WHAT IS YOUR MARATHON?
What is your marathon? A marathon is running a race that is 26 miles. Also, a marathon is something that lasts an extremely long time or requires great effort. In this post, your marathon is your ultimate race. Your God anointed purpose in life.
What is your marathon in life? Not the small races you do every day, but the ultimate one. The reason God placed you on this earth. Often, people go to the grave and never discovered or fully utilized their true calling. What is your calling? God has called us all to do something special. Once you discover your calling. It will continue to grow and grow and become deeper and deeper.
Example. You always loved children. You thought your special calling was to have children and raise them correctly. What happens after they are grown and gone off to live their lives? Maybe you become a foster parent and adopt the abandoned or unfortunate children. Or, maybe open an orphanage or child care center. Have a fleet of child care agencies… the list goes on.
Have you noticed, how some people can start off with a small accomplishment, maybe writing a book, there is a 3-book deal, and then they are having book signings, all over the country? And, later, one of their books become a movie. They have discovered their special calling and it bloomed into multiple opportunities.
The first step is to discover your calling. Once you find your purpose (that is the seed) God will continue to water that seed until it blooms into a forest of greatness for you and others. Remember, God’s purpose will always involve helping others, assisting His people, in some fashion.
And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. 1 Corinthians 16:6New King James Version (NKJV).
How do you find your true purpose? Some authors have written to find your purpose, in life, starts with exploring your childhood. What were some of the things that you liked to do or came easy for you, as a child? Something you enjoyed doing, before you got older and life happened? Others have said your purpose is the one thing you would do for free. Your passion outweighs any paycheck.
Those are great ways to search your mind and heart. However, your purpose in life is much more than childhood fantasies. And the influence of people and certain circumstances may direct you away from your true purpose.
Depending on your childhood, especially if you grew up in poverty, if someone asked you, what is your purpose, you may respond to grow up and be rich. Or, to become an actress, model,or a professional athlete. You would choose a profession that will provide you with lots of cash, so you would not go through hard times, again. Yes, you want to improve the conditions for you and your family in the future, however you want to be on the right path, for lasting prosperity.
As it came to me to give the tips on finding your purpose, it occurred to me that the 10 steps listed below are the same 10 tips that will guide you in different types of decision making.
Believe there’s a purpose for your life. Everyone has one, they may or may not act upon it. There is a special gift inside all of us.
Ask God. This is the first step, and the step many people will skip, because they think they know what they need to do. Their way of thinking may take them a long way, only to discover their choice is draining and not fulfilling. God and His assistance were not sought. There will be issue after issue, problem after problem, because it was the wrong purpose.
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man. The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 New King James Version (NKJV)
Remove pride, money, fame and wealth out of the equation. Many of the purposes people obtain are self-serving. You want to be an author, but you need to be the next James Patterson. Or, to become a pastor, but you need to be better than TD Jakes. It is nothing wrong with wanting to be the best you can be, but if your purpose is all about you, either you have chosen the wrong purpose, or you have turned your calling into a prideful event allowing fame, fortune and recognition to guide you. Also, you must remember that you may not be the front runner, you may be a supporter because of your valuable skill set. Many people do not want to be number 2, if they cannot be number one, they proceed on to do something else. Even if you are behind the scenes, God will bless you exceedingly and abundantly. God will provide you with the recognition in His time and way.
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me? Hebrews 13:5-6 New King James Version (NKJV).
Obey and listen to God’s direction. Don’t be stubborn and rebellious. Take heed to wise counsel and be open to do what God tells you to do. Many people do not want to listen to the correct person. Or ,they will listen to the wrong person. Make sure you are listening to God.
But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” our God we will serve, and His voice we will obey! Luke 11:28 New King James Version (NKJV).
Take baby steps or appropriate steps. For example, God reveals to you that He wants you to be a writer. That does not mean for you to quit your job, the next day, and write full time. First, God will assist you in perfecting your art, then He will provide you with correct time to move.
Avoid excessive distractions. Obtain a positive mindset and keep it. Keep your eye on the goal. Some distractions can helpful. To relax your mind. Don’t allow distractions to outweigh your destiny.
Pick your people. People can encourage or discourage you from reaching your marathon. Position yourself with visionaries, people who envision dreams and then accomplish them. There are other people who will verbalize negativity into your dream, attempting to convince you cannot do what God told you to.
Stay in constant prayer. Pray throughout the day for strength, wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Give praise and thanks to God for all your accomplishments.
Patience. No one has time to wait for anything, anymore. If you pray or hope for something, if it does not materialize instantaneously, the dream is abandoned, quickly. Learn to wait with a peaceful attitude. There is a correct time for everything.
Speak it out loud. God has put dreams in your heart. Once God reveals your calling, speak out loud. After you believe you must speak it. Keep saying it and keep believing it. This encourages you and the people around you. It helps you to come and stay in agreement with God.
Always remember, God does not come down from heaven to help His people. He sends people to help people. God blesses you so you can become a blessing. And when you are doing God’s purpose, He will bless you, exceeding and abundantly, providing you with the desires of your heart.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 New King James Version (NKJV)