Shaped for purpose… Isaiah 49

I had a plan – ha!

What are we looking at? Preparation – what God has done in us. Process – what God needs to keep doing in us. Purpose – why, what is it all for? Posture – how do we respond?

Preparation The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name. 2 He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away.

Process

Process…How Bent into shape Rough edges worn away (Iron sharpens Iron and one man sharpens another – Proverbs 27 v 17) Hidden – Hebrews 5 v 8 - Though he was God’s Son, he learned trusting-obedience by what he suffered, just as we do.

Process…Who Bow & quiver like the church Place of rest Place where we can be stretched back and made ready to shoot out God is always the Bow Master

Purpose… Verse 6 - It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Old testament – Israel and the “nations”. New testament - Acts 1 v 8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Do you see

Posture… “Let God have your life, He can do more with it than you can”. (D.L. Moody) “God always has and always will look for men and women who say to Him “I trust you so much, I’m all in. I want your way not mine. I am willing to live by faith”. (Chip Ingram) Don’t wait for perfection – be perfected as you walk. Do you see

What are the areas God is shaping you in right now? Posture… What are the areas God is shaping you in right now? What do you think He is shaping you for? Do you see