Becoming Better

Created for Purpose

“Do not remember the former things, or ponder the things of the past “Do not remember the former things, or ponder the things of the past. Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing, now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:18-19 Amp.)

We were created for purpose: Why does Father God consider it necessary to introduce new things into our lives? It has to do with the fulfilment of his purpose for us in our generation We were created for purpose:

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph. 2:10) “For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; … “ (Acts 13:36)  

Christianity is not just Christ in you, but Christ living his life through you. As Christians we are agents of change we have the divine life of the risen Christ flowing through us with all the backing & resources of heaven – the capacity to make a difference in our own lives and that of those within our sphere of influence.

We can either function as agents of change and make a difference in our world for the kingdom of God or live out our Christianity below the potential resident within us

What enabled him to change from being an ineffective “cave dweller” to one who served God’s purpose for him in his generation – to one who became God’s agent of change in his world of influence? 1. A refocus of faith

he was hiding in the winepress because he believed in what he could see rather than who his God was. The Lord appears to him and greets him with “The Lord is with you mighty warrior” "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?

Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt? But now the Lord has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian." (Judges 6: 12-13)

Why has all this happened to us? If the Lord is with us? Gideon questioned God’s presence in their lives Why has all this happened to us? Gideon questioned God’s promises for their lives Where are all His wonders that our fathers told us about? Gideon questioned God’s power to minister in and through their lives

He who loses money loses much. He who loses a friend loses more He who loses money loses much. He who loses a friend loses more. But he who loses faith loses all. (Spanish Proverb)

When we allow the challenges and circumstances of life to diminish our faith in God’s promises that he is always with us, that he cares for us and will meet all our needs – we move from being agents of change to “cave dwellers” Becoming better at keeping our faith focused on Father God, positions us to serve his purposes for us in our generation

2. Seeing himself through God’s eyes What enabled Gideon to change from being an ineffective “cave dweller” to one who served God’s purpose for him in his generation? 2. Seeing himself through God’s eyes When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” (6:12)

A man who possesses the strength to overcome great challenges The Lord turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" (Judg.6:14) A man of great power and courage (mighty warrior) A man who possesses the strength to overcome great challenges A man who is empowered to serve God’s purpose for him in his generation

One who sees himself as being insignificant and weak - “But Lord, Gideon asked, “how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” One who sees himself as being unusable in the plans and purposes of God in his sphere of influence

What’s happening in this encounter? God is changing Gideon’s perception of how he sees himself into how God sees him. Empowered because of his presence within him, his promises to him and his power available to him

Gideon doesn’t understand it yet but he has created for purpose. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come (2 Corin. 5:17) What does this mean for the believer? I AM the head and not the tail. Duet.28:13 I AM joint heirs with Christ. Rom. 8:17

I AM. More than a conqueror. Rom: 8:37 I AM I AM More than a conqueror. Rom: 8:37 I AM Raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places. Colos: 2:12 Eph: 2:6 I SHALL Do even greater works than Christ Jesus. John 14:12 I CAN Do all things in Christ Jesus. Philip: 4:13 I AM Free from condemnation. Rom: 8:1

What enabled Gideon to change from being an ineffective “cave dweller” to one who served God’s purpose for him in his generation – to one who became God’s agent of change in his world of influence?

He became better in his relationship with Father God through: A refocus of faith Seeing himself through God’s eyes Christians are not just passing through this world they are purposed for this world.