and begin walking in God's purpose for your lives, you are highly celebrated in the heavens. May the Lord empower you to fulfil your purpose at the end of all things.

Amen.

Foreword I congratulate you on being in possession of this book. It is evidence of your determination to seek, find, and live a purpose-driven life in God. Purpose is a word that we often apply loosely. Where God is concerned, though, the word takes on a new meaning. Our God is all about purpose. This simply means that God doesn’t do anything without purpose. For example, Scripture tells us that we were created to give God pleasure; “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:11 - KJV) That is purpose right there. It is for His pleasure that we were created. As we grow in God, our purpose also evolves and gains new depth. As followers of Christ, we know that we have a commission to preach the gospel and we seek opportunities to do this. We have also been informed in Scripture that we should never grow weary in well-doing; “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9 - KJV), so we try to do a good deed where we can, and as often as we can. These are but a few examples of seeking and finding your purpose in God. Simply put, we can define purpose as the reason why God created you and allowed you to be in a particular place or situation.

The Bible states: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” (Proverbs 29:18 -KJV) “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” (Hosea 4:6 - KJV) By these two verses, we can determine that vision and knowledge of the law of God are vital in your pursuit of purpose. This book will help you study to know the Word of God and His principles, in order for you to get on the path to know and fulfil your purpose in God.

Charles Nezianya | Co-Pastor Cornerstone African House of Praise, Singapore

Acknowledgements We give honour to our God Almighty, our Enabler, our Helper, our Father and the Lord of our lives - the One in whose divine purpose we daily walk. He remains our first priority in this life. Without You, Lord, we are nothing! We cannot accomplish anything, except You send and empower us. We daily count it all joy to submit ourselves to Your purposes and Your perfect will in these last days. We put our complete trust in You alone, God, to grant us favour in the land and open new doors for ministry in the places where You will send us. We are confident that You will continue to connect us with faithful labourers who are willing to pay the price for the women of our generation to arise! Amen. We deeply appreciate all our spiritual leaders, church families in Singapore, Antigua, London and Nigeria for the inspiration they have been to us over the years, and for releasing and supporting us to fulfil our purpose. For every support and sacrifice you made and for the love you never cease to give; may God greatly reward you all. Amen. To the “Women in Asia, Arise!” ministry partners, may our Lord God greatly reward you for the support you continually give towards the vision and for the personal sacrifices you make. Your labours of love shall be remembered and generations shall celebrate you, in Jesus name. Amen.

To our loved ones who have surrendered to God’s will for our lives and daily make sacrifices for the growth of this vision, may you be partakers of the blessings that will be our inheritance. Amen. Finally, we acknowledge all of you who will arise from brokenness into wholeness as you believe the Word in season, and determine in your hearts to intentionally pursue your purpose. May the Lord greatly empower you and reward your willingness and obedience to follow Him. Amen. Agape, Valerie and Kareem

Table of Contents Introduction.......................................................................................... xiii Table of Contents

Table of Contents Introduction.......................................................................................... xiii

Path to Purpose ................................................................................ 2

Table of Contents Introduction.......................................................................................... xiii

Path to Purpose ................................................................................ 24 Chapter 1 ................................................................................................... Introduction xiii Table of Contents Introduction.......................................................................................... .......................................................................................... xiii

Path to Purpose ................................................................................ 24 Brokenness ............................................................................................... Chapter 1 ................................................................................................... Introduction.......................................................................................... xiii

Path to Purpose ................................................................................ 2 Chapter ................................................................................................... Brokenness ............................................................................................... How 1Did I Get Here? ............................................................... 74 My Story Is ................................................................................ the Worst .............................................................. 9 Path to Purpose Chapter 11Did ................................................................................................... Chapter ................................................................................................... Brokenness ............................................................................................... How I Get Here? ............................................................... 7244 My Story Is the Worst ..............................................................15 9 Chapter ................................................................................................. Brokenness ............................................................................................... Chapter 12Did ................................................................................................... Brokenness ............................................................................................... Part 1: Brokenness How I Get Here? ............................................................... 74 My Story Is the Here? Worst............................................................... ..............................................................15 9 The Pieces ............................................................................................... Chapter 2Did ................................................................................................. How I Get 74 Brokenness ............................................................................................... My Story Is the Worst .............................................................. 9 The Pieces ............................................................................................... Suffering In Silence ................................................................ Chapter 2Did ................................................................................................. How I Get Here? ...............................................................15 7 Time Heal All Wounds ........................................ 17 Chapter 22Does ................................................................................................. 15 My Story IsNot the Worst .............................................................. 9 Chapter ................................................................................................. 15 Part 2: The Pieces The Pieces ............................................................................................... Suffering In Silence ................................................................ 15 a Chapter 32Does Time Heal................................................................ All Wounds ........................................ 17 The Pieces ............................................................................................... 15 Chapter ................................................................................................. The Pieces ............................................................................................... Suffering InNot Silence 15 a Time Heal................................................................ All Wounds ........................................ 17 The Journey to wholeness .................................................................... 19 Chapter 3Does Suffering InNot Silence 15 The Pieces ............................................................................................... a Time Not Heal All Wounds ........................................ 17 The Journey toDecisions! .................................................................... 19 Chapter 3Does Part 3: The Journey to Wholeness Decisions! ............................................................. 19 Suffering Inwholeness Silence ................................................................ 15

Table of Contents

a In The33Does Mess Of Heal Things .......................................................... 21 a Chapter Time Not All Wounds ........................................ 17 Chapter The Journey toDecisions! wholeness .................................................................... Decisions! ............................................................. 19 Introduction .......................................................................................... xiii Heart Check ............................................................................ 24 22 In The3 Mess Of Things .......................................................... 21 a The Journey to wholeness .................................................................... 19 Chapter The Journey toDecisions! wholeness .................................................................... Decisions! ............................................................. 19

