Finding Purpose

Posted on May 3, 2021 by locklearchuck

Have you ever felt “goaded” into something. The word goad is not commonly used today. The phrase “kicking against the goads” refers to the practice of farmers goading their oxen in the fields. A goad is a spiked stick for driving cattle or oxen. It directs their work and provides purpose. What is your purpose?

A Good Example

Sometimes the ox would kick at the goad. When this happened, the goad would stab into the flesh and the pain would remind the animal of its purpose. The Apostle Paul is a good example of someone who was being goaded. God got his attention on the road to Damascus. “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads” (Acts 26:14).

All of Paul’s life God had been goading him in the direction of his purpose. However, Paul was resisting God’s purpose, trying to do what he thought was best for his life. Perhaps, this is how many of us respond to life. Are you directing your time and energy into pursuing your own desires? Perhaps, it is time to stop “kicking against the goads.”

Surrender

When we surrender and open our hearts to God’s purpose, he will make his calling clear. After Paul had been blinded by the light, God said to him, “Now get up and stand on your feet. . . I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light . . . so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:16-18).

For me, I have been called to more than one purpose over my lifetime. I was called to teach Sunday school when I was 17 years old. . . and I did that faithfully. Perhaps, my greatest calling has been as a father. In this calling, I have made the greatest difference in this world. My legacy lives on in my children and grandchildren. People that have experienced the love of God are shining light into the darkness of our world. My work was a calling. I have been an educator, a principal, and a pastor. In each of these roles I have pursued God’s purpose and daily asked for God’s direction.

How Powerful is Faith?

On one occasion, Jesus taught his disciples saying, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20).

I can hear you thinking, “Easy for him to say. He is the son of God.” “I’ve not seen any mountains moving in my life.” We all experience tragedies and hardships in life that can challenge our faith. The truth is, to some degree, we are all affected by a lack of faith. This reminds me of the story in the Gospel of Mark where Jesus healed a little body at the request of his father. The father pleaded with Jesus saying, “If you can, please heal my son.” Jesus’ response is amazing:

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. I can almost hear the sarcasm in Jesus’ voice. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9: 23-24)

Decision

Make the decision to be all in. Hear the voice of God today and say, “Yes, Lord.” Maybe you don’t know exactly what that means, but, don’t worry, he will make it clear to you. You just have to surrender. It starts with a simple, “Yes.” God has a purpose for you.

Also, see With God All Things Are Possible.