Verses on Purpose: 1 Samuel 12:16
“Now then, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes.”
“Verses on purpose” provide biblical principles for understanding your purpose on earth. Some verses focus on your role; others, like 1 Samuel 12:16, focus on God’s role. In today’s verse the “great thing” that God did was to send rain during a drought in response to Samuel’s prayer.
Although this verse refers to a specific incident, it also contains a broader principle. God works through ordinary people in extraordinary ways. Wait a minute! Samuel wasn’t ordinary; he’s a famous biblical character. Don’t forget, however, that Samuel became famous only because of what God did through him. Samuel was an ordinary person who was faithful, obedient, and humble.
God wants to do great things through you, too. But who you are is far more important than what you do for God. Doing flows out of Being. His primary purpose is for you to become more like Jesus Christ.
Do you long to have God do “great things” through you? Then “stand still.” Don’t seek to do “great things.” Instead, focus on developing an intimate, ongoing relationship with the Lord. How? The same way you build any friendship. Spend time together. Talk to Him throughout your day. Listen to Him through the Bible and His “still, small voice.” Ask Him for help whenever you need it.
Finally, “great things” has nothing to do with bigness or fame. “Great things” result from God working through you to impact the people you serve.
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.