At Peace In God ...................................................................... 26 25 Check ............................................................................ Path Heart to The Purpose ................................................................................ 2 In Mess Of Things .......................................................... 24 21 The Journey toDecisions! wholeness .................................................................... Decisions! ............................................................. 19 27 Chapter 4 ................................................................................................. 29 At Peace In God ...................................................................... 26 Heart ............................................................................ In The1Check Mess Of Things .......................................................... 24 21 Chapter ................................................................................................... Decisions! Decisions! ............................................................. 194 30 At In God ...................................................................... Part 4:Peace Walking in Purpose Walking in Purpose ..............................................................................26 Chapter 4 ................................................................................................. 29 Heart Check ............................................................................ 24 In The Mess Of Things .......................................................... 214 Brokenness ............................................................................................... At Peace In His GodPurpose ...................................................................... 26 Walking Purpose .............................................................................. 29 Chapter ................................................................................................. 30 Created for ........................................................ 29 Heart4in Check ............................................................................ 24 How Did I Get Here? ...............................................................37 7 The God of is Awesome ......................................... 36 Chapter 44in ................................................................................................. 29 At Peace In Purpose GodPurpose ...................................................................... 26 Chapter ................................................................................................. Walking Purpose .............................................................................. Created for His ........................................................ 29 My Story Is the Worst ..............................................................42 9 Discovering You ..................................................................... 41 The God of Purpose is Awesome ......................................... 36 Walking Purpose .............................................................................. 29 Chapter 4in ................................................................................................. Walking in Purpose .............................................................................. Created for His Purpose ........................................................ 29 52 Stepping Out in Faith ............................................................ 51 Chapter 2 ................................................................................................. 15 Discovering You ..................................................................... 41 The God of Purpose is Awesome ......................................... 36 Created for His Purpose ........................................................ 29 Walking in Purpose .............................................................................. 21 Days Journey to Purpose.................................................. 56 57 21 Stepping Days Journey to The Pieces ............................................................................................... 15 OutYou inPurpose Faith ............................................................ 51 Discovering ..................................................................... 41 The God of Purpose is Awesome ......................................... 36 Created for His Purpose ........................................................ 29 21 Days Journey to Purpose.................................................. Stepping in Faith ............................................................ 56 51 Suffering Out In Silence ................................................................ 15 Discovering You ..................................................................... 41 The God of Purpose is Awesome ......................................... 36 x 21 Days Journey to Purpose.................................................. 56 Time Does Not Wounds ........................................ 17 Stepping Out inHeal FaithAll ............................................................ 51 Discovering You ..................................................................... 41 21 Days to Purpose.................................................. 56 xa Chapter 3 Journey Stepping Out in Faith ............................................................ 51 21Journey Days Journey to Purpose.................................................. 56 x The to wholeness .................................................................... 19 xx x Decisions! Decisions! ............................................................. 19

In The Mess Of Things .......................................................... 21 x

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Introduction

Introduction “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 - NKJV). The call to purpose is a divine call. It is an invitation into the glorious will of God for an individual to work with God in a mandated assignment. An individual’s call to purpose is for the honour and glory of God alone. 1 Peter 2:9 tells us the first thing we need to know: “We are chosen!” By Whom? By God Himself! To do what? To proclaim the praises of Him (God) who has called us out of darkness (redeemed us from the path that leads to destruction) and now brings us into His marvelous light, not our light but His – for His glory alone. Some people have a good appreciation of their purpose early on in life. They grow up knowing each day that “I was born to do this!” They are at their best and feel extremely fulfilled when they are doing what they enjoy doing. It is as if the path was laid out for them and they simply walk in it. For others, the vision seems blurred and the path elusive. It is common for people to reach a point of despair at one time or the other in life, especially when things do not appear to go the way we want or are not coming together in in the expected time frame. It is in these times that we xiii

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ask ourselves: “Is this the life I was meant to live? Why am I here? What was I created for? What’s my destiny in this life? Is there not more to life than this?” The answer to all these questions lies in discovering ourselves, looking inwards and first understanding our personal identity, rather than looking to others: counsellors, mentors or authorities in our lives to figure out the purpose for which we were created. The counsellors, mentors and authority figures God has placed in our lives do have a role to play in guiding, teaching, and advising. These individuals will often serve as a sounding board and a channel of confirmation for what God is already impressing on our own heart or speaking to our own spirit. Discovering who you are, the unique individual God has created you to be, and the specific calling of God over your life, will cause you to stop relying on others for the answers that already lie within you. You must discover your identity, you must fully embrace who you are, and joyously celebrate you as no one else can. God has created each of us as an original of ourselves. Comparing ourselves with others robs us of the pleasure of fully embracing our own destiny. Now is the time to stop longing for what others have or trying to be someone you are not. Otherwise, you will never discover or enjoy the fulfilment God freely gives when you live out your purpose and be the person He created you to be.

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Introduction

You are about to undertake a new journey, with a fresh perspective, and it is important to confront any fears and insecurities that currently exist, and address them squarely. They will do you no good in the new path that now lies before you. Remember, no man on earth can stop you from accomplishing your purpose in this life. Only you can stop yourself! The One who calls you into His divine purpose for your life is God Almighty. The first pre-requisite for qualifying for this call is that you must know God personally and give Him full control of your life. You must be born again, that is, confess your sins to God and repent from any dead works. You must seek to read and meditate on God’s word daily to learn of Him, know His ways, train your ears to hear Him and your heart to heed Him every step of your life. You should get baptized in water by immersion and pray for the baptism of the Holy Spirit which was promised by our Lord Jesus as our Helper to make us effective witnesses of Christ and to bring us into remembrance of all He has said. The Lord will guide you, with the help of the Holy Spirit, in recognizing those defining moments that will advance you further into fulfilling your purpose. He will show you the blueprint of your unique purpose in this life, that is, what God created you for, and you will joyfully discover your unrealized potential in God. He will do exceedingly, abundantly in your life, beyond what you can imagine. Your time, resources and energies will be re-directed into fulfilling your purpose and destiny.

Path to Purpose

Oh, what joy it is to live in the perfect will of God. No one else can fulfil your purpose like you can. You were uniquely created for it and He equipped you for it, even before you were born. The Word of the Lord concerning you is “Yes and amen.” “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”

No one else can fulfil your purpose like you can. You were uniquely created for it and He equipped you for it, even before you were born.

