Verses on Purpose: John 17:4
“I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work You gave me to do.”
Some “verses on purpose” change lives forever. It happened to me.
When I turned 40 I wondered, “Why am I here on earth?” I spent a day alone with God at a state park with my Bible and journal. It rained all day as I sat at a picnic table under a covered pavilion. I asked: “Lord, why am I here on earth?” I studied John 13-17 because I thought it might answer my question. It’s the last time Jesus met with His disciples, so whatever He said was probably important.
I spent the day reading, studying, and journaling through these chapters. As I read John 17:4, the hairs on my neck stood up. Something was about to happen, but I didn’t know what. Suddenly I saw it! First, God gave Jesus an assignment – to die for our sins. Next, Jesus was uniquely equipped for the work. Finally, when He completed it, God received the glory.
That was it! God had a unique assignment for me! He uniquely equipped me for the work! Finally, when I complete my assignment, God will receive the glory! I understood my calling! My assignment was to help other believers understand and complete their assignments!
Your journey will be different. But Jeremiah 29:13 promises, “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” Seek Him with all your heart and you will find Him – and your purpose.
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.
