FAITH CAPSULE: To be purposeful for the Lord is not an avenue of escape from tribulation.

Daniel 1:8-16, 6:16-21

Among definitions of purpose is, “the reason for which something exists or is done…” Going by this definition, it is worth to agree that, without purpose of heart, continuing with the Lord might be impossible for any acclaimed believer.  After the persecution of Stephen, those who scattered traveled as far as Antioch. The bible recorded that the hand of the Lord was with them and great number believed and turned to the Lord. Then the news came to the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. (Acts 11:19-22)

At Barnabas arrival he was glad with what he saw on ground. The bible documents it, “When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.  For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” (Acts 11:23-24)

Barnabas encouraged them with purpose of heart. It takes purpose of heart to continue with the Lord. Purpose of heart, that is, it takes understanding for man to know going after (serving, seeking) God is the reason of man’s existence. Without the full understanding that our existences if for us to serve God the tendency to lose focus and become derailed in the race of life is imminent.

However, to be purposeful for the Lord is not an avenue of escape from tribulation or challenges of this world but can possibly be an invitation for the enemy to attempt the life of the purposed ones. Through the pages of the bible, it is evident that most of all that were identified in the scripture that purposed for the Lord were also purposed by the devil for destruction. In the book of Daniel 1:8, “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies nor with wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that might he not defile himself” With the kind of step taken by Daniel, tribulation could not excuse him but he lived life from one tribulation to another tribulation. Above all, he was never a victim of any tribulation but always come out victorious. Being purposeful does not deliver him from tribulation but only made a way for Daniel to prevail during the times of his tribulation. Are you having a purpose heart for the Lord while tribulation is banging on you? Be encouraged, God is on your side and He will see you through. Remember, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:19) You are His and He will never forsake any one that purposes for Him.

Prayer for today: Ask God for the grace to be purposeful to him all through life.