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That's Not Why I'm Here!
by Steve Countryman It all started back in 2000 when I went to visit a friend in the local hospital. He had just survived a severe heart attack. I didn't know if he was a Christian or not but the next words that came out of my mouth surprised us both. I remember telling him that the reason that he was still alive was that God wasn't done with him yet. That God had plans for him. He wasn't the only person that I have visited in the hospital and said that to. It dawned on me one day that the truth behind those words were absolutely true. When God is done with you, saint or sinner, you will know. Anyone who survives a life ending incident, attack or accident should think long and hard why they are still here. Sure you can say it was modern medicine that saved you or luck. But think about all of the minor occurrences that took place in, around, up to and during your life ending incident. There will be some "what ifs" that can't easily be explained. Having thought about life and having more questions than answers I end up asking the same questions we all do. Why am I here? What is my purpose for living? Why did God pick me? Why did He pick me for this place and time? I have realized that God isn't done with me yet! I know of several life ending incidents when God spared my life. While I don't know all of His plans for me, I have come to know all of the reasons why I am not here for. In learning them I now have a clearer picture and better perspective of why I am here! Every time one of them occurs I am reminded "that's not why I'm here"! I am not here to be a failure, a victim, a casualty, a loser, a fraud, a liar, a scammer or a con. I am not here to be a "repeat offender", an addict, a party animal, a selfish prideful self-centered idiot or a spoiled brat. I am not here to be a "pew sitter", observer, benchwarmer, 3rd string player, compromiser or a conformist. I am not here to be a whiner, complainer, gossiper or one who murmurs. I am not here to be critical, cynical or judgmental. I am not here to blame others for my problems, troubles, misfortunes and my mistakes. I am not here to be one who holds grudges, un-forgiveness, ill tempered, hot headed, rude, mean spirited, hateful or vengeful. I am not here to be cowardly, fearful, non-trusting, doubtful or afraid. I am not here to be a slob, sloppy, careless, lazy, inconsiderate or late. I am not here to be untrustworthy, one who others cannot count on or one who cannot keep his word. I am not here to be sickly, disease riddled, ill, lame, forgetful or bed ridden. I am not here to be poor, broke, bankrupt, destitute or a beggar. I am not here to worry, fret or panic. I am not here to be "super spiritual", snooty, arrogant or "holier than thou". I am not here to be jealous, envious or lustful. I am not here to be abused, walked on, mistreated, someone's doormat, weak willed, ignorant, stupid or foolish. I am not here to ALWAYS concern myself and consume myself with ALL of my problems. That is not why God put me here! Knowing "That's not why I am here" helped me to receive the truth about who I am in Christ and who Christ is in me. I am here to be a child of the Most High God, blessed beyond measure and over flowing His goodness to others. I am here to be a Christian example, living a life worthy of His call. I am here to be successful and prosperous. I am here to be in good health and full of Godly wisdom and revelation. I am here to care about and pray for others. I am here to be His witness and God be my testimony. I am here to be a powerful Christian man of integrity. I am here to be fully armed with the Word of God and wearing the amour of God daily. I am here to be a victor, a winner and more than a conquer. I am here to be a friend of God, His messenger, servant and bond slave. I am here to be empowered with ALL authority of heaven, filled with the Holy Spirit and over flowing with His courage and boldness. I am here to be obedient, willing and available. I am here to be used by God to bring Him glory by doing His will and fulfilling the destiny that God has for me. I am here to share the Gospel with others, to forgive and to love others as God loves them. I am here to be happy, content and in a "good mood". I am here to bless others and be a blessing to others. Acts 28:3,5 3 "Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects." Paul knew his relationship with God and God's assignment was for Paul to go to Rome. Paul was not there for that, he was not on that island to die. Knowing God's will and purpose for you and knowing that God isn't done with you yet should give you assurance and strengthen your faith. I by no means am free from all of those things that "I'm not here for". But with the help of the Holy Spirit I am reminded more and more often now That's not why I'm here! Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |