What is Man Made For

 Have you ever heard a someone say "you have a great destiny" or "God has a purpose for your life"?
Sounds good doesn't it?  Don't we all like to have a since of purpose and destiny? While these statements have some truth to them, they also hold a bit of danger. Let me explain.  Often times there are preachers that use the gospel of Jesus Christ to manipulate people.  They preach that "godliness is a means of gain" Philippians 4 all to fill their on bellies.  They tell people what they want to hear and just as satan did with Eve they use a bit of truth.

 The truth is man is made for God not the other way around.  Your destiny and purpose is all tied to glorifying Jesus Christ not to build your own kingdom or get that new car or house or job or ministry.  When man has an earthly perspective on things hard times come and they curse God.  Don't get me wrong.  God is a good God and gives good gifts to men; however, He is more interested in being glorified not being a Santa Clause.  

 Your purpose here on earth is to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever.  Don't be trapped by things that moth and rust will destroy.

Colossians 1:15-18

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ¹⁶ For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. ¹⁷ And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. ¹⁸ And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

Let the Pain Do Its Work

Romans 12:12

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹² rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 

We go through times as believers when heaven seems shut up and there is no end in sight of the pain and suffering we experience.  There are days when we don't even want to get out of bed and we began to question God and our faith.   Paul tells us here in Romans to be patient in tribulation.  This is no easy task as weeks and months and years pass. 

  Paul was no stranger to suffering. (see 2 Corinthians 11:24-33) He knew pain so deep he even despaired of life 2 Corinthians 1:8.  So the question his how and why did this godly man suffer so much and how did he make it through to receive his crown?

   First Paul desired to know Jesus above all else:

Philippians 3:10  that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 

  Second with Paul's great calling came with great revelation with this came great suffering to keep him humble.  2 Corinthians 12:7-10. 

  Finally Paul knew his suffering was not in vain.  

Romans 5

New King James Version (NKJV)

5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have^[a] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³ And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Take heart your suffering like Paul's is not in vain.  Let it do its work in your life that God has intended.  You will be bless and receive a crown.