Tag: Purpose

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GOD WITH US

woman wearing trench coat walking near a wall

In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses reiterates all the words, laws, decrees, and commands God spoke to the first generation of Israelites. The second generation would be expected to follow the Word of God and advance forward to receive the Promised Land. Chapter 19, verse 1 reads, “When the Lord your God has destroyed the nations whose land he is giving you, and when you have driven them out…” God is telling the Israelites that He will be with them and how to set cities aside for refuge. 

However, reading this first verse, I realized how God establishes a “two-fold” relationship between Himself and Israel. God is establishing a relationship that illustrates His authority and power with their calling, purpose, and assignment—ultimately, “godly living!” God’s character in His relationship with Israel is no different from that of the Christian believer today.  

grayscale photo of mother kissing her baby

As a chosen nation by God, Israel’s assignment was to take possession of the Promised Land that was spoken in covenant years ago to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This covenant would come to fruition centuries later as Moses addressed the people with God’s spoken word from four decades ago. Verse 1 of Deuteronomy 19 says, “God destroyed the nations, and the Israelites drove them out.”

  • God does the work; We obey, according to His Word!
  • God will be with you; You are not alone! 
  • God gets the glory; We get the victory!
  • God gives; We receive as we obey!
  • God is a promise keeper, even when we fail to keep our promise!

To continue strengthening the Israelites in preparation for battle, Moses reminded the people of God’s dominion, power, authority, and promise. Deuteronomy 20:1 states, “When you go to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots, and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you.” God tells the Israelites do not allow what you “see” to cause you to become fainthearted or afraid. Fear influences our hearts, thoughts, and actions. But God wanted the Israelites to trust, obey, and follow His commands. And this is the same mindset that Jesus Christ has for us today.  

Jesus tells us not to assume what we “see” is our reality. Yes! Your circumstance is real, but this is not your identity, future, fate, or life. God told the Israelites, “Do Not Be Afraid,” and I say that to you today as you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you – “Do Not Be Afraid!” 

Israel would SEE according to the Bible:

  • The Enemy
  • Horses
  • Chariots
  • Army

For us, it could be:

  • The enemy – attacks/tricks of deception
  • Physical/Mental/Emotional – problems, hurt
  • Financial instability – job loss, lack of resources, debt
  • Relationships – People (family, associations, friends)

We “see” these issues and assume this is our reality, believing our situation will never change. BUT GOD! The circumstances you are dealing with are not forever. Everything happens and ends at an appointed time. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV  Remember that if God delivered you before, He will do it again. 

God reminded the Israelites of how He saved them in Egypt. God is faithful, He doesn’t change, and His Word doesn’t return void but accomplishes what He set it to do.

  • God is Faithful!

“Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.” Isaiah 25:1 NIV

  • God doesn’t Change!

“But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” Psalms 102:27 NIV

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NIV

  • God’s Word doesn’t return void!

“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 NIV

So, remind yourself daily that “GOD IS WITH ME” when you follow His lead. And when you fall short, He will correct your course! GOD IS WITH YOU! How do I know God is with you and me as Christians today? Because He gave His one and only Son for you and me. 

  • God loved you before there was a You!
  • God saved you before there was a You!
  • Jesus died for you before there was a You!
  • God desires to dwell with You as You exist now!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 NIV

So, no matter what it looks like—enemies, horses, chariots, or an army greater than you—as was the Israelites, whatever that situation is in your life, “DO NOT BE AFRAID!” GOD WILL BE WITH YOU! Let this weekend of the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice, remind you that GOD IS WITH YOU!

~Be Blessed and receive His Peace in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ! Amen

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GOD GOES BEFORE YOU

“The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the Lord said.” Deuteronomy 31:3 NIV

 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

What confidence we have in Jesus Christ! The bold confidence we can have in Jesus Christ was my thought while reading the last chapters of Deuteronomy. In the previous chapters, Moses instructed the Israelites to cross over the Jordan River and take possession of the Promised Land. 

