DESTINY

What if destiny is more about WHO we are becoming and less about what we do?

I sat in the decades-old, stiff pew of the small country church my dad pastored – weeping. My emotions were a swirling mosaic of joy, awe, anticipation, ache, yearning…

The guest preacher’s words had caught fire and God’s Spirit was speaking – to my heart!

A shifting, breaking deep inside was beginning. A yearning, a craving, a hunger, and a passion – the expression: a sobbing I couldn’t stop. My cry was, “YES!” “YES!” “YES!”

A blur of Jesus’ love for me, Father’s sweet voice calling me, and Holy Spirit’s revelation of my future and destiny left me overwhelmed!

What exactly was I saying yes to?

“Yes, God, to ALL of it! I will go wherever you send me. I will do your bidding. I accept. I agree with all that you are to me! I give you my entire life. I’m yours.”

At thirteen years old, my destiny with Jesus was settled! I had no idea what any of it really meant. I just knew God loved me and now He was in control. And I could trust Him. I had visions of grandeur.

What if destiny is more about WHO we are becoming and less about what we do?

I sat in the wooden pew, up front, on the same side of the log-beamed, cedar-walled sanctuary. The fragrance of old wood, the familiar dated décor, and the creaking pew flooded me with memories. 40 years later, here I was inside a place that had been untouched by time.

Reflecting on the moment in that place 40 years earlier I asked the Lord,

“How are we doing?”

I didn’t hear a word but felt the warmth of His smile.

A few weeks later the Heavenly Father reminded me of the moment.

“Remember WHO I called? It was YOU! I came to YOU because I want YOU. I did not want to turn you into the likeness of anyone except that of my son, Jesus. And I did not call you to DO, but to BE. And you need to BE YOU. Just be YOU! YOU in ME and ME in YOU. That’s WHO you – WHO we are! Your destiny is in your identity with ME. And I have set up a pathway of good works that together WE have walked and will continue to walk in.”

Many seasons have passed. My life looks much different than what I pictured at 13. Grandeur? Hmmm. I think I missed that part. I’m not famous, unknown to most, and I have lived a simple life. I have been through deep, sunless valleys, tasted the bitterness of broken relationships, and battled enemies within and without. I have been on top of the mountain, rested in green pastures by still waters, and basked in the warmth of meaningful relationships.

At the time of this writing, I have as my wife, a very best friend, four amazing daughters, three son-in-laws, and seven beautiful grandchildren! I have done many things – some of which I’m proud, and some which I regret. Through it all one thing has remained. Like a rock that is shaped by the seasons but not decayed. It is my destiny to be like Jesus. Inherent in this is the passion, the drive, the magnetism toward intimacy with God. I can’t escape it. I can’t outrun it. I can’t hide from it though at times I have tried. It’s where my life trajectory started, how it has continued, and where it will end.

Much of my life has been spent trying to be someone else – the successful businessman, the popular preacher, the wise counselor, the missionary, the pastor, the teacher, and the list goes on. I have tried on many outfits only to discover they don’t fit. They may look good on someone else, but not on me.

Me in Jesus and Him in Me – now that is a perfect fit. That is the best version of ME! This is true for you as well. You are HIS workmanship (Ephesians 2:10) – unique, individual, significant, and most importantly, LOVED!

Your destiny — what if it is more about WHO you are and WHOSE you are? And what if your doings are a simple expression of this reality?

I don’t do photography to become famous or make a lot of money (LOL!). It is an activity that facilitates an expression of Jesus’ life in me to share with others. I’m not special. Well, I am, but not more special than anyone else. Jesus wants to connect with your DOINGS too, so what you do can become the expression of WHO you are in HIM!

And we need each other to be encouraged on this journey. Thanks for choosing to walk with me.