David Fulfilled His Purpose By Os Hillman

"For David...served the purpose of God in his own generation" (Acts 13:36 NASB) 

Imagine for a moment that you have just died and you are about to come before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Jesus is speaking to his angel about you. He then says these words: "Janice served the purpose of my Heavenly Father for her generation." 

Will God be able to say you served your purpose in your generation? Imagine being able to say that. God was able to say this about the life of David, even though David made some incredibly bad choices in his life that led to long term consequences. However, because David repented each time he erred, his purpose was accomplished on earth as God had designed it. 

One of the prayers I often pray for people whenever I'm asked to pray for them is this; "Lord, may you fulfill every purpose for which you made them. May there be no inheritance left on the table that he/she is entitled to." 

That is really the definition of success. Success is fulfilling the complete purpose for which God made you. It has nothing to do with wealth, accomplishments, stature in life, or standard of living. It has to do with living a life of obedience to the Father. And when we live a life of obedience to the Father, we will fulfill the purposes that God had in mind when he made you and me. 

In 1924, Eric Liddle, a Scottish Olympic runner who's life was chronicled in a movie entitled Chariots of Fire, was challenged by his missionary sister to forego running in the Olympics in lieu of going to China with her as a missionary. He responded by saying, "When I run I feel His (God's) pleasure. I was made to run and I was made to be a missionary too." Eric understood his complete purpose for his generation. As a result, he brought glory to the Father through his running and his missionary service.

Today, ask God to fulfill His purposes for your life in your generation. 

Insight:

True. Success is actually not a matter of self-fulfillment, prestige, wealth, fame, or any earthly pleasures/treasures. It's simply fulfilling God's purpose in your life-no matter how difficult or easy it may seem; no matter how much you have given up or sacrificed things, no matter how much you suffered or enjoyed things. As King Solomon concluded about life in the book of Ecclesiastes, "That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad." Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

Now, the challenge for all of us is to seek God and seek His purpose in our life. It is only through abiding, obeying, and trusting Him shall we fulfill His plans for our life. I know it's not that easy, but by God's grace, we can be the best person God wants us to be.