In Moses’ instructions, he states that God has said He will go before the Israelites and destroy the residing nations. God will “fight the battle” and “make preparation” before the Israelites move forward.

How “Awesome” is knowing that God will not only go before us but also make us successful. All He asks is that we LISTEN and OBEY to His WORD. 

When I read God’s Word on this day, what became apparent to me is that God will not only fight your battles and give you victory, but also God has planned our purpose and destination. Therefore, if we have confidence and assurance from God that He has planned our way, we can pursue that obstacle or desire with tenacity and boldness. 

“I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them on oath.” Deuteronomy 31:21 NIV

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16 NIV

The ending chapters of Deuteronomy illustrate how God went before the Israelites. God put the other nations in fear of the Israelites. The residing inhabitants were made aware of the power and greatness of God! 

“I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you.” Joshua 2:9 NIV

“When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” Joshua 2:11 NIV

Our Heavenly Father is so Powerful!!! God knows and can influence the hearts and minds of any human being because He created us. Therefore, believers in Jesus Christ should seek God willingly and daily so that we can walk in the path HE has graced for us, knowing without a shadow of a doubt that God has gone before us. 

 God goes before us, so we do not have to stress out!

 God goes before us, so we do not worry our minds thinking about the “how”!

 God goes before us because He knows and has established the right way!

 God goes before us, and His instructions tell us “what” to do!

 So, when thinking about your obstacle, next move, or plans, do not let it consume your mind or cause distress because God has already worked it out! Seek and you will find!!! (Matthew 7:7 NIV)

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Be Blessed, and Keep your eyes on Jesus, your Lord and Savior! Amen

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TAKE POSSESSION

“He also said to him, “I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it.”  Genesis 15:7 NIV

What has God given you possession of? In this scripture, God tells Abram that He has brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give him a greater land and future to take possession of. What specifically caught my attention were the words “give you” and “take possession”! 

So, what has God given you possession of?

What vision or desire has God given you but you have not taken possession of it? 

What is holding you back from receiving what God has for you?

I sometimes let fear, worry, doubt, laziness, or unpreparedness hinder my progress and motivation from possessing what God has already prepared for me! 

Sometimes things are easier said than done in our actions, but God is not an average, ordinary God. He can do exceedingly, abundantly more than we ask or think. 

 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20 NIV

There is nothing we can’t do with God’s guidance, direction, protection, provision, and love. Scripture reminds us that His Power works within us; therefore, we cannot fail with God on our side. What God has given you, you have the authority and permission to take possession of it. 

When God told Abram to take possession, that meant there had to be an action, movement, step, or position on the part of Abram. For Abram to receive it, he had to Believe in faith! And we are no different!!!

The step we take physically and/or spiritually demonstrates our “Trust” and “Faith” in God to move on our behalf. Do you believe? Have you moved? 


“But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.” Matthew 14:27-29 NIV

“According to your faith let it be done to you” Matthew 9:29 NIV

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV

So, what has God given you possession of? Abide in Him, Trust Him, and Move in faith with assurance to receive your God-given promise!

Be Blessed in the Glorified name of Jesus Christ, Amen~

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AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6,  NIV

“At just the right time!” These five simple words caught my attention and captivated my heart and mind. 

Everything God does is On Purpose, With Purpose, and For Purpose. God is an on-time God! In the heavenly realm, God does not keep up with a watch or clock, but we allow “time” to influence our actions, thoughts, and decisions here on earth.

“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” (2 Peter 3:8) NIV

Simple but profound, these five words compel me to submit my will for God’s Will. 

I say this because “at just the right time,” Christ entered the world through the Virgin Mary. 

“At just the right time,” Christ died for our sins so that we may receive grace and mercy. 

“At just the right time,” Christ rose from the dead and is living and interceding for us at the right hand of God. So, at just the right time, God will make a way for you and me! 