(2 Corinthians 1:20 – NKJV) Therefore, seek His face, know His will and begin pursuing the ordained purpose for your life, today.

Here are some scriptures to get you started: Galatians 1:15-16: “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,” (NKJV). Isaiah 44:24: Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, And He who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who makes all things, Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself;” (NKJV). Isaiah 43:1: “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by my name; You are mine.”

(NKJV). xvi

Introduction

Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (NASB). 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24: Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” (NKJV).

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Path to Purpose

Brokenness

Path to Purpose

Path to Purpose The journey from brokenness to wholeness to walking in Purpose!

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. ~ Ephesians 2:10 - NKJV

Path to Purpose

Part 1 BROKENNESS

“Broken: suffering emotional pain that is so strong that it changes the way you live, usually as a result of an unpleasant event.”

- Cambridge Dictionary At some time in each our lives, we have had the misfortune of having something that is broken; a glass or a dish which fell from our grasp and shattered to pieces…broken, that toy during our childhood which after many hours of play, no longer worked…broken, the device which we have grown attached to that still looks and feels perfectly new, but doesn’t do what it was made to do…broken. Sometimes these things are broken beyond repair so they are tucked away in a storage place somewhere for sentimental reasons. Or, if deemed to have no sentimental value, they are discarded. Other times, depending on the nature of the breaking, the material from which the item was made, and if all the pieces can be found, the item can be glued back together. It is generally accepted, though, that a broken item will never be quite the same as its original state. 4

Brokenness

Although it can still be of some use after being repaired, there will always be evidence, however minute, that it was once broken. While it is easy to speak of broken things, the reality is that as humans, we too are just as susceptible to being broken. In the course of our lives, some of us get to the place where we no longer function as we should. Physically, psychologically, spiritually, we can, and we do break. It is perhaps the latter two: psychological and spiritual breaking (where the burdens have come at us with overwhelming force, breaking our hearts, crushing our spirits and leaving us in need of fixing), which are the most devastating. Unlike broken things, when someone breaks, it is not as easy to address such brokenness. There is no quick fix, and gluing the pieces back together can be daunting.

“There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds.” Laurell Hamilton

Each person carries their brokenness differently. In many instances, any visual indicators that may be perceived to be a signal that a given individual is broken or hurting, are just the surface symptoms of a far graver reality. It is this peculiarity of brokenness which allows many 5

Path to Purpose

people to go through the motions in public life, while inwardly they are in turmoil. The state of being broken changes an individual permanently. Evidence of brokenness, seen or unseen, will always exist. Left undealt with, hurt and brokenness can completely devastate a person. However, by the grace of God and the support of the right destiny helpers, a restored individual is a force of positive impact, and is positioned to resolutely pursue purpose. “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Joseph – Genesis 50:20 - NKJV

Brokenness

How Did I Get Here? Have you ever noticed how, without a thought, we quickly caution someone who is approaching something that is broken, particularly if that thing now has sharp and exposed edges? Our natural exclamation is “be careful” because, without due care, a person approaching a broken object is likely to be hurt (if the broken object has sharp edges) or disappointed (if the broken object is such that it simply does not work as it should). In the same way, those who come in contact with broken people, without due care, are at risk of being hurt in one form or another. You know how they say the first step to the solution is admitting that there is a problem? This is so true. The responsibility is ours to assess our state of being. It is important for each of us to recognise if we are in a broken state, and to identify and address the areas of our lives that need fixing. We don’t do it just for us; we do it so we don’t go through life hurting those we come in contact with. We do it so we can be properly positioned to fulfil the God-ordained purpose for which we were specifically created. Anyone who is ready to openly share their experience of being broken is most likely able to give an account of how they felt at different stages of the experience. In the midst of frustration, it is not unusual to ask: “Why

Path to Purpose

me? What is the reason for this? Why do I have to go through this?” These questions all tie back to how the individual is feeling. People who are hurting are generally able to recollect the feelings and walk you through the different emotions, even when the details of how they arrived at that state might not always be at the front of their minds. In the later chapters of this book, we will revisit the importance of “how I got here,” but for now, let us make a mental note that the cause of our brokenness could be any one of the following things or a combination of these: 1.

The actions of others which were beyond our control.

Our own sinful/intentional choices and actions.

Choices made in error because of naivety, misjudgements, misunderstandings, etc.

Brokenness

My Story Is the Worst Their story… Her Story – Ruth (The book of Ruth) A dead husband, no source of income, an old motherin-law and a foreign God; that was the sum of her possessions. Her Story – Martha (John 11) The God she knew to be God had the power to heal; she was confident of this. But although she called for Him to heal her sick brother, He didn’t come when she called and her brother died. Her Story – Sarah (Genesis 11 – onwards) Childless at the age of 90; passed the age of childbearing, and with a seemingly impossible promise from God. Her Story – Hannah (1 Samuel 1 and 2) A laughing stock to those around her, especially her biggest rival. While her rival was fruitful in her childbearing, Hannah, although faithfully serving God, is unable to bear a child. Her Story – Rahab (Joshua 2) A lying prostitute (that sums her up correctly) in a dark place because of the life choices she has made. Everyone knew who she was and there was nothing pleasant about her reputation. 9

Path to Purpose

Her Story – Leah (Genesis 29) Forced by her father to marry a man who didn’t love her so she could protect the family image. Unloved and rejected by her husband, a marriage of anguish and rejection. When we read these Biblical accounts of women, there can be somewhat of a disconnect in our ability to fully relate. It is easy to consider that these accounts are only relevant to Bible times. As we purpose to provide our readers with transparent accounts and real stories which are relevant to our times, below are snippets of current-day situations. Real situations, in the lives of real women living today, summarized for the purposes of this book and to help us all appreciate the relevance of God’s unchanging nature. More stories… Her Story – Grace The last of ten children, Grace never knew her mother because she died while giving birth to Grace. Apart from the fact that she was a sickly child, spending much time in and out of doctors’ care and feeling guilty for the trouble she caused the family because of this, Grace was bound by feelings of guilt for her mother’s death. Hers was a psychological battle that even her own siblings or father could not understand. How could she 10

