We’re taking an in-depth look at Paul’s way of life. Firstly, we saw that we need to have a firm foundation and have to use the Word of God for that. Secondly, Paul taught us that our walk through life should tell the story of God.

The third piece of advice that we get from Paul’s life is that he had a purpose in life. It is crystal clear that Paul focused on one purpose and that was to share the Gospel with everyone.

He would not have left a single stone unturned in achieving this purpose. He boarded ships, faced terrible storms, and put his life in danger to bring Jesus’ message of salvation to the lost.

He was not afraid to stand up to the church and the traditionalists who prevented people from being freed of the burden of sin they were carrying. He even took on the government. That’s why he ended up in prison.

You can see what Paul is focusing on. He sees other people. He sees people who are struggling and who have no future. He sees people with heavy burdens and he had the answer. He had the message that could change their lives forever and free them from that burden.

Paul did not dream of having a family, or a big house and a nice car. Paul did not plan to work on his career for an easy retirement in a little house by the sea. That was not on the cards for him. All he wanted to do was to help others to, like him, meet the living God, accept Jesus as their Saviour, and release the Holy Spirit inside them. His purpose on earth was as clear as daylight.

So we come to the inevitable question: What is your purpose on earth? On what do you spend most of your time? Building your own little kingdom so that you can have that little house by the sea one day?

It’s not wrong to dream about achieving success one day, but we should never dream these dreams without asking God to help us achieve his dream for our lives.

Yes, God surely has a dream for you and my life. God also dreams that we will put into practice the gifts that He gave us and that we will make them work. Remember, God gave each of us gifts that we have to use for the purpose of his Kingdom.

Let’s see how this works in practice. Take a piece of paper and write down the following questions: What is my purpose on earth? What is God’s dream for me? What is my dream? And then: What do I want on my epitaph one day?

Ask God to lead you through his Spirit. Maybe it will be one word. Maybe many words, and that’s fine too. God works differently with each of us. Maybe the answers will pop up just like that. Maybe you will struggle with them for a long time before the sun breaks through the clouds.

Keep it practical and simple. Start small, but don’t prevent yourself from thinking and dreaming big either. Remember, the almighty God is dreaming with you and then there is no limit on how big it can be.

Remember the saying: What you can dream you can do! Chase your dreams and do every day what God has put you on earth to do.

Scripture
2 Tim 3:10-13

Reflection
What is my purpose on earth?
What is God’s dream for me?
What is my dream?
What do I want as my epitaph one day?

Prayer
Father, please help me answer these questions. Please give me a clear image of your dream for me. Please help me write it down and strive to achieve day after day. Amen.