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18–19) NIV

Hence, everything on earth lives, moves, breathes, and has its being “at just the right time!” Nothing on earth happens unless it is spoken into manifestation by God. In the creation story, God said, 

“Let there be light, and there was light.”

“Let there be a vault between the waters to separate the sky from the water.”

“Let the water be gathered to one place so the dry ground can appear.” 

“Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land…” 

“Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night…”

“Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.”

“Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” 

“Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…”

“God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.”

God blessed them, and God has blessed YOU! You have a purpose; you have worth, and you are valuable to your Heavenly Father. He created you “at just the right time!” (Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26, 28–29, 31) NIV

Therefore, the creation story is enough to know that God is in control and everything will happen in your life “at just the right time.” So, whether you are worried, stressed, frustrated, weary, feared, disappointed, or any other negative emotion, do not succumb to those feelings and ways of thinking. God is with you and will deliver you “at just the right time!” 

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13) NIV

Prayer

Omnipotent God, who knows everything, thank you for knowing what is best for me and when the timing is right. I surrender to your Will and lay my burdens at your feet, believing that at just the right time, you will deliver, save, guide, protect, and provide for me. In Jesus Christ’s Name. Amen~

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Stay On Course

When I woke up this morning, I was in decision mode—reflecting on life’s obstacles and struggling to make the right decisions. It was time to run!!! Instead of running on the main road this morning, I decided to run on the trail. The trail always helps to clear my head and give me an objective perspective.

On the trail, I get to feel the cool breeze flowing through the trees. There are sections of sunlight and shade to protect me from the smoldering heat. The creek runs alongside the paved road with flowing water that streams down the rocks. And the sound of falling water provides a tranquil atmosphere that calms my mind. As I run, birds, squirrels, and rabbits are actively engaging in their natural habitat. What a beautiful view! 

As I ran on the trail, observing the formation of the path, God spoke these words to my heart “Stay On Course!” He revealed that I’m on a paved road with specific (mapped out) destinations as I run on the trail, but when I look to the right or the left, I see the untamed forest. If I go to the right or the left, I end up in the woods. There’s a possibility of running into wild animals, snakes, swap areas, or poison ivy in the woods. Venturing into the forest can prolong my journey by altering my course. However, when I stay on the paved trail, it’s as if I am walking a road that was laid out just for me, minimizing the unforeseen dangers. 

God revealed that our life’s journey is no different. According to His Will, when we stay on course, we receive grace, mercy, favor, provision, and peace on our journey. But the detours that we “choose” often promote anxiety, stress, confusion, delay, and discouragement.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

So today, as I choose to let God lead me in the right decisions and stay on His course, join me in trusting in the Lord, living with unwavering faith to believe that God will supply all your needs. 

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV

In the Mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen ~

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One Vision

One year ago, this very weekend, on Good Friday, I published my first book. It was an incredible feeling to accomplish a goal that manifested as a desire five years ago. I remember like it was yesterday signing the paperwork to put my stamp of approval on the final manuscript and giving the OK to publish the book and begin printing it.

Wow! My vision came to fruition! I dreamed of this day for five years. But before that, I never even saw myself as an author. This was God’s plan!

Since then, I have continued to write sporadically, but life has distracted my focus. Sometimes, life’s circumstances overwhelm and consume my days, causing me to push my dreams and desires to the back burner. Still, today God reminded me of this exhilarating one-year anniversary. Becoming an author and bringing His name glory during the holiest weekend, Easter!

HE reminded me to get back to that one vision-get back to writing! Don’t become inundated with what the world says is customary. Focus on where I am leading and guiding you. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus says, “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one…” Luke 10:41-42 NIV

He reminded me that my one vision will make room for other blessings. Just keep writing! “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” Proverbs 18:16 KJV

So I ask, what is your one vision?

What is hindering you from pressing forward?

Are you distracted because of the things going on around you?

Are you leaning to your own understanding?