Brokenness

even begin discussions with them about this? After all, she was the one who caused them to be orphans and him to be a widower. Her Story – Mercy He was older and stronger. Her eight-year-old arms and legs could do very little to keep him away. Her attempts to make him stop were useless. For the next three years, this older cousin continued to rape her. Each encounter chiselling away at any semblance of dignity she had left. He was sure to let her know that she was already useless, that she had been so from the very first day he broke her. Her Story – Faith Her mother finally had someone to help pay the bills, so she was happy that this man had entered their lives. Until then, it had been she and her mother only. Things had been difficult financially, until then. Once he got comfortable, he developed a nightly routine. While her mother slept only a few steps away, he would visit her. Over time he became more aggressive with his touches; it seemed he had lost any care or caution. The coldness in his eyes spoke volumes. Her Story – Hope The table in the doctor’s office felt like ice on her back. The nurse looked at her with disgust, she had barely grunted the instructions to her on how to prepare herself for the procedure. She knew this was wrong 11

Path to Purpose

but how could she face the shame of an unplanned pregnancy and giving birth to a bastard child? Her Story – Charity “I never loved you.” These words shook her to the core. She had done what the Bible said; she had been obedient to the counsel of the elders. He was a good Christian brother, she had forsaken all others, not just with the vows from her lips, but with every bit of her heart. Their marriage did not last a year. He took everything from her, including her life’s savings, and now here she was, broken. Grace, Mercy, Faith, Hope, and Charity are fictional names used for illustrative purposes only. However, their stories are real and the snippets are shared here to highlight that there are hurting women all around us. These are just a few of the many stories of women’s experiences with poor choices, betrayal, abuse, and other forms of hurt which led to their brokenness. These women were able to access the help they needed to be delivered from their bondage and to move from their various states of brokenness to their place of wholeness, and are now intentionally walking with God in their purpose. Romans 11:29 assures us that “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” (NKJV).

Brokenness

No matter what the experience is, Jeremiah 1:5 assures us that we have a purpose and a place in God: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you;” (NKJV). Everybody’s story is unique. In the same way, each person’s restorative journey will also be unique. What we want you to understand from reading these stories is that brokenness is real. It is human to hurt, Christian or not, and it is okay. Despite our pain, confusion, and whatever else we go through, our purpose is still ours to pursue and to fulfil. Do not get to the point of comparing your situation with someone else’s. Yes, it is good to be encouraged by similar testimonies, but it should not come to a point of comparing and relying solely on another’s story to replace actively seeking God about your own situation. God desires to give you the divine strategy that is special to the journey He wants to take with you. There are a few ploys the enemy uses to play on the mind of the broken which, if not addressed, could keep an individual bound in their broken state: 1. Feeding thoughts that no one understands the magnitude of what you are going through. 2. Feeding thoughts that your story is far worse than anyone else. “…yes, they might have had some sort 13

Path to Purpose

of trouble, but not as serious as yours.” 3. Feeding thoughts that you are not as strong as the others that have had difficulty or that you are deserving of being punished when others are not. Note what is said of the devil’s speaking in John 8:44: “When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” (KJV).

The Pieces

Part 2 THE PIECES

Suffering In Silence We have been taught that weakness is unacceptable; that vulnerability is wrong; that it is shameful to have failed or to be considered less than in the eyes of those around us. Worst yet, if we are Christians experiencing hardship, then certainly something must be wrong with the level of our Christianity. The fear of judgement can be overwhelming. In times of distress, it is common to go into isolation, to withdraw from the familiar, and even to abandon life routines. The danger in this is that, whereas the body of Christ has been mandated to pursue the principle of community living for the protection and strengthening of each member, in the place of isolation and despondency, these members become open prey to the devil’s devices. It is for this reason why Proverbs 11:14 says: “…in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” (NKJV). It is in the place of isolation that the devil is able to plague our thoughts. The broken mind is an attractive ground for the enemy’s schemes. Subtly appealing 15

Path to Purpose

to the natural prideful nature, the enemy attempts to convince us that protecting one’s self from others knowing of our struggle is the best approach. Then, in the silence, the very same accuser plays on magnifying the guilt and shame. Revelation 12:11 states: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” (NKJV). “Him”, in this particular passage of Scripture, represents everything that is contrary to God’s portion for us in this life. Our testimonies, the audible confessions of our lips, are powerful weapons in the fight for our healing and restoration. We fearlessly confess the truth of God’s Word to our broken situations and pained emotions and access our breakthrough on account of this.

The Pieces

Time Does Not Heal All Wounds We have all heard it before…“give it some time”, “time is a healer” and the infamous “this too shall pass.” None of these phrases, though often used in an attempt to comfort, are entirely accurate. The latter, “this too shall pass,” is a popular one amongst Christians who almost always quote this phrase by alluding that the Bible said it. Note well, this Christian favourite is not Biblical. While healing does require time, time as the only administered treatment will not yield positive results. It is what is done during that time which gives way to results. Healing from brokenness is an active, working process. Healing does not come through a passive waiting. The Merriam Webster Dictionary describes brokenness as being: “violently separated into parts.” In the same way, an individual is required to intentionally and aggressively pursue their healing. Have you ever had the opportunity of hearing a passionate artist describe their masterpiece to you? The true identity of a thing is best known, and best expressed, by the person who has created it. In the same way, our true identity is best expressed and revealed to us by our Creator. We have the privilege of reading His well-documented description of us in the Bible. 17

Path to Purpose

Aggressively pursuing your healing starts with a rediscovery of self. It requires that you cast off the labels which have been assigned to you, which are contrary to what God has said. Have you fully examined what He said? Do you believe what He said about you? Is your self-image a reflection of what He said? Does your posture align to His description?

