Destiny is such a big word.
Powerful.
It immediately evokes an emotional response when I hear it. I think of boys becoming men. Princes becoming kings. Girls rising up to become women…strong women…princess warriors. I picture Russell Crowe in Robin Hood. I see Guinevere in King Arthur. I think of Rudy and Hoosiers and The Man From Snowy River.
Destiny is sweeping.
It is grand.
It is noble.
It is a bigger calling than the one being called ever fathomed.
I was reading Lamentations the other morning and this portion stood out at me:
She did not consider her destiny.
Lamentations 1:9 (NKJV)
Why? Because over the last few weeks, I had not considered my destiny.
My destiny had become buried under the pile of laundry spilling out of the bathroom. It was hidden behind the stacks of dishes that piled up because the dishwasher broke. I could not see it through the busyness of going back to work as a teacher, writing lesson plans, grading papers, helping the kids with their homework, and trying to manage money that didn’t want to stretch. For the last 6 weeks, my destiny had only been thought of on Sundays when I would let the tears fall and attempt to renew my own strength.
I can’t help but wonder how many of you have had similar experiences. Maybe it wasn’t over a prolonged time. Maybe it was that one decision you made without considering your destiny. That one compromise you and I thought would be no big deal, but it opened the door for an enemy foothold. Perhaps that opportunity we walked away from because we just didn’t have the time, yet we knew God was pulling at us to follow through with it.
Our destiny with Jesus is glorious. It is noble. It is grand. It is bigger than anything you and I could even think of. Not just corporately, as members of the body of Christ, but individually, as Rhonda and Jen and Polly. Each and everyone of us “girls” is destined to become women of God, princess warriors, valiant and strong in Christ Jesus. Our destiny is not to just muddle through this life but rather to live it fully. It will be difficult at times, but that difficulty only speaks of our destiny even more. Once on the other side of those times, when we have walked them with Christ, we realize how much we a part of a bigger plan, a bigger purpose. Whether it is the mama teaching Wednesday night children’s church or the widow, who at 94, is still going on mission trips, our destiny is in play.
Today, I challenge you (and myself) to consider your destiny. When things come up… arguments at home, trouble with the kids, situations at work… consider what you are called to. Let that be the driving force in both your action and you attitudes.
Father God, thank You for allowing us to be a part of what You are doing. Not just from the sidelines. Not just as members of our local church. Rather, as key players for the time in which we live. Thank You for the individual plans You have for each of us. Help us to remember You and Your plans when life strikes back. Bring to mind the calling we have as individuals. Holy Spirit, reignite the flame of destiny in our hearts. May it not be said we never considered it. By the grace and the power of Christ Jesus, amen.
About Rhonda Baker
amen – i think too often we forget who we are, and who we are called to be, and Who called us – His timing is perfect with this article in my life