Grab opportunity by the mane and don’t let go! Mark Batterson, The Lion Chaser’s Manifesto, Chase the Lion
Purpose is not about getting what you want.
I believe, many of us chase opportunity thinking that, “If I can just get this certain opportunity, or opening, or breakthrough in my present circumstance… then, I will have my shot.”
Or, we believe, “I can’t chase my purpose because I’ve already blown all my chances.” We think, “I could have… BUT, my fear held me back, or these unfair circumstances hemmed me in, or I was plagued with so many doubts and so much insecurity, I lost my chance.”
Does any of this sound familiar?
If it does, then please, plant this seed deep in your heart:
Chasing our purpose is not about getting what we want.
Seizing our purpose is about giving God what He wants.
God-ordained opportunity
It is important to remember that God has what the Bible calls, set times, or appointed times.
Honestly? I believe “chasing our purpose” is wrapped up more, in our obedience and surrender, than it is finding or achieving the “perfect opportunity.”
God is never stuck for an answer–no matter what the difficulty.
I have had moments in my life where I thought, “No way is this going to work.” and then… suddenly, everything shifts, and where there once stood mountains and complete impossibilities, there now stood an open door that I simply had to step through.
I look up to the mountains and hills, longing for God’s help. But then I realize that our true help and protection come only from the Lord,
our Creator who made the heavens and the earth. He will guard and guide me, never letting me stumble or fall. God is my keeper; he will never forget nor ignore me. He will never slumber nor sleep; he is the Guardian-God for his people, Israel. Jehovah himself will watch over you; he’s always at your side to shelter you safely in his presence. He’s protecting you from all danger both day and night. He will keep you from every form of evil or calamity as he continually watches over you. You will be guarded by God himself. You will be safe when you leave your home and safely you will return. He will protect you now, and he’ll protect you forevermore! Psalm 121 ~ The Passion Translation
God’s purposes are often wrapped in an enigma
I googled the word “enigma” and this is what it said: a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.
So often, our purpose comes wrapped up just this way, and we can’t discern between our mountains and our molehills.
(By the way, all our mountains are molehills to God!)
Maybe this will add some clarity.
I was reading my little daily devotional Abba Calling recently, and I found this enlightening gem on PURPOSE:
Frenzied Fighter: My ways are not your ways. Again, I’m showing you a path you would have shunned, given the opportunity…
Today I want you to see your purpose as I see it. Significance doesn’t come from being seen. In our Kingdom, significance comes from being sent. Your work is not in vain. What you call of waste of time on this mission I call a part of the plan. You would not understand the reason behind it, even if I were to explain it, until you have walked through it. Believe me! There is no other choice. But you will be glad–soon.
Tight spots and yucky circumstances
I don’t especially like this but God often places us in puzzling and unpleasant circumstances that we would gladly avoid.
(I know, “Yuck!)
I am there now.
And, believe me, I am not liking it much!
So… I passionately commiserate with you if you are reading the above words like some hammer to your heart’s desires.
These are not the words I wanted to hear right now either!
In fact, I have recently been repeating in my own heart, “This is just impossible God!”
Tight spots? Yeah, they suck!
But God…
Those are our crucial words my roaring-eagles:
But God… can make a way out of no way. [Daniel 6: 16-23]
But God… can part impassible seas. [Exodus 14: 13-14]
But God… can mow down any mountain. [Zechariah 4:6-7]
But God… says, “YOU were born for such a time as this.” [Esther 4: 14]
Right now? Your PURPOSE may be a puzzle, wrapped up in a mystery, surrounded by an enigma.
(Probably NOT what you wanted to hear.)
Believe me, I feel your pain!
But no matter what the risks?
No matter how rickety the path looks?
If it is God?
Then it is, right!
Victory right now
Who can say what tomorrow will bring, eh?
How do you know what is going to happen tomorrow? For the length of your lives is as uncertain as the morning fog—now you see it; soon it is gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we shall live and do this or that.” Otherwise you will be bragging about your own plans, and such self-confidence never pleases God. James 4: 14-16 TLB
So, let us both, embrace surrender and obedience in the places where we are. Let us, once again, release all our unpleasant difficulties to a God of perfect timing. And let us, seize every opportunity, to pursue only God’s purpose and plan for us.
When we answer…
His call, in His time, to His place, for our God-destined purpose?
Our God-ordained opportunities will be there to meet us.
We shall achieve our greatest victories, and someday will hear His, “Well done good and faithful servant.” (And, isn’t that the point of it all, really?)
Our Lion of Judah is never stuck for an answer, right eagles?
So, even in that tight spot? Chase the Lion!
“Your greatest regret at the end of your life will be the lions you didn’t chase. You will look back longingly on risks not taken, opportunities not seized, and dreams not pursued. Stop running away from what scares you most and start chasing the God-ordained opportunities that cross your path.” ~ Mark Batterson
Women With Destiny 