In Part 1 of “Grow into the Destiny Within You,” I wrote that God pre-plans our life path. Believers in Christ must accept and then walk forward along this path ordained by God. Our flesh may prefer another way, but in maturity, we know that God’s way is best. In this Part 2, I share two vital keys to growing into your destiny. In Part 3, I’ll reveal the two final keys.
Develop a Destiny Mindset
God determines and defines the identity of all created things. He knows what He made and why. As it pertains to human beings, we are unique creations, made in God’s image: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27). God expects His people to represent Him on earth – thinking, acting, and loving as He would. As we fulfill our destiny, we extend Christ’s work on earth! We were created for this purpose.
Rather than primarily being concerned with our physical well-being, let’s go to a higher level. We can ask God what He had on His mind when He created us. This is a proper destiny mindset! Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Therefore, someone with a destiny mindset soon accepts that “a man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
Furthermore, to walk powerfully in destiny, a believer must consent to partner with God. He wants to walk with us as we fulfill His plans. Consider God’s partnership with Adam: “Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name” (Genesis 2:19). God partnered with Adam, giving him a job to do alongside Him.
If you desire to walk in your destiny, pray! Pray and ask God to reveal His plans for you and how you might partner with Him. Also, ask God to heal and touch your heart so that it would be “set on pilgrimage” – that is, set on walking the road of destiny that leads to God and fulfills His plans for you (Psalm 84:5).
Arise to Your Place in Time ... Step Up!
In Mark 10:45, we learn that “the Son of Man [Jesus Christ] did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.” If we represent Christ on earth, we must understand His priorities: “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). Heaven’s agenda is not a self-serving one! We serve Christ and our fellow man. Through service, we join our lives with the central story of all time and eternity. That is Jesus’ story!
We have a choice to make. We cannot pursue God’s plans and our self-centered plans at the same time. When we choose His plan, we determine that our lives fit into His story, not vice versa. God has woven our lives into a grand tapestry. We have a role in God’s divine plan that began before time. Thank God we have a place! Settle within yourself that it is time to arise and step into an assigned destiny, not of your own making!
One woman who arose to step into her assigned destiny was Deborah! In Judges 4 and 5, prophetess Deborah “arose a mother in Israel.” It was a time of chaos, fear, and internal and external conflict. God assigned her to that time and season, and despite all, she arose and stepped into her place – a judge. Eleven other judges were men, but God chose her to lead His people and serve them at that time in their history.
In Matthew 1, we find another example. We see a genealogy of the ancestors of Jesus, beginning with Abraham. Each person arose in their generation to walk out God’s assigned plan, which would usher in the Savior, Jesus Christ. Each name represented a given destiny of service to fulfill.
Likewise, you and I are involved in a redemptive work on earth that began long before we arrived, and if Jesus tarries, long after we leave. As you pray about the assigned plan God has for you, stand in agreement with the Apostle Paul: “[May the] eyes of your heart be flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones)” (Ephesians 1:18). Take heart! You are set apart, and your path of service is pre-determined for you! Glory be to God on high!
In Part 3, I will share two final keys to growing into the assigned destiny placed within you. Stay tuned.
Peace~
Dr. Iris Barrett
Part 1: Grow into the Destiny Within You
