Divine Purpose: Embracing Our Unique Journey with God
Summary
Reflecting on the journey of life, it's evident that God orchestrates every moment with purpose and intention. My story is a testament to this divine orchestration. From the courageous men who reached out to my father, inviting him to play basketball and ultimately leading him to Christ, to the series of personal tragedies and challenges I faced growing up, each event was a part of God's grand design. These experiences, though painful at times, were not accidents. They were divinely appointed moments that shaped my understanding of God and my purpose in life.
Growing up in a Chinese Baptist Church, I didn't initially grasp the depth of a relationship with Jesus. It wasn't until later in life, after personal pursuit and prayer, that I truly experienced God's presence and purpose. This realization was profound, as it highlighted the importance of seeking God personally, beyond the rituals and routines of church life. The passage from Acts 17 reminds us that God has predetermined our times and places so that we might seek Him and find Him. This truth is echoed in Jeremiah 1, where God tells Jeremiah that He knew him before he was formed in the womb, appointing him for a specific purpose.
This understanding brings a sense of security and courage. We are not accidents; we are created with intention and for a purpose. Each of us has unique gifts and roles to play in God's kingdom. It's crucial to embrace this truth and live out our God-given purpose with confidence, knowing that God is with us and has equipped us for the tasks He has set before us.
Key Takeaways:
- Divine Orchestration: Every event in our lives, whether joyful or painful, is part of God's divine plan. He orchestrates our lives with purpose, using even the smallest actions to fulfill His greater plan. This understanding brings peace and assurance that we are not accidents but are intentionally created for a purpose. [07:27]
- Personal Pursuit of God: It's essential to seek a personal relationship with God beyond the rituals and routines of church life. True understanding and experience of God come when we pursue Him earnestly, allowing Him to reveal Himself to us in profound ways. [22:27]
- Unique Purpose: Each of us is uniquely created with specific gifts and roles in God's kingdom. Embracing our uniqueness and living out our God-given purpose with confidence is crucial, knowing that God has equipped us for the tasks He has set before us. [30:28]
- Courage in Calling: God calls us to live out our purpose with courage, unafraid of the challenges or opposition we may face. He assures us of His presence and support, empowering us to fulfill our calling with boldness and faith. [38:45]
- Generational Impact: Our actions and faithfulness can have a lasting impact on future generations. Just as those who reached out to my father influenced my life, we too can influence others, leading them to Christ and shaping their understanding of God. [09:20]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - A Father's Journey to Faith
[01:04] - Childhood Challenges and Loss
[03:31] - Finding Safety in the Church
[05:08] - The Power of Small Acts
[06:33] - God's Predetermined Plan
[08:22] - Living with Purpose
[10:08] - Family and Adoption
[11:19] - Church Experience and Understanding
[14:10] - The Chinese Church Experience
[15:42] - Embracing Life's Miracles
[18:55] - Personal Pursuit of Jesus
[23:04] - A Time Alone with God
[26:14] - Jeremiah's Calling and Our Purpose
[30:28] - Embracing Uniqueness and Purpose
[38:45] - Courage in Our Calling
[41:21] - Pursuing God Personally
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 17:24-27
2. Jeremiah 1:4-5
3. Ephesians 2:8-10
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#### Observation Questions
1. According to Acts 17:24-27, what does it mean that God has "predetermined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place"? How does this relate to the idea of divine orchestration in the sermon? [06:33]
2. In Jeremiah 1:4-5, God tells Jeremiah that He knew him before he was formed in the womb. How does this passage illustrate the concept of a unique purpose as discussed in the sermon? [24:22]
3. The sermon mentions a personal pursuit of God beyond church rituals. What examples from the pastor's life illustrate this pursuit? [18:55]
4. How does the pastor describe the impact of small acts of faith, like the men who invited his father to play basketball? [05:08]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of divine orchestration in Acts 17:24-27 provide comfort or challenge to someone facing difficult life circumstances? [06:33]
2. What does Jeremiah 1:4-5 suggest about God's involvement in our lives before we are even born? How might this influence one's understanding of their personal calling? [24:22]
3. The pastor shared his journey of coming to know God personally. How does this reflect the importance of moving beyond religious rituals to a genuine relationship with God? [18:55]
4. Reflect on the generational impact mentioned in the sermon. How can understanding this concept influence one's actions and decisions today? [09:20]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like an accident or without purpose. How does the idea of divine orchestration change your perspective on that experience? [07:27]
2. What are some practical steps you can take to pursue a personal relationship with God beyond church rituals? Consider setting a specific goal for this week. [22:27]
3. Identify a unique gift or talent you have. How can you use this gift to serve God's kingdom and live out your God-given purpose with confidence? [30:28]
4. Think of a small act of faith you can perform this week that might have a lasting impact on someone else's life. What is it, and how will you carry it out? [05:08]
5. Consider a challenge or opposition you are currently facing. How can the assurance of God's presence and support empower you to face it with courage? [38:45]
6. Reflect on the generational impact of your actions. What is one way you can positively influence the next generation in your family or community? [09:20]
7. How can you create a safe space for others, similar to how the church was a safe place for the pastor during his childhood? What specific actions can you take to foster this environment? [03:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Orchestration in Life's Journey
Every event in our lives, whether joyful or painful, is part of God's divine plan. He orchestrates our lives with purpose, using even the smallest actions to fulfill His greater plan. This understanding brings peace and assurance that we are not accidents but are intentionally created for a purpose. Recognizing this divine orchestration allows us to see our lives through a lens of faith, trusting that God is weaving a beautiful tapestry from the threads of our experiences. [07:27]
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a challenging event in your life. How can you see God's hand in orchestrating it for a greater purpose?
