Where I live dog racing is a big thing. There is a round horse track and attached to the middle of the track is a mechanical rabbit. The race begins, the rabbit appears to be running, and the dogs lose their minds chasing it. Recently, one of the rabbits exploded mid race. One of the dogs stopped, layed down and took a nap. A couple dogs kept running thinking the rabbit was over the fence, and they ran through it breaking a few ribs in the act. The remaining dogs realized the crowd and began barking at them.
I thought to myself, what a picture of humanity! When we do not have something specific to go after… aka a vision for our lives, we will either take a nap, hurt ourselves, or bark at the people around us.
Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint.
Restraint is something that holds us back. It can be handcuff or an internal conscience that keeps us from hurting ourselves or someone else. The Message translation says it like this:
Proverbs 29:18 If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.
It is like a crowd of people running in the dark. There will be chaos, and it will be crazy. Turn on the news or go to the mall and you will see this verse right in front of you. So if that is not God’s plan what is?
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Good work prepared in advance for us to do. What is the good work God planned for you? The happiest people I know are not the ones with the best of circumstances. In fact some have lost their spouse, been bankrupt, lost their job, faced physical illness, and many other things. Yet they carry a joy that is bigger than all they face. They have a clear purpose and are making a difference in the world they live in. How do you feel when you bless a widow, give a honkin’ tip… for those of you that did not grow up in the country “a generous gratuity”, buy groceries for a single mom, help someone on the side of the road. Or people who start a business to help people get a job and keep it. I know people who serve homeless, serve in kids ministry because they want those kids to really know God, people who reach out to teenagers, coaches, teachers, CEO’s who give millions to churches and missions.
1 Corinthians 9:22 Whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him.
Want to make a real difference that lasts for eternity. Do you want your heart to be alive? It can’t happen on the lake, or on the bike, or with the bigger house, or the bigger bank account, or the prettier spouse. Your heart will be alive when you know God and look to make Him known. How do you reach someone? Don’t go on a mission trip! Cross the street! Find someone in need and help meet that need. When you do listen to their story and dont judge them. What is wrong with them is not their bad behavior but they don’t know Jesus. Meet the need and Jesus said that is meeting His need.
If you are bored, facing mid life, wandering if there is more than 9-5, get on your knees and ask God to give you vision for you life. Know this… You cant Make a Difference if you don’t Discover Your Purpose. You can’t Discover Your Purpose if you don’t Find Freedom. You can’t Find Freedom if you don’t Know God.
So where are you?
Where ever that is take a next step. When? Today! Now! Go!
Helping People Live a Better Story
Brandon Sereg
