In his epic book, A Tale Of Two Cities, Charles Dickens starts with this statement: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness; it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair. We had everything before us, we had nothing before us. We are all going direct to heaven, we are all going direct the other way…” these words, penned so many years ago is almost prophetic as it finds an uncanny fulfilment in our present day.
We indeed live in the worst of times- the upheavals in nations; the social, economic and geo-political troubles, turmoil and uncertainties are glaring. Yet, I dare say that it is also full of opportunities for those who will discover purpose and rise to meet the challenges.
Everybody comes into this world with a purpose. This is a pretty strong statement that demands your utmost attention. You were not born by accident; neither were you born just occupy space on earth and die to occupy space underneath the earth. The cry of this season is, “it’s time to get out of neutral and begin to engage your world, meet the challenges and make impact. You were born for this! When people don’t discover and live for their purpose, some things become the end result.
1. They Become Frustrated.
Many people’s lives are empty and full of frustration because they are busy chasing the wrong things. Note that you were never created to chase things, you were created for impact. Not until you you find out what you were born for and do it, you will remain bored and frustrated.
2. They Don’t Become A Blessing.
Whatever is in you was placed there to bless humanity. All around you are needy people whose answer may be what is resident on the inside of you. There could be a discovery in you that will make this world a better place for everybody. Lives change when you use your gifts and talents to bless others.
3. They Have No Reward.
You are only rewarded by God, not for just what you enjoyed doing, but for what He called you to do. Don’t overstay your place of success, move to the place of your significance. That is where your rewards are in this life. No matter the challenges, stick with it, because you were born for this.
In the light of the above outcomes, I want you to recognize these three things so you will make impact.
I. RECOGNIZE THAT YOU ARE ON DIVINE ASSIGNMENT
The greatest tragedy in life is not the one who failed. It is the one who lived all their lives here and never discovered why they were here.
When you discover and live for what you were born for, you begin to have significance and impact. Our assignments may not all be alike, we are not all called to be visible in the limelight, but we are all called to an assignment.
II. RECOGNIZE THAT YOU ARE AN ACTIVIST
An activist is someone who use vigorous effort to bring about change. They are willing to give their lives for a cause. The world is waiting and looking for leaders who are as big as the occasion. You were born for something. Who will be the modern day William Booth, who was moved by the plight of the down and outs in London and as such founded the Salvation Army? Who will rise to become the next Martin Luther King, who through his efforts appealed to the conscience of a nation?
Will you stand up and recognize that you have been born for a purpose.
III. RECOGNIZE THAT YOU WILL HAVE ETERNAL IMPACT ON YOUR GENERATION
Whatever you do must bless your generation and those who come after you. Use your blessings, leadership, talents and giftings to help this, and successive generations.
I end with this statement found in the journal the great missionary and martyr, Jim Elliot, “He is no fool, who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” Remember, you were born for this.