Who are you? You are not your experiences. You are not what you have been through. You are not your mistakes. You are not what others think of you. You are not your failures. You are not your disappointments. You are a daughter of Zion, fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of your Father. You are forgiven and set free indeed, by His Son. You are the head and not the tail, above and not beneath. You are more than a conqueror. You are blessed in your going out and your coming in. You are loved. You have life, and you have it in abundance, because this was the reason for which Jesus came.

The Journey to Wholeness

Part 3 THE JOURNEY TO WHOLENESS

Decisions! Decisions! ”And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2 – NKJV). The journey to healing and wholeness begins in the mind. You do not require a special day or a special season, and you do not have to be in a special place or with a special person. Hebrews 4:7 tells us: “Again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts.” (NKJV). Healing begins with a decision; a decision to let go of all that hindered and hurt us; a decision to cast down every imagination that seeks to exalt itself against the authority of God in our lives and what He has already purposed for us; a decision to accept only what God has said and to discard every other thing that does not align, by the power and the

Path to Purpose

enablement of the Holy Spirit. There needs to be an acceptance that the following situations could be applicable to you and your situation: God is testing you to prepare you and prove you true for a greater calling. If this is applicable to you, then you cannot afford to fail this test. Position yourself to be taught by God and to be guided by Him to successfully break through. ”And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.” Zechariah 13:8-9 KJV. “…in order to test Israel by them, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk in it as their fathers did, or not.” Judges 2:22 – NASB. Someone, somewhere has plotted evil against you. If this is applicable to you, then know without a doubt that God will vindicate and deliver you. Remind God of His word and see Him move on your behalf. “O my God, I trust, lean on, rely on, and am confident in You. Let me not be put to shame or [my hope in You] be disappointed; let not my enemies triumph over me.” 20

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Psalm 25:2 – AMP. You have done something wrong. If this is you, then thank God that He has given you access to Him, that you did not die in your mistake and that you have a chance to make things right. My little children, I write you these things so that you may not violate God’s law and sin. But if anyone should sin, we have an Advocate (One Who will intercede for us) with the Father [it is] Jesus Christ [the all] righteous [upright, just, Who conforms to the Father’s will in every purpose, thought, and action]. 1 John 2:1 - AMP. Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 - NKJV.

Path to Purpose

In The Mess Of Things “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart…” Psalm 34:18 - NKJV Where is God in the midst of our mess? He is right there. Psalm 139:1-18 puts it beautifully: O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,” Even the night shall be light about me; Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The 22

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darkness and the light are both alike to You. For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvellous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret and skilfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me when as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You. (NKJV). It has always been the heart of God to dwell with His creation. From the very beginning, we see that it was God who went in search of man (Adam and Eve) after they had fallen away from His original plan. Realising what they had done, Adam and his wife went into hiding. Well aware of their fallen state, God still went in search of them to fellowship with them. Adam admits his fear of the repercussions of their actions and, although there were consequences for their actions, we see God’s response of compassion as He covers their 23

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nakedness (their shame) and makes provisions for them. Such is still the heart of our God. His promise to “never leave nor forsake” “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 - NKJV is ours forever; it is a promise we can rely on, but we need to believe and actively claim it, if we are going to tap into the full manifestation of what this means. Wherever we are in our experiences which have drawn us away from our divine purpose, God waits for us to return to Him to receive His compassion and to be restored.

The Journey to Wholeness

Heart Check Remember how we spoke earlier about: “How did I get here?” This is where we explain the importance of this line of questioning and the need for self-introspection. We must come to the place where we honestly and transparently check our hearts. It is only then that we are able to accept what has brought us to the place of pain, frustration or brokenness. We also accept responsibility for the role that we played in getting us to where we are. As we check our hearts, we accept that there may never be an opportunity to reverse what has already been done, but our faith in God will not be shaken. The past will continue to We let go of arguments, chase those who confusion, attempts to prove continue to run and disprove, and we reposition from it. ourselves so our hearts are fixed on God to pursue Him as our priority, and to bring Him pleasure by fulfilling our purpose in Him. We allow Him to be God, knowing fully well: “…that all things work together for good to those who love God,

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to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 – NKJV. As we check our hearts, we do what is perhaps one of the most difficult things to do in the flesh; we forgive. Where others have wronged us, we forgive and we let them go. Where we have been in the wrong, we forgive ourselves and we release ourselves. This process is not to condemn us or to reopen painful experiences. It is, instead, a fundamental part of ensuring that these negative experiences no longer have a hold on us.

The Journey to Wholeness

At Peace In God And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]. ~Philippians 4:7 – AMP Psalmist Donnie McClurkin sang what he felt the heart of our Father saying to those experiencing inner turmoil: “I know that faith is easy when everything is going well, but can you still believe Me when your life is a living hell?” Our response to our brokenness reflects what we truly believe about who God is and what are His characteristics. We do not serve or worship God because He prevents us from going through trials. In fact, He has already prepared us in John 16:33 when He tells us: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (NASB). We serve Him because of who He is and, trouble or not, His sovereignty and worthiness is unmatched and uncompromised. While going through a particularly troubling personal time, I got to a place of being frustrated with people 27

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asking the question, “How are you?” One day, when the question was asked of me, I had a quick conversation with God on the matter: “God, how do I say I am good when I am not? Does this person even care to hear the honest response, which is, my situation hurts beyond words?” Immediately it was impressed on my heart: “You are at peace in God.” In faith, I responded to the individual who had asked me: “I am at peace in God.” This became my standard response when anyone asked. What I did not know at the time, was that as I was confessing this each time someone asked, it was taking root in my spirit, and my whole being was being realigned according to the declarations and confession of my lips. In time, my entire disposition changed, for the good, to the point where I was not even able to recognise myself. To be at peace in God is to take hold of every promise He has provided in His Word and to trust that He is faithful to keep them all. In Jeremiah 29:11, He assures us that His thoughts towards us are good and not evil and His plan is to bring us to a good end. To be at peace in God is to run to Him in troubled times. In Matthew 11:28-29, our Saviour beckons us to: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am 28

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gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.” NASB (emphasis mine). We remain anxious and troubled when we continue to strive and struggle in our carnal strength. It becomes necessary for us to do as Psalm 46:10a asks of us, “Be still, and know that He is God.” NKJV. Being at peace in God means using the time when nothing else makes sense to grow deeper in intimacy with the God, who exists outside of what our senses can comprehend. To be at peace in God is to discover what it means to go beyond superficial religiosity, to genuine intimate fellowship with the Lover of our souls, our Master and King. As we draw near to Him, He draws near to us, and there, in sweet fellowship, we encounter an abundance of peace and can begin receiving His divine blueprint for our lives.

