Created for Purpose

2 Corinthians 5:1-5

"Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come" (vs. 5).

For this very purpose. Have you wondered, "What is my purpose for being?" Yes, of course. We all have and do from time to time; and it is right that we do - for then we are positioned to seek. To seek God. God is so good, for throughout Scripture we can read some of the purposes for which we were created. And, by the Holy Spirit, we can be told, guided, and directed into the fulfillment of our purpose! It is heard said, "I wish there was an instruction manual to life!" There is! It is not blow by blow, detail by detail - it is written in such a way that each person can read it, meditate on it, study it, and ask the Holy Spirit to interpret for and empower each one of us into the general and specific purpose God has! Yes, the manual of Life is the Bible. The Holy Spirit is it's interpreter.

What is one purpose Paul speaks to in this portion of Scripture? He tells us in the preceding verses. We who are born-again are moaning and groaning with longing. Do you moan with longing? Perhaps you even are able to put a descriptor on your longing. You might say it is for a particular person, or for there to be a particular person in your life. You might say it is for a particular occupation or a $ amount in performing your particular occupation. You might say it is to be rid of some menacing thought, feeling, or habit that controls you.

Whatever label we put on our longings, if we follow the root of it - it is "to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling!" We who are saved, long to be face to face with our Savior! To be rid of this mortal body - which is dying! Which has aches, pains, needs, and ailments! Which prevents us from being totally free! This earth bound life! Each one of us was created to live with God forever in His dwelling! "Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose...!"

I am confident that each one of you, if you are honest (with yourself) and others - has moments when you think, "I was made for greatness! I was made for something better than this!" Some of us may even be striving, strategizing, seeking to position ourselves for greatness. The truth is, at the core of this thought...is reality! You really were created for greatness! So was the person you are looking at! How much greater can it get than to live face to face with the Creator of all that exists?!

In the meantime, "Lord I pray that for each one of us - You would help us realize the greatness for which You have created and called us. Lord, each one of us have gifts that were given by You, and You intend for us to live out of them...which will bring You Honor, will be for our good, and for the good of others. Then one day, a day that only You know, You will take each of us to be with You face to face, forever. These mortal bodies, will turn to immortality, death will be swallowed up with Life, and our longing, will finally be 100% fulfilled! Until then Lord, help each one of us to experience Your Presence within us and all around us. Help us to know, develop, and fulfill the gifts You've given each one of us. Thank You so much Lord. We love You. Thank You for Loving us."