As we made our way to church this past Sunday, my son unknowingly showered me with much love as he began to share with me the things on his heart. He told me the night before as he laid in bed he couldn’t help to remember grandma’s passing. He recalled someone making a statement that still echoed in his heart today, several years later. They said, “It was just a moment ago that she walked down the isle to be married, or was overjoyed at the first embrace of her new born. Life is fast, make everyday count.” As his last year of high school is now underway, seeing the foolishness of many of his generation in full swing and being reminded of previous generations his heart was stirred to shape his life differently.
It’s always easier to react to life rather than to shape it. To go with the flow rather than to dig a new trench. We may even start off with great intentional living only to find ourselves settling after life throws us a curveball. As the beautiful conversation continued with my son Holy Spirit brought this scripture to mind.
“So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Psalms 90:12 NKJV
Have you ever noticed the intentionality of Jesus? He did everything with purpose in mind. He never wondered aimlessly. As you read Luke 9, you can’t help but to see Jesus’ intentionality in full view.
“Now when the time was almost come for Jesus to be received up [to heaven], He steadfastly and determinedly set His face to go to Jerusalem.”
Luke 9:51 AMPC
Heading in that direction would have been the last thing that made since at the time for a growing ministry. However Jesus knew his purpose, and his actions continually were dictated by it even when it was unpopular.
Your purpose determines your priorities! He knew the purpose He was called to, so His priorities were set accordingly. Likewise, we must with passion move forward with purpose in mind even if we have to swim upstream, face adversity, or stand alone.
“I admit that I haven’t yet acquired the absolute fullness that I’m pursuing, but I run with passion into his abundance so that I may reach the purpose for which Christ Jesus laid hold of me to make me his own.”
Philippians 3:12 TPT
Being intentional is about taking what God has spoken and by faith, moving proactively in that direction. If you don’t know how, then the action forward is to become like a student rather then sit back and hope for change.
Questions:
1. What is that purpose that you filled most called to? When you close your eyes and dream, what most readily fills your mind?
2. How are you living intentionally with Matthew 28:19?
3. How are you living intentional toward what God has spoken personally ?
4. If you’re not living intentionally, what are some steps you begin taking today?