Path to Purpose

Part 4 WALKING IN PURPOSE

You have been created with a specific purpose in God; you are unique and no one else can be who you are or do what you can do. “For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]”. ~ Ephesians 2:10 – AMP

Created for His Purpose You are a masterpiece - A delicate and authentic piece of the Master. If you stand at the window and look out on the awesome view, no matter how many people you see or how many amazing buildings are there, it is still incomplete without you. When God created the earth in its entire splendor and then created His first son, Adam, He still saw that 30

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there was something missing and it was you; you were missing, woman. His final creation is intricate in design and exemplifies the beautiful facet of the nature of God. When He created you, He looked at everything and approved it. He saw that it was good. You have been approved, God considers you to be good. You spend a lot of time studying and learning, whether it is to better your knowledge or to become a better employee, but how often do you spend time studying yourself? You have been created by an extravagant God and you have an intricate design that is specific to your purpose. Our admonition to you is, take some time out and study you, ask yourself the questions below: What makes me unique? Ask yourself this question, but not in comparison to other people. What moves you? What unique characteristics/experiences do you hold that will set someone free? Who better to know the purpose of something than its Creator? God formed you in His image and after His likeness. You are a duplicate in kind. However, your purpose will not happen in spite of you, so get proactive because there is nothing passive about our God or our walk. Our prayer is that you discover who God predestined 31

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and ordained you to be, and in finding you, that you would set others free. We are carriers of the anointing, so when we are around, burdens should be removed, and yokes destroyed. What is Purpose? Purpose can be defined as the reason for creating a particular thing. In this case, it is identifying why you were created; the original intent God had when He made you. Purpose relates to the will of God concerning you and His master blueprint or plan for your life. You were not created by accident nor did you come into existence because your parents made a mistake. Even though you might have been told that before by your earthly parents or someone else, it is untrue concerning you. God created you for a purpose and knowing that purpose guarantees you a glorious end, and brings you peace, joy, and fulfilment in this life. Scripture tell us, concerning our Lord Jesus: “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8b – NKJV. Jesus had a purpose on the earth and He fulfilled it. He said: “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, 32

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but to do the will of Him who sent Me.” John 6:38 – NKJV. In the same way you too must discover your purpose and fulfil it triumphantly. God revealed Jeremiah’s purpose to him. God says of him in Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you [and approved of you as My chosen instrument], And before you were born I consecrated you [to Myself as My own]; I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” AMP. Jeremiah was in line with God’s purpose for his life, so he ended up as a great prophet. It is not enough to know that God has a purpose for bringing you into this world. That purpose must be discovered because the first step to fulfilling your purpose is to discover it. The abilities and talents you possess were put in you, by God, for a reason. They are to enable you to fulfil the purpose He created you for. You are too gifted and well-fashioned to be purposeless. This is what Scripture says concerning you: “For You formed my innermost parts; You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well”. 33

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My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret, and intricately and skillfully formed [as if embroidered with many colors] in the depths of the earth. Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were appointed for me, when as yet there was not one of them [even taking shape].” Psalm 139:13-16 – AMP. “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 – NKJV. Why must I discover my purpose? Fulfilment in life is impossible without purpose. To be fulfilled is to enjoy and be satisfied with what you are doing at a given time, and true satisfaction comes with doing God’s will for you. Discovering your purpose gives you a sense of direction to your glorious destiny. In the same way a plan gives the builders direction on how the owner intends for his/her building to look, discovering purpose helps you understand how God intends your journey, experiences and final destination on earth to look like. Life is meaningless, if you are not doing what God created you for. You cannot discover your purpose, if you are not in tune with God. Being born again means 34

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accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and personal Savior of your life. This is the first step to receiving answers from God regarding your purpose on earth. Following God’s plan for you sets you on course to achieving a path to a glorious destination. Biblical success is not determined by how much material possessions you acquire in this life or by your achievements. It has even less to do with what people think or say about you. Biblical success is the discovery and fulfillment of your divine purpose. It is living in God’s perfect plan and will for your life. A person can only be termed successful if he or she is at the center of God’s will for their life and complete their course or purpose. This is exactly what happened to Apostle Paul. Paul was traveling down the Damascus road when he was suddenly knocked to the ground and blinded by a brilliant light. Paul immediately knew it was a supernatural encounter. He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The Lord replied, “I am Jesus whom you persecute.” (See ACTS 9). Paul had just met Christ Jesus, the One whom he had been persecuting. Overcome by the powerful encounter, Paul asked another question. He asked, “Lord, what will You have me to do?” You see, when you really meet Jesus, you will find the purpose for your life. Paul discovered his mission at that moment and he never turned back. If you have met 35

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the Lord, then you have a mission, too. At the end of Paul’s life, this is what he had to say: “I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 – AMP. You are created in the image and likeness of your Creator. You are not a mistake! You were created by the power of the trinity for purpose. He has created you a certain way, for a certain assignment. It pleased Him to bring you into existence and He has strategically placed you at this time, in your family, in your ethnicity, in your gender and with your gifts and talents for His divine purpose. One thing is for sure - His desire is for you to rule and reign with Him in righteousness, accomplishing all He has purposed for you to do. Then God said, let Us (Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit) make man in Our image, according to Our likeness so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. Genesis 1:26 – AMP.

