Verses on Purpose: Jeremiah 6:16
“This is what the Lord says, ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient path, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’ But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.'”
You are here on purpose. Life is a Great Adventure when you know and live out your purpose. But what is it? How do you know it?
Throughout Scripture there are “verses on purpose.” Specifically, there are verses that serve as guideposts pointing the way to your unique purpose. If you hunger to know why you are here on earth, Jeremiah 6:16 is a good place to begin.
This verse says that when you are at a crossroads in life – don’t move! Don’t go forward or backwards; stay where you are. Stand still and look at your life. How did you get to where you are? What have been the key events – the trials and triumphs – of your life? What do they reveal about God’s plans for you?
Twice the verse tells you to “Ask.” So pray. Ask God to show you the path He planned for you from ancient times – before you were even born. Pray that He will reveal the “good way” – the way He wants you to go. The key word is … “Reveal.” Don’t try to figure it out. Trust God to show you the way.
Once God reveals the next step – take it! Delayed obedience is disobedience. Don’t be like the Israelites and say, “I don’t want to go there. It’s too hard, too scary, or too inconvenient.” Instead, move forward in faith and you’ll experience God’s peace.
© 2009 Steven A. Lake
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
