Verses on Purpose: Psalm 139:13
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”
The Bible if filled with “verses on purpose.” By reflecting on them, you’ll come to understand more clearly the specific purpose God has for your life.
People who knit usually use a kit. They follow someone else’s design to complete items like scarves, sweaters, or afghans. But the truly gifted knitters blaze their own trail. They envision the finished product before the first “knit one, pearl two.” They create a design, select the materials, do the work, and turn out a quality product.
God is the Master Craftsman. Before the foundations of the world, He looked across the mists of time and saw – you. He loved you from the moment He saw you. He knew everything about you before you were conceived – your appearance, abilities, interests, desires, and temperament. He hardwired these attributes into your being. You are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by a gracious and loving Father. Your design wasn’t haphazard or accidental. You were designed on purpose.
God prepared various life experiences to mold and shape your character. These events are like “sand paper” to smooth out the rough edges and to “chisel” away imperfections. He’s refining you into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Although some experiences have been painful, God wove them into the fabric of your life to produce a tapestry of personal strengths. Your purpose on earth is to use your strengths and attributes to serve others on His behalf.
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.