Walking In Purpose

The God of Purpose is Awesome The God of your purpose brought you into this world according to His preordained purpose and divine design. It is paramount therefore that you become acquainted with Him. You must know His character and His heart. This is what the Scriptures say concerning Him: For the Word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything He does. Psalms 33:4 – NLT. Sanctify them by Your truth; Your word is truth. John 17:17 – NKJV. Wow! The God of your purpose is a God who does everything He says and everything He does. God can be trusted. Nobody can stop God’s purpose from coming to pass in your life. In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. Ephesians 1:11 – NIV. God cannot fail! God is not like man so we can trust Him. He created us in His likeness and chose us for His purpose. Therefore,

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His name is at stake, if He were to fail us. But God cannot fail! Man will always fail when we are drawn away from the perfect will of God by the lusts of the flesh and by the distractions that encompass us. Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass. Joshua 21:45 – ESV. It is not in His nature to fail. Not one word of God’s good promises has ever failed; not before the time of Joshua nor after. Isaiah 55:11 says: “So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” NKJV. God’s word is trustworthy. His promises are true. What God says He will do, He will do: “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 – ESV. “And the Lord visited Sarah as He had said; and the Lord did unto Sarah as He had spoken.” Genesis 21:1 – KJV. As you embark on this new journey of living in God’s divine purpose for your life, understand and settle it 38

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deep within your heart that IT IS IMPOSSIBLE for God to fail. According to a great man of God: “God will not be faithful; He is FAITHFUL. His name is FAITHFUL. It is not a quality He will acquire tomorrow; it is a part of Him. FAITHFUL is His name.” Scriptures go on to assure us of this truth: “God is not a man that he should lie; neither the son of man that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” Numbers 23:19 – NKJV. And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 – NIV. God is God all by Himself. He works all things, including your life, according to His purposes. Nothing can happen without God ordaining it. God has numbered your days and will fulfill every purpose He has for you. No matter where you are at and what you have been through in life, God will make you whole again. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good 39

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to the potter to make. Jeremiah 18:4 – NKJV. This is what Jeremiah 18: 5-6 says: Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? says the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.” – KJV. We invite you to come on this beautiful and fulfilling journey, to know and experience this God of purpose in a way that will change your life forever. You know that ache that would not go away; that feeling that you were made for more and that you have so much more to give! We tend to call it “something.” When you encounter the God of your purpose, that “something” is replaced with “Someone.” He is the Holy Spirit of the living God - your Helper, your Standby, your Comforter, your Advocate, your Intercessor, your Counselor, and your Strengthener. He will lead you daily into the truth of your purpose in God. “However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to 40

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you [to be in close fellowship with you” John 16:7 – AMP (emphasis mine). The role of the Holy Spirit (Parakletos in Greek) in your life is encompassing. Our Lord Jesus has sent Him to be our Help and Assistant. We don’t have to labor on this journey to walking in our purpose because God will always be with us, through the presence of His Holy Spirit in our lives and our victory is secure in Him.

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Discovering You Without knowing your gifts, talents, strengths, passions and what God’s word says concerning you, it will be difficult for you to embrace your purpose. So a critical step to walking in your purpose is Discovering You! Discovering You The only way to discover who you truly are is to know what God says concerning you. To know who you are you must look at your Creator. 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. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. Psalm 139:13-16 – NIV. This is who you are. You are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. He is your Father and He made you in His image. God is three in one: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are also three in one. You have a physical body. Inside your body, you have a soul, which is your heart, mind, and personality. Inside your soul, you have a spirit. Your spirit is your source of life and your conscience, or God-consciousness. 42

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You were created by God and appointed by Him for great works. This is what the Lord said to the Prophet Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 – ESV. God made you. He formed you in your mother’s womb. He knows everything about you, and He has set you apart for a positive purpose. You are therefore who He says you are. Whatever God’s word says concerning you, that is what you are. You have been given the power from God to condemn and reject any pronouncements made over your life that contradicts the word of God concerning you. No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This (peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition) is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from Me, says the Lord. Isaiah 54:17 – AMP. Your vindication means your victory, your grace, your mercy; it is from the Lord. If God be for you, who can be against you? Get ready to discover the real you and you will never want to be someone else again! 43

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Your circumstances don’t define you. They don’t determine how far you go in this life. Your relationship with God does! Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Galatians 6:7 – NKJV. When you seek God with all your heart, you will find Him. He will direct the cause of your life and show you great and mighty things you do not know. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 – NKJV. Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3 – NIV. The world cannot define you either. There are thoughts in God’s mind about us that can change everything we have ever believed about ourselves. That divine perspective is so important that it was part of Jesus’ prayer for His disciples and for us in one of His last acts before His crucifixion. In His prayer, Jesus revealed that we can see ourselves in the same way He saw Himself as He walked on this earth. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. John 17:16 – NKJV. It is easy to believe that Jesus was not of the world’s 44

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system or confined within its limitations. In everything He did or said, Jesus revealed life as it could be lived outside the boundaries of people’s typical experiences. Jesus wasn’t limited by lack, disease or politics, nor did He react to threats or accusations from people. He lived above it all—and now He expects us to live above it all as well. God’s life-changing power within us can lift us to a higher level of living, when we learn the secret of how to define ourselves now that we are in Christ. Your Strengths Apart from God, we can do nothing. This is what the Scripture tells us in John 15:5: I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me, you can do nothing. NIV. God is your enabler in all things. He strengthens you by the power of His Holy Spirit (your Strengthener). Where we are weak, God is our strength. Concerning this thing, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, 45

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in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:810 – NKJV. Your strengths are those areas in your life that God has given you extra grace to thrive. This includes your talents, gifts, skills and abilities that can work for your benefit and the benefit of others. Make a list of the things and activities that interest you in which you excel. You can also ask yourself: “What’s the one thing that I do better than others?” The gifts God gives us are like little seeds planted inside us, but for them to grow we have to use them. If you can’t identify which “gift seeds” God has given you, try doing new things that interest you. Through these new experiences, God will reveal more to you about who you are and how He has called you to serve Him. Take note of when your emotions are moved; these times can be signaling your God-given purpose. If, for example, talking about Christ stirs you up, when coupled with your talents, these passions could point in the direction of your purpose. Your purpose is not just about you; it is about what God wants to do through you. Therefore, if you ignore or neglect your purpose, or allow what others say about you, your gifts, and your passions to distract you, you 46

