Turning the Corner in Purpose
Pastor Calvin Cook – May 30, 2025
Scripture: Acts 1:8 — “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
If we are willing to admit it or have admitted it, and don’t know what to do with our commitment to purpose – be aware that we are all trying to figure it out. I listened last evening as several graduating high school seniors received accolades and scholarships for advancing in life. I also was part of a worship service led by four young people who might be considered the next generation of the church, when in all actuality they are the church of right now! Defining purpose and then living in to that is very different. I confess I ask often what my purpose is. Especially in those moments when there are many situations and circumstances that are drawing me in directions and into situations, I don’t want to be a part of.
The disciples wanted restoration, but Jesus gave them mission. They were focused on an earthly kingdom being restored. Instead of answering their political concerns, He expanded their perspective—calling them not just to Israel, but to the world. Telling them it wasn’t about an earthly kingdom, which we know is taken over by people at times with only a personal earthly goal. Jesus was teaching and is still teaching – it is about an eternal heavenly kingdom, God’s kingdom.
We often seek fulfillment in personal success, but true purpose comes from stepping into God’s mission—starting right where we are. Eugene Peterson said, “We become more spiritual by living where we are, as who we are, and sinking roots deeply into the soil of God’s presence.” Before we look for something new, we must go deeper. These words resonate with me. However, they also conflict with what I desire, what the me in me wants. I have a long list of personal preferences for my life, but the conflict exists when I hear the Holy Spirit say “That is not the purpose, I have for you, in this season of life.”
What happens when we feel we are alone in purpose? If we are claiming the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our life, if we have experienced redemption, then we are never alone. Many times, we will feel alone and remaining faithful and trusting is difficult, but we must stay on the course. I thought this morning about the Apostle Paul and the abrupt change that Jesus made in his life. Certainly, he was not the most popular guy at the new followers of Jesus party. Yet Paul remained faithful, engaged in discipleship making, continued to focus on the Kingdom of God, and others joined and changed maybe our view of what Jesus said to the disciples of what it is to go into the world.
The reflection and purpose are simple: We are being called to be witnesses of Jesus for the transformation of the world. We do have a big corner to turn! God is calling you to witness—right where you are? How can you step into His mission today? The results will be transformation, and the Kingdom of God revealed to all people everywhere.
Prayer: Lord, help me turn the corner toward Your purpose. Let me witness Your love in my everyday life, trusting You will lead me where You want me. Amen.
Thoughts from the Edges 
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