Welcome to our brand new series at igniteYOUTH – Destiny!

Today is Nelson Mandela Day – let’s take a minute to think about his heritage…

What would our world be like if Nelson never lived What would our world be like if Nelson never lived? Divide up into small groups and come up with some answers – we will have feedback from each group.

Here is a photograph of my little sister’s class at primary school in 1977.

Here is a photograph of my son’s cricket team at primary school in 2004.

Can you spot the differences Can you spot the differences? Yes, the colour – not just black and white vs colour photos but the integrated class members! Our world has changed radically in the past 20 years thanks to the efforts of people like Mandela.

God has something special for you to do on earth!

What if you don’t find out what it is and do it?

There is a deep-seated desire in all of us to want to count for something, to make a difference in some way or another. This desire is really about seeking after the purpose we were put here to accomplish, that one thing that will make our lives worthwhile and fulfilled. (Buhle Dlamini)

There is a story in the Bible that is an example of someone who found and lived their destiny: The king of Persia is insulted by his wife, and a search for a new queen is launched.

There is an orphan Jewish girl named Esther living in exile in Persia – she is chosen as a possible wife.

Esther wins the heart of the king and she is made the queen of Persia.

A short while later there is a plot to have all the Jews killed and Esther is in great danger of being killed too.

Her uncle says: “If you remain silent, someone else rescue the Jews, but you and your relatives will die. And who knows, you may have gained your royal position for a time like this." (Esther 4:14)

Esther decides to approach the king to ask him to save her people – she risks her life!

The king does not have her killed but intervenes to stop the genocide and save the Jews!

During this series you will:

Understand what destiny is

Discover what your destiny is

Learn how to live your destiny