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are not only betraying yourself, but also betraying God because He has called you to a purpose and wants you to walk in it — for others and for your own joy. Since God has called you, He is completely able to reveal your purpose to you, and He will, as you diligently seek Him. (See Hebrews 11:6). Philippians 4:13 reminds us: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – NKJV. “For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.” Acts 17:28 – NIV. Your Potential You have been given a set of tools, talents, gifts, and abilities with which you create value for your world. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Matthew 25:15 – KJV. God gave everyone potential, including you. You carry within you unrealized and untapped potential, like many of us do. It takes a divine encounter with the divine to bring the unseen into the seen. You were 47

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created for God’s glory so there is a glory within you that is yet to be released. There is something deep inside that requires a meeting with the God of purpose in order for it to come to be. Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. Psalm 42:7 – NIV. You may feel you have accomplished much today by God’s grace, and that is to be celebrated, but there is so much more with God. Deep calls unto deep! What does that mean? A deeper yearning for God will reveal a deeper intimacy and revelation of the things that are unseen as God reveals them to those He wills. The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29 – NIV. You can learn a lot from how Gideon discovered his full potential and became the person God wanted him to be, that is, a mighty warrior for God. Judges 6:11-18 tells us: The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” 48

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“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” Gideon replied, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me.18 Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you. And the Lord said, “I will wait until you return.” NIV. The Lord used Gideon mightily to accomplish His purposes. Your unrealized potentials can only be discovered in God as you trust Him and cast out every fear from your life. Remember, He does not call the qualified, but qualifies the called. Your Fertile Ground This refers to the places and people God is calling you to impact, as well as the destiny helpers He will give to you as you walk in your purpose. As you walk with God, you will learn to discern the atmosphere and personalities 49

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that propel you towards your purpose. There are certain relationships that won’t benefit you, in fact, they can become a hindrance to your success. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Galatians 6:8 - NKJV. To reap the things of the spirit, you must sow to the Spirit. You must invest quality time in studying God’s word. You must steward the seed of your purpose to ensure it grows and yields abiding fruits for God. You must be ready in and out of season to receive spiritual impartation and to give also. God will bring some useful alliances into your life. You need to learn to recognize them accurately. Remember, God makes all things beautiful in His time. He has an appointed time for everything. Therefore, wait on Him for the right opportunities. Do not grow weary but remain faithful. Keep sowing and seeking God for a daily refueling in His presence. Your ears will grow sharp and you will hear God clearly. God will position and prepare you for the great works He is calling you to. He will cause you to be greatly favored. He will give you the good of the land as you wait on Him and trust Him continually.

Walking In Purpose

Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up My hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. Isaiah 49:22 – KJV. Do not despise the days of small beginnings. Be faithful in the small things He gives you. Over time, He will surely entrust bigger things into your care. All you need is a seed; one that will be planted in good soil. Invest in other people and be investable too. Mark 4:3-9 tells us the conclusion of the matter: Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold. And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” NKJV.

Path to Purpose

Stepping Out in Faith God works through all situations to fulfil His purpose. Hard times can make it difficult to see God’s purpose, especially when we only feel pain and grief. Many times we don’t want to be reminded that God is working our difficulty for our good. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 – NIV. If we practice living our lives with the mindset that God is working things out for us, we can have a smoother transition in accepting this truth in the hard places. “But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you My power and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Exodus 9:16 – NIV. In Luke 5:4-11, we see a typical example of one who is afraid to step out, even when the Lord says to do so. The disappointments and failures of the past stand in the way of pure obedience to the Lord’s command. When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such 52

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a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. NTL. It is time to step out in faith to possess your possession. You are truly one of a kind. God has an original purpose for your life.

It is time to step out in faith to possess your possession.

You are truly Your destiny-defining moments one of a kind. will take place in the mundane things of your life. May the Lord enable you to discern those moments, as those moments will take place when you least expect it and in an instance of a moment. Scripture admonishes us to be alert. Watch and Pray!

In the book of 1 Kings 19, we see that Elisha’s destinydefining moment happened very quickly. Elisha was 53

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plowing the field when Elijah the prophet passed by and put his mantle on him. There was no ceremony or special service held. Walking in your purpose is not about your plan; it is about His; it is about a shift in the spirit where you move from walking in the ordinary to walking in the extraordinary; it is about allowing God to take the wheel of your life so He can steer it along the path of life He has ordained for you from the beginning of time. He wants to bring you to your expected end. “But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Exodus 9:16 – NKJV. The Lord says to you today, through His word in Isaiah 55:8-13: My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your way and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. 54

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You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers, the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever. NKJV. “So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6 – NKJV.

Path to Purpose

Beloved Daughter of Zion, With God on your side, nothing shall be impossible for you. For He that comes to the Lord must first believe that He is and will do exactly what He has promised. His desire is to see his children prosper in all that He commits into their care. It is all for His glory and He wants to be glorified again and again. We pray that you will now determine to embark on the journey to discovering the purpose for which you were placed on this earth and for you to arise to fulfil it, in Jesus name. May the Lord cause your joy to be full in His presence forevermore. Amen.

21 Days to Purpose

21 Days Journey to Purpose In these 21 days of praying, fasting, and earnestly studying the Word of God, you will claim your purpose. You will journal through your experience to record what God is saying to you along this journey. These journal entries will serve as a reminder in the days to come, and also as a memorial unto God. Why 21 Days? Just as Daniel fasted for 21 days and received an understanding of the vision from the Lord, our prayer is that you also will receive clarity of your purpose as you humble yourself to pray to the living God. In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, but the appointed time was long; and he understood the message, and had understanding of the vision. In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Daniel 10:1-3 – NKJV.

Path to Purpose

Daily Devotionals & Prayer Guides

21 Days to Purpose

Day 1 Repent of sin in your life, including the sin of disobedience and unbelief. Ask God to forgive and have mercy on you. Scriptures: Psalm 32:5; James 4:7-10; Proverbs 28:13; Jeremiah 3:13.

My Prayer Points