The Father’s Power and Authority
“Remember this, keep it in mind, take it to heart. Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’” (Isaiah 46:8-10)
I saw a meme on Facebook that asked the question: What one thing did your father teach you? My answer was “NOT A THING.” Did you have a good dad or other authority figure whom you could always count on and trust? I did not. I remember the fighting (including physically) between my parents; they divorced when I was six. My mom remarried when I was twelve, but my stepfather never filled that father void. I doubt he even liked me. Thus began my distrust of men—my three abusive marriages solidified that fact—while I continued to long for male affirmation that I had value and a purpose. But I was to find out that God is intentional, deliberate. He creates us for a purpose whether we realize it in the present or not. Nothing in our lives is wasted in His Hands.
My deepest desire was to be a mother—God built that instinct in extra measure in my DNA--that would be my purpose in life. Jeff was born when I was twenty-two; he died when he was two-and-a-half. Yes, I was there (I pulled him out from under our car) and was beyond devastated by loss and guilt. I rode in the front of the ambulance, asking a God I did not know to save my son. I took a chance on a “father,” trusting He would help, while facing the tragedy of losing my son, and therefore, my purpose.
“He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.” (2 Timothy 1:9)
Just as 2 Timothy says, by His grace, the Father redeemed my purpose. Part of it now is this story, how Jesus completely healed and changed my heart to see that the death of my son was what He used to bring me to Himself.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)
He is writing your story. His purpose in you will prevail. He says: “My purpose will stand…” (Isaiah 46:10)
Sister, you were made on purpose for a purpose! If you doubt, just ask Him!
by Sharon Gregory