Faith and Answers
In a world that often feels like a dizzying merry-go-round or a tumultuous roller coaster, how can we live lives of true meaning and purpose? The answer lies in intentional living – a concept that challenges us to move beyond mere existence and into a life of faith-filled purpose.
Intentional living isn't about having all the answers or experiencing perfect circumstances. Rather, it's about choosing to trust God and live purposefully, even in the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties. It's about embracing the tension between what is and what is to come, between our current reality and God's promises for our future.
Consider the Apostle Paul, a man who experienced tremendous hardships yet lived with unwavering intentionality. In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul speaks of a "thorn in the flesh" – a persistent struggle that God allowed in his life. Despite begging God three times to remove it, Paul received this response: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
This passage reveals a profound truth: intentional living often means embracing our weaknesses and trusting in God's strength. It's about choosing to see our challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities for God's power to shine through us.
Paul's life was far from easy. He faced beatings, shipwrecks, hunger, and constant danger. Yet he continued his ministry with steadfast determination. Why? Because he understood that living intentionally means trusting God even when circumstances seem dire.
This brings us to a crucial point: intentional living requires us to choose who we'll trust. Will we trust in our own understanding, or will we lean on God's wisdom and promises? Proverbs 3:5-6 offers timeless guidance: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
When we face trials, we have a choice. We can trust in our own strength and perspective, or we can trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. Romans 8:28 reminds us that "God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." This verse isn't a simplistic platitude; it's a powerful promise that God can redeem even our deepest pain and use it for good.
Intentional living also means living exemplary lives – lives that inspire and challenge others. Consider the story of Ethan Hallmark, a young boy diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma cancer at age nine. Instead of retreating into despair, Ethan chose to live with extraordinary faith and hope. He declared, "Cancer may knock me down at times, but God is the ultimate builder. None of us know what the future holds, but in all things, we know that God has special plans for every one of us."
Ethan's favorite Bible verse, Psalm 40:5, beautifully captures his perspective: "Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you." Even in the face of terminal illness, Ethan chose to focus on God's wonders rather than his wounds.
This kind of intentional living has a ripple effect. Years after Ethan's passing, a man named Aaron Palmer shared how a brief encounter with Ethan on a beach in Hawaii transformed his life. Aaron, who was struggling with alcoholism and contemplating suicide, was struck by Ethan's joy and faith in the face of death. This encounter led Aaron to embrace sobriety and faith, completely changing the trajectory of his life.
Living intentionally means our lives become a testament to our faith. It's about walking the talk, as Paul encouraged the Corinthians: "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). When our character and behavior align with our beliefs, we live exemplary lives that others can follow.
So how do we cultivate this kind of intentional living in our own lives? Here are a few key principles:
1. Embrace the tension: Recognize that living faithfully often means existing in the tension between current realities and future promises.
2. Choose trust: Decide daily to trust God's character and promises, even when circumstances seem bleak.
3. Live with purpose: Understand that God has appointed you for this specific time in history. Your life has significance.
4. Focus on God's wonders: Like Ethan Hallmark, choose to see God's wonders even in difficult seasons.
5. Be an example: Live in such a way that others can follow your example as you follow Christ.
Intentional living isn't about perfection; it's about direction. It's about choosing, day by day, to trust God, to live purposefully, and to impact others positively. It's about getting off the merry-go-round of complacency or the roller coaster of emotional volatility and stepping into a journey that leads to eternal significance.
As we navigate life's challenges, may we remember that God's grace is sufficient, His power is made perfect in our weakness, and He is working all things together for our good. May we choose to live intentionally, trusting God's plan and purpose for our lives, and inspiring others through our faith-filled journey.
In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, intentional living anchors us to something greater than ourselves. It reminds us that our lives have purpose, that our struggles have meaning, and that our faith can impact others in profound ways. So let us embrace this journey of intentional living, trusting that as we do, we'll discover the rich, purposeful life God has designed for each of us.
Intentional living isn't about having all the answers or experiencing perfect circumstances. Rather, it's about choosing to trust God and live purposefully, even in the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties. It's about embracing the tension between what is and what is to come, between our current reality and God's promises for our future.
Consider the Apostle Paul, a man who experienced tremendous hardships yet lived with unwavering intentionality. In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul speaks of a "thorn in the flesh" – a persistent struggle that God allowed in his life. Despite begging God three times to remove it, Paul received this response: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
This passage reveals a profound truth: intentional living often means embracing our weaknesses and trusting in God's strength. It's about choosing to see our challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities for God's power to shine through us.
Paul's life was far from easy. He faced beatings, shipwrecks, hunger, and constant danger. Yet he continued his ministry with steadfast determination. Why? Because he understood that living intentionally means trusting God even when circumstances seem dire.
This brings us to a crucial point: intentional living requires us to choose who we'll trust. Will we trust in our own understanding, or will we lean on God's wisdom and promises? Proverbs 3:5-6 offers timeless guidance: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
When we face trials, we have a choice. We can trust in our own strength and perspective, or we can trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. Romans 8:28 reminds us that "God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." This verse isn't a simplistic platitude; it's a powerful promise that God can redeem even our deepest pain and use it for good.
Intentional living also means living exemplary lives – lives that inspire and challenge others. Consider the story of Ethan Hallmark, a young boy diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma cancer at age nine. Instead of retreating into despair, Ethan chose to live with extraordinary faith and hope. He declared, "Cancer may knock me down at times, but God is the ultimate builder. None of us know what the future holds, but in all things, we know that God has special plans for every one of us."
Ethan's favorite Bible verse, Psalm 40:5, beautifully captures his perspective: "Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you." Even in the face of terminal illness, Ethan chose to focus on God's wonders rather than his wounds.
This kind of intentional living has a ripple effect. Years after Ethan's passing, a man named Aaron Palmer shared how a brief encounter with Ethan on a beach in Hawaii transformed his life. Aaron, who was struggling with alcoholism and contemplating suicide, was struck by Ethan's joy and faith in the face of death. This encounter led Aaron to embrace sobriety and faith, completely changing the trajectory of his life.
Living intentionally means our lives become a testament to our faith. It's about walking the talk, as Paul encouraged the Corinthians: "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). When our character and behavior align with our beliefs, we live exemplary lives that others can follow.
So how do we cultivate this kind of intentional living in our own lives? Here are a few key principles:
1. Embrace the tension: Recognize that living faithfully often means existing in the tension between current realities and future promises.
2. Choose trust: Decide daily to trust God's character and promises, even when circumstances seem bleak.
3. Live with purpose: Understand that God has appointed you for this specific time in history. Your life has significance.
4. Focus on God's wonders: Like Ethan Hallmark, choose to see God's wonders even in difficult seasons.
5. Be an example: Live in such a way that others can follow your example as you follow Christ.
Intentional living isn't about perfection; it's about direction. It's about choosing, day by day, to trust God, to live purposefully, and to impact others positively. It's about getting off the merry-go-round of complacency or the roller coaster of emotional volatility and stepping into a journey that leads to eternal significance.
As we navigate life's challenges, may we remember that God's grace is sufficient, His power is made perfect in our weakness, and He is working all things together for our good. May we choose to live intentionally, trusting God's plan and purpose for our lives, and inspiring others through our faith-filled journey.
In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, intentional living anchors us to something greater than ourselves. It reminds us that our lives have purpose, that our struggles have meaning, and that our faith can impact others in profound ways. So let us embrace this journey of intentional living, trusting that as we do, we'll discover the rich, purposeful life God has designed for each of us.
Recent
Archive
2025
May
July
August
No Comments