Midweek Message by Pastor Andrew Van Kuren, Campbell County Christian Church
Many people do not understand what destiny is, why it is important, and whether they are fulfilling it. The natural question is, “What is my destiny and how do I know I am fulfilling it?” To begin with, let us define biblical destiny. Biblical destiny is the original designed life calling for which God has planned and ordained us to do. When we pursue our destiny in Christ, we bring glory to God and we expand His Kingdom. Mature Christians understand that God has uniquely designed them as His masterpieces to do good works (Psalms 139:13-18).
There are good-hearted people that feel as though their life is pointless. Many people move from one circumstance to the next without purpose. When people do not live with the sense that God has given them a divine purpose in life, they become depressed. There are a lot of depressed people in this world!
A person’s destiny always starts with the place of God in their life. If a person wants to find their destiny, God must occupy the central place in their heart, mind, and actions (Deuteronomy 6:5).
As we are told in Proverbs 3:5-7, we are to trust in God with all our hearts, lean not on our own understandings, acknowledge Him, He will straighten our paths, be humble, fear Him, and turn away from evil (paraphrasing). As we obey and serve the Lord, He will make His purpose clear for us. This is the point when people lament to me about not knowing their biblical destiny, I ask them, “Are you all in with God?” Meaning, have you told him, “use me and send me wherever you want – whenever you want.” Are you willing to give up everything you have in order to pick up your cross and follow him, no matter what and no matter where He sends you? Often the honest answer is “no.” Then of course you will not know your destiny in Christ.
Your personal fear stops you from being all you can be in Christ. As the Apostle Paul points out in Romans 12:4-8, when some members do not fulfill their God-given destiny, then the body (church) cannot function. Serving the purposes of God is at the very heart of destiny. God has prepared your customized destiny and it awaits you or you are living it out. So, how do you know if you are living out your God given destiny? It is by the impact you have on others. “For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep.” (Acts 13:36). We will all die and the only thing we will leave behind is the eternal impact we have made on others. Each member of the body of Christ has a unique role to play. In order to fulfill your own destiny, you do not have to be a missionary, pastor, or priest. You just need to trust, obey, and be Christ-like in your every day life. Amen.
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