My friend, God has given you everything you need! What is that ONE vision? Pray on the gift, make it plain, make a plan of action, and move on it in and with FAITH!

It does not take various avenues to accomplish your God-given vision. It only takes FOCUS! God will make the path straight and open the doors.

Today, as I am grateful for accomplishing my first published book, I am also reminded that I need to regain my focus and stay the course.

Join me in doing that today on this holiest weekend- Resurrection Sunday.

Thank you, Lord! I ask for a sound mind, focus, and commitment to my ONE Vision- not leading to my own understanding but trusting in you for your wisdom, guidance, and provision. In Jesus Christ’s name, ~Amen!

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Your Purpose

“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.” Matthew 26:39, 42, 44 NIV

As I read these scriptures, one word came to mind – “Purpose.” Jesus came to save us from our sins and die for us. His purpose was not only illustrated throughout the New Testament but also predestined and foretold within the Old Testament. 

As I reflected on “Matthew 26, The Garden of Gethsemane”, Jesus prayed to His Heavenly Father and asked “that this cup be taken away” three times. But, what’s more important is what was said next. Jesus stated that God’s Will be done and not his. Each time Jesus petitioned for his will, He concluded with God’s Will. 

I believe Jesus knew in his heart that His purpose and God’s plan was more significant than his immediate circumstance. Scripture tells us that Jesus held a heavy burden.

“Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Matthew 26:38 NIV

Do you think the burden was concerning His Purpose, His Will, or God’s Will? I would imagine all considering he knew what was to come through Him for us. However, Jesus took the straight path and didn’t turn to the right or left. He accepted God’s Will for his life. 

“So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” Deuteronomy 5:32–33 NIV

Reflection:

Whose Will is leading You?

How is your Plan working?

Are you praying for what you want, when you know what God has for you? 

What direction are you going to take with your “Free-will,” which, by the way, is not free?

You might say, “What is my purpose?” And, I would say, “Get connected to the source!” As you trust and lean on God, He will order your steps. 

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NIV

“Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” Jeremiah 10:23 NIV

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 NIV

Prayer

All-Knowing Father, thank you for ordering my steps. I ask for your help with listening and obeying to your Will for my life. I know that you created me to do great things, and I can only accomplish those things by surrendering to your Will. Please help me to fulfill my purpose today. In the awesome name of Jesus Christ! Amen~

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Is the Vision for Now or Later?

Running is such an inspiration for me because I can spend one-on-one time with God observing His creation.  During this intimate time with God, He always gives me a Word of revelation and encouragement.  As I worship His Holy name privately while running, God drops seeds of wisdom according to His Word instructing me how it applies to my life. 

After gaining discernment from the Lord, my goal is to let His wisdom transform my life personally, professionally, and spiritually.  Professionally, I get to share God’s wisdom through teaching.  God has given me the gift of teaching and during the day I have the honor and pleasure to teach Bible to preschoolers.  Each week we focus on a different biblical account from the Bible and this week we are focusing on the life of Joseph. 

Now, one evening after work, I decided to go running and as I was running I began to think about my discussion with the students and at that very moment God reminded me of Joseph’s dreams. 

“Joseph had a dream… He said to them, ‘Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.” (Genesis 37:5-7 NIV)

“Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brother. ‘Listen, he said, I had another dream, and this time the sun and the moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” (Genesis 37:9 NIV).      

The revelation God gave me was not so much wisdom for the content of Joseph’s dreams as much as it was the timing of his dreams.  Scripture tells us that Joseph had these dreams around the age of 17 but they did not come to fruition until he was a grown man.  So I ask you, “What vision has God given you and you are now using it years later?”

God gave me visions for writing about five years ago but I never took it seriously.  Years before the vision, I kept my God-revealed knowledge to myself.  In my quiet time with God, I would journal my thoughts and what I felt God was telling me.  I thought what God was telling me was only for me, but as my spiritual understanding blossomed, God placed the desires in my heart to write for others.    

