Puzzling Purpose?

“Peter was very perplexed; what could the vision mean? Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said, “Three men have come looking for you.” Acts 10:17a, 19 (NLT).

In life’s journey, we can feel like discovering God’s specific purpose or calling for us is a bit like building a complex puzzle. The good news is that you don’t need to go alone as a puzzler. The Holy Spirit leaves clues and whispers directions to us.

Like a puzzler solving a 3000-piece puzzle, Peter may have had glimpses of what the vision meant, but he needed the gaps to be filled out before he could see the whole picture. Only the Holy Spirit could help him unravel the mystery of the vision.

There are often several similar pieces in a large puzzle, but if you look closely, each has something distinct in the cut. When a child has worked at a puzzle for too long and fatigue or boredom sets in, they may be tempted to press a piece into a space that’s a close fit even though they see it pops out easily. A piece forced into the wrong spot in a puzzle prevents the right piece that should fit around that spot from staying in place. Although we may be reluctant to remove that wrong piece, knowing that it may be a long wait until we have clarity regarding where it actually fits, the satisfaction of eventually finding the right spot for it makes us realize that the wait was well worth it!

Cornelius didn’t know Christ, yet he was religious and devout, prayed diligently, and had a reputation as a God-fearing man. How long had he prayed diligently and waited patiently for answered prayer? Did he know he was missing something? Although we’ve not been told the answers to these questions, we know Cornelius stayed the course.

I believe part of God’s purpose for Cornelius was to influence his family and many others to live lives dedicated to Him. At an appointed time, Cornelius had an angelic vision; his prayers had come up as a memorial before God; this would eventually change his and his household’s eternity!!! Peter, who already knew Christ, still benefitted from Cornelius, who didn’t yet know Christ. God corrected Peter’s flawed thinking before sending him to tell Cornelius about Christ.

Cornelius exemplifies God’s willingness to use extraordinary means to reach those who desire to know Him. God also uses extraordinary means to lead us into His purpose / calling for us.

Can I expect Holy Spirit’s direction on my purpose?

The Lord has already given us clues to our purpose.

His yoke is easy, and His burden is light Matthew 11:30.

What comes easy for you?

What are you passionate about?

What do others say about you; what do they tell you you’re good at?

These often relate to purpose and calling. As you continue with diligence to develop your God-given gifts, Holy Spirit will reveal to you how these clues and puzzle pieces come together at various seasons of your life. Stay the course.

“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29

I believe it requires more “work” to miss our purpose than it does to fulfill it.

It is never too late to step into purpose and calling. In some ways, we will continue to step into various aspects of this throughout our entire life.

When God created you, He sealed His purpose in your heart without an expiry date.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made in Your image and can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Thank you for Your precious thoughts toward me; how vast is the sum of them! (Psalm 139:17). You pre-planned my days even before you created me. Your plans are to prosper me and give me hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). I completely trust Your leading as you continue to unfold and fulfill Your purpose and calling in me. Thank you, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.