Imagine if we received a tangible, physical invitation to our destiny. Addressed and sent by God, with an open invitation to step into our purpose whenever we’re ready. Wouldn’t that simplify things? A clear-cut path to follow, complete with details of where, when, and how to arrive. But alas, life isn’t that straightforward. Every day, countless people go through the motions of life, ticking off tasks on their checklist, fulfilling their responsibilities, and yet lacking satisfaction. They rise each morning, fuel themselves with caffeine, and then proceed to their jobs or duties at home. They go through the day’s schedule mechanically, devoid of joy or fulfillment. This mundane existence is not destiny. It’s mere existence, not living.
In my travels around the country, speaking about destiny, I often ask, “Would you continue to show up for work if you weren’t getting paid?” In a crowd of hundreds, only a handful would raise their hands, affirming their commitment to their work irrespective of the monetary reward—the majority, however, express discontent with their current profession. Spending a significant portion of your life doing something you detest is absurd. Yet, many continue to do so to pay the bills. But let me assure you, paying bills is not a destiny.
The crux of the issue is this – most people are working to live rather than finding life in their work. Suppose I was brought up by hardworking parents who devoted their time and energy to their work but didn’t seem to derive joy from it. “Would that this truly be what God intended for us?”
Let’s revisit the destiny invitation we imagined earlier. What if it read differently? What if the invitation read, “You’re cordially invited to a life of purpose and fulfillment. A life where your work is not just a means to an end but a source of joy, satisfaction, and meaning. Your RSVP is your commitment to embrace the journey, with all its twists and turns, ups and downs.”
Destiny is more than just showing up; it’s about stepping up. It’s about consciously choosing to live a life brimming with purpose, passion, and potential. It’s about finding that unique spark within you and fanning it into a flame that lights up your path and illuminates the way for others.
God’s plan for us is not merely to survive but to thrive. He didn’t design us to be cogs in a wheel, spinning endlessly without purpose or direction. Instead, He created us with unique gifts and talents, with a specific mission that only we can fulfill. This is our destiny – a divine assignment that goes beyond earning a living and delves into the realm of making a difference. The question now is, will you accept this divine invitation? Will you step out of the shadows of mediocrity and into the light of your destiny? Will you stop merely existing and start living? The choice is yours. Your destiny awaits.
Remember, destiny is not a destination but a journey. And on this journey, every step counts. So don’t just show up, step up. Don’t just exist, live. In doing so, you’ll discover that there’s more to life than just paying bills. There’s a purpose. There’s a destiny. And it’s waiting for you to embrace it.
Dr. Aaron Lewis, October 20, 2023