But as my spiritual maturity was growing, my obedience toward the vision of writing was stagnant.  I felt inadequate because I was not a scholar or theologian with an accredited biblical background.  In addition, writing would expose my thoughts and individuality, thus taking me out of my comfort zone so I kept journaling.  As the years past, I created a blog website (as I have done again) and shared weekly devotional messages, but I was still slow to obey on writing a book or consistently.   

Then, through conviction this question can to mind, “When I gave you the vision did you feel as if you were supposed to use it now and since you did not, do you feel you were disobeying Me?”

For years I’ve had the desire to write a book, but I have allowed excuses to control my progress, which has caused me to feel as if I was disobeying God.  But today, God revealed my vision for writing in light of Joseph’s dreams.  Joseph’s dreams were for an appointed time and God’s predestined plan for his life would not come to fruition for several years later.  Joseph could have thought his dreams were to happen immediately or within the next couple of days or weeks.  But, little did Joseph know that he would go through so many test and trials before his God-ordained elevation. 

So, I have come to tell you and encourage you that God makes no mistakes.  What you may feel is disobedience toward your vision because you have not acted yet could be God’s plan. 

Maybe you have to grow, learn, and mature more! 

Maybe the atmosphere God wants you to impact is not ready!

Maybe God is getting rid of haters, enemies, or distractions!

“In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His Will.” (Ephesians 1:11 NIV)

What I learned is that what I thought was disobedience, or a mistake was God’s plan all along and the years it took for me to get to this point was preparation.  What was training back then is now battlefield work! 

Be Blessed in the Precious Name of Jesus Christ~ Amen    

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God is a God of Timing

“He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”  Ephesians 1:9-10 NIV

https://www.bible.com/bible/111/eph.1.9-10.niv

In Chapter 1 of Ephesians, Paul is speaking to the people of Ephesus, the newfound Christian believers in Jesus Christ.  Paul is reminding them that they are a chosen people predestined to accomplish good works for God!

As Paul shared this message over 2000 years ago with the people of Ephesus, this same message is prevalent for today’s Christian.  As I was reading verse 9 & 10, God gave me a fresh perspective that I had not thought before.  What caught my attention was the phrase, “to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment.”  

My first thought was that God is a God of timing!  Whatever God plans to accomplish, it brings all things and people into fulfillment.  God’s plan does not just touch one individual but many.

My second thought was, “What am I trying to accomplish alone?”  “What am I trying to make happen but God is saying, “Not yet?”  MY plan has not reached fulfillment!  So, how is your current situation causing you to become anxious and make moves God did not design for you to make? 

“All the believers were together and had everything in common.  Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”  Acts 2:44, 46-47 NIV

https://www.bible.com/bible/111/act.2.44,46-47.niv

God added to the believers’ daily- unity! God caused the multitude- increase!  God bestowed the people with favor – fulfillment!

Let’s look at what fulfillment means – achievement, completion, realization (dictionary.com).

This tells me that when God has decided that the “time has come” according to His Will, fulfillment of His plan in your life will happen.  And, when this happens “unity” between earthly and heavenly realms will also take place. 

So, whatever you are discouraged about job, spouse, child, relationship, finances, health, loss, betrayal, or anything know that in God’s timing ALL things will come under His fulfillment for the good of God.   

“Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  Matthew 6:32-33 NIV https://www.bible.com/bible/111/mat.6.32-33.niv

Jesus Christ came into this world at the proper time to redeem every living soul.  He was predestined for this task just as you and I are predestined for our task.   And, what you are purposed to do will come to fruition as long as you trust, believe, and let God lead.  

My friend, remember that when God plans to transform your life, it will not only be at the right time but also change the lives of others invoking unity and oneness. 

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me?”  John 17:20-21 NIV

https://www.bible.com/bible/111/jhn.17.20-21.niv

Be Blessed in Jesus Christ name, Amen! ~