Day 2: Pursuing a Personal Relationship with God
It's essential to seek a personal relationship with God beyond the rituals and routines of church life. True understanding and experience of God come when we pursue Him earnestly, allowing Him to reveal Himself to us in profound ways. This pursuit requires intentionality and a desire to know God intimately, moving beyond mere religious practices to a vibrant, personal faith. [22:27]
"But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deuteronomy 4:29, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can deepen your personal relationship with God this week?
Day 3: Embracing Your Unique Purpose
Each of us is uniquely created with specific gifts and roles in God's kingdom. Embracing our uniqueness and living out our God-given purpose with confidence is crucial, knowing that God has equipped us for the tasks He has set before us. This understanding encourages us to celebrate our individuality and to use our gifts to serve others and glorify God. [30:28]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one unique gift or talent you have. How can you use it to serve others this week?
Day 4: Courage in Fulfilling Your Calling
God calls us to live out our purpose with courage, unafraid of the challenges or opposition we may face. He assures us of His presence and support, empowering us to fulfill our calling with boldness and faith. This courage is rooted in the knowledge that God is with us, guiding and strengthening us as we step out in faith. [38:45]
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to step out in courage? How can you rely on God's strength to do so?
Day 5: Generational Impact of Faithfulness
Our actions and faithfulness can have a lasting impact on future generations. Just as those who reached out to my father influenced my life, we too can influence others, leading them to Christ and shaping their understanding of God. This generational impact reminds us of the importance of living faithfully and intentionally, knowing that our lives can inspire and guide others in their spiritual journeys. [09:20]
"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4, ESV)
Reflection: Who is one person in your life you can mentor or influence spiritually? What step can you take today to invest in their faith journey?
Quotes
I just remember those days and I think, gosh, that was my safe place as a kid. And eventually my brother, you know, he had run home by then and then I got in trouble for running away. He didn't even get in trouble. I got in trouble. I'm like, how's that work? [00:04:10]
I owe a lot to my upbringing. I owe a lot to the foundation that was laid for me there. And during worship it hit me I really owe a lot to those men who 60 years ago invited someone to play basketball with them. And I was just thinking about that. [00:04:47]
The God Who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of Heaven and Earth, he doesn't live in temples made by man nor is he served by human hands as though he needed anything cuz he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. [00:06:03]
He determined when I was going to be born. See somehow in God's mind he knew those men would talk to my dad as a kid. He knew that was going to happen. He set that up. He had him love this game and he had these men have enough courage to reach out to him. [00:07:27]
I pursued him. I started reading his word for myself. See when I was a kid I was forced to go to church. I had to go to church. I had no choice. Even my stepmom made us go. I remember me and my brother would pretend we're dead asleep when it's time for church. [00:19:06]
When I began to pursue God, I mean I really experienced him. He's real, he's real. But it was almost like I had to get them to believe in Jesus in spite of the church because all I remember as a kid I remember being sad when our church split. [00:12:40]
I was created for a reason, for a purpose. And some of you here today, which even in this building, it was great talking to Justin about this church and hearing that you're Gathering Believers in here and it seems like something is happening and I praise God for that. [00:15:03]
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. Before you were born I consecrated you. I appointed you a prophet to the Nations. That verse was so weird to me. It's the way it's phrased in verse 5 before. Think about this. This is God speaking in Jeremiah. [00:26:40]
I always knew that I was created by God but just it's just this further assurance that I'm not an accident, that I was made for a purpose. There's a reason I'm designed a certain way because we've all had those moments right where you look in the mirror. [00:30:18]
I thank God for and all the other kids were doing their thing. I was like man my parents are dead. I don't know when my time is. Let me make the most of this day. Let me figure out where I'm going to be when I die. I needed to have answers at an early age. [00:35:58]
I hope you leave here with a greater Security in him but it's only going to happen when you pursue him and has nothing to do with your parents, nothing to do with anyone else, your husband, your wife but you at the core of your being want to know your ABA father. [00:41:21]
I just thank you for the security I feel tonight, confidence just knowing you made me to do things like this. You made me to speak to this crowd specifically this week and it was all in your plan. God thank you for giving those guys courage to talk to my dad. [00:42:10]
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