2 Timothy 1:9

Jesus saved us and called us with a holy calling. Young, old, and in between, when we are saved, He gives us a holy calling. It has NOTHING to do with our works. This calling is according to His OWN purpose and grace. Each of us has the privilege of being granted a purpose, from Jesus, “from all eternity.”  

Do I have to know God's purpose for my life and all the details?  No!  Since it is from Him, we simply have to trust Him. We do not have to strive for a purpose He grants it.  It is from Him. Our part is to live daily in relationship with Him, serving where we can, loving others, reading His Word, and talking to Him and listening.

At the end of our lives, we may know where He had us serve, but the purpose of our lives must be left with Him. You will live it out if you love and obey Him daily, but we may never see His eternal big picture concerning our lives. That big picture does exist, but our daily task is to walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8).

Rest in Jesus and don’t strive for purpose. Trust His plan, which He is working out daily in your life as you follow Him. Maybe it will be revealed in heaven, but know this: it is a GOOD purpose and plan, granted by the One who died for you and rose again!

Group/Family Discussion Questions

• Discuss the differences between striving and resting.
• Read 2 Timothy 1:9 out loud. What encourages you most in that scripture?
• What is lacking in “our works”?

Personal Questions

• Who have you determined is responsible when you strive?
• One of the definitions of humbly is “ingloriously.” Why is that a good definition for the Micah 6:8 “humbly”?

Remember the activity that is often called “Trust”?  You have on a blindfold, and someone leads you around, and you are supposed to trust them not to lead you into a wall or somewhere dangerous. Usually, you walk cautiously, not too fast, and feel a little hesitant.  For this activity today, use your imagination.  Picture Jesus leading you.  You can let caution and hesitancy go! You are being led by the One who died for you, loves you with an eternal unconditional love, and will be careful with you. In real life, the Lord does lead people into challenging situations and difficulties, but always with HIS eternal good plan in mind.  So we want to intentionally keep our hand in His hand, in all circumstances, at all times, and let Him lead.  He directs us according to His purpose and grace, and there is no one we can more fully trust!

Help me to rest in You, and “let striving cease.” Thank You again for dying on the cross for me and for rising again. Those truths, those acts of love and power, have changed my life forever!  You are working out Your eternal purpose for my life.  Help me obey You and walk humbly with You every day. Thank You, Lord. Amen.