What do you want to be when you grow up? Often, well into adulthood, we struggle with knowing the answer to that question. Choosing a vocation and setting life goals can be challenging, but the wisdom of the Bible can help tremendously.
The Lord knew us before we were even formed in our mother’s womb. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb (Psalm 139:15 NLT). Every good parent has hopes and dreams for their child, and our Heavenly Father set the standard in that regard, as evidenced in the next verse of Psalm 139: You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed (Psalm 139:16 NLT).
How many of us know and function in the purpose for which we were created? The Apostle Paul describes it like this: Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me (Philippians 3:12 NKJV). What is that in your life? Why are you here? God knows, but do you? He created you, in all your unique, one-of-a-kind ways, to fill a position in His Kingdom that no one can do better than you!
One of the most powerful teachings I have ever heard in my Christian walk of 50 years was by the world-renowned Bible teacher, Bob Mumford. He taught on this very subject of finding that for which Christ Jesus apprehended each of us. It had a profound impact on me, and I was challenged to seek the Lord for what "that" is in my life.
It is exciting to think that, aside from the Lamb’s Book of Life, which includes the names of all the people saved by Jesus Christ's blood and faith in Him, there are other books in the Court of Heaven. Daniel 7:10 records the following scene in Heaven: And a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from His [God’s] presence. Millions of angels ministered to Him; many millions stood to attend Him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened. What books? Keeping ledgers of individuals' lives is an age-old practice evidenced in Biblical references as “the book of the Chronicles” mentioned in Esther 2:23, where Mordecai’s heroic deed of saving King Ahasuerus’ life was recorded. Such “divine ledgers” contain the decrees of one’s destiny and one’s rewards and punishments” (The IVP Bible Background Commentary).
Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. That’s a lot of documentation to include in just one book, like the Lamb’s Book of Life. Consider all the billions of saved souls in the Lamb’s Book. Then consider every moment of their lives. The books opened in the Court of Heaven are very possibly individual books about us—divine ledgers about our lives, our destinies, and our journey in pursuing that for which Christ Jesus has apprehended us.
The most rewarding thing we can do is that for which we were created. Searching the Bible and seeking counsel from trusted Christian friends, combined with prayer, can help you determine what that is in your life—whether you are two months old in the Lord or forty years old in the faith. Lord Jesus, show us that for which You have apprehended us!
© 2022, Chris Werre
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