Destiny: A Matter of Discovery
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)
Many people ask me how can they know the destiny God has for them. Do I choose my destiny, or what? This is a very good question. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 12:1 that we are to run the race that is set before us. The Amplified Bible directs us to run "the appointed course of the race that is set before us." The answer to that question simply is that as we develop a consistent relationship with God through prayer, sound teaching, wisdom and experience, we should come to the place of discovering our purpose...
You must understand that your destiny is a matter of discovery. God is not ignorant or hopeless of your future. He knows that because He has chosen us, all things will work together for our good. The message of destiny is a mysterious topic because many are torn between two understandings: Do I choose my destiny without God's input or do I discover my destiny as He leads, guides, and orders my steps? The Bible says that God works all things after the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11). My decision to make Christ my Savior and Lord was not brought about by my choosing alone. The willingness to serve God, walk in His ways, and fulfill my purpose was not solely brought about through my own doing...
We are not mere happenstance. We are part of a divine plan and purpose. I am not saying that God dictates our every move or behavior. We have a free will concerning our behavior, our thoughts, and our actions. We must be solely responsible for what we think, say, and do. When I refer to divine destiny, I am referring to God's ultimate plan and purpose for our lives... We must first discover the destiny before we can engage in the process of fulfilling it.
- Pastor John Barton
Today's article is an excerpt from Pastor John Barton's book, Claiming Your Destiny. To get a full understanding of your purpose and destiny go to our online bookstore at nkmi.org to purchase your copy today.