Autumn Reflections
Maybe it’s because it is the season of the Biblical Feasts of Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Sukkot. Maybe it’s the cool breeze that brushes your cheek in the early morning. Maybe it’s the smell of cinnamon-apple muffins baking. Maybe it’s the awareness of upcoming celebrations, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas. Maybe it’s because we are on the cusp of a new year. Whatever the stimulus, the season of Autumn propagates reflections of “Where have I been and where am I going?”.
Life without purpose equals existence at it’s lowest point. That certainly does not mean a person abrogates responsibility, but think about this-Does a person effectuate their purpose by just discharging their responsibilities diligently. Bustling about energetically does not equal carrying out divine purpose. It can mean avoidance of divine purpose and a bend toward self-importance, ritualistically checking off a list that makes a person feel fulfilled - sort of. Unfortunately, that kind of fulfillment is shallow and short-lived as a person constantly explores other pursuits for greater achievements. In other words, looking for the ginormous goose bumps that come from the accolades of others which advance self-esteem. Again, a short-lived “filling” is the result. Is this what we desire to replicate year after year or can there be a better way?
Sometimes the tail wags the dog and all of our striving to be filled in that secret place in our heart results in our trying to do things in our own efforts, making choices based on how we see our abilities, strengths and weaknesses. Too often, our motivation and fear of failure are the result of comparative analysis with others. Instead of “staffing” our weaknesses, we try to hide them. Heaven forbid that someone would see our imperfections!
Well, there is One who sees it all - weaknesses, strenghts, abilities, etc. etc. etc. His name is El Shaddai, Almighty God, Father, Creator and many more. In John 4:14-15, Jesus talks to a woman whom he met at Jacob’s well in Samaria, about water that fills a person so completely, they would never thirst again. Jesus first referred to the water drawn from the well that was made by man. This water would only quench thirst for a short time and a person would have to continually drink to provide their own satisfaction. The well could even dry up!
Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again.
But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again.
It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” (NLT)
The Apostle Paul knew about weaknesses. He was an intellectual; educated at the feet of Rabbi Gamaliel; a Torah observant Hebrew that persecuted followers of Jesus because of his ignorance of the identity of Messiah Yeshua - Jesus. After learning at the feet of Jesus, who became the strength of his life, Paul humbly penned words Jesus said to him,
”My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (KJV)
Purpose is discovered in One alone - Jesus, Messiah, Savior, Redeemer and King. He gives purpose that was destined just for each of us. No one was left out. This is a purposeful life that that does not leave anyone wanting. This is a life that satisfies beyond any substance, person, place or thing. He is the One that constantly fills us.
If you are weary of trying so hard to live a “good” life and feel dry and unfulfilled no matter how determined you are and diligent your efforts may be, there is good news. Jesus said to come to Him if you are weary and He would provide rest for your soul. Today, stop the cycle of futility and come into the pathway of eternity where there is peace and purpose. Invite Jesus into you life - make Him Lord and allow Him to lead you and reveal your true purpose. His way brings life in abundance- His love brings joy and peace. He is the way, the truth and the life.
Let me know if you have asked Jesus to be your Savior and Lord. Tell someone that you have chosen life and are not going back to being a slave of your old expectations. Jesus makes all things new - just for you.
