Chapter 3 - Seeing God in Our Friendships

In our relationship, Joy showed me that goal and purpose are not the same. A goal is the place where a race is ended. Purpose is resolution or something one intends to get. Her goal was to become a psychiatrist. Her purpose was to help people. Whatever the goal is, it will always be based on purpose because purpose is the underlying reason for the goal.

Her goal changed when she married a pastor, but her purpose was the same. She still desired to help people, which she now did as a pastor's wife. In the end, she probably did more good.

Purpose and destiny are different, too. Destiny means a pre- determined course of events. Purpose implies intention. Joy and I were destined to meet, and we purpose to stay close always. Before we met, God had already planned how closely our lives would parallel. He prepared us to be able to work together effectively to accomplish His purpose for and through our lives. Seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right) (Ma 6:33). This verse clearly states that Jesus must be first. Living for Him strengthens both goal and purpose. We must ask our Heavenly Father to give us the passion of intensity to hold on to this truth that gives meaning to all of life.

Our society is fast-paced and goal-oriented. While there is nothing inherently wrong with setting goals and reaching them, letting goals become a priority will disappoint you. Because goals are always changing, they were never meant to fill the vacuum in your soul. God created your spirit as a place for Him. As my trusted friend, Joy pushes me closer to Jesus and I do likewise. We take great comfort in our relationship, but we knew before we met that it's all about God and not us. Maybe that is why it's so meaningful. Having goals and enjoying reaching them will be most rewarding when premised upon a purpose and destiny for living that are grounded in God's love. In our friendship, Joy loved me and showed me that Jesus loves me.

Billy Graham's wife shares Joy's favorite thoughts on this. "Just give me Jesus. I think that's pretty much the answer," declared Joy. "Give me Jesus, and when we have Him in our hearts like you and I do, we constantly point one another in the right direction. That direction is toward Jesus, always."

I tell my children the two things I can count on in life are change and God's love. We handle change best when abiding in God's love. Joy showed me how to abide within the confines of our trusted friendship. After Hershel died, her sister died and Joy was only getting older. Her fear of becoming insignificant was becoming more real. She saw her life literally being passed on to me and it made her life worth living.

Joy gives God the glory for this. "I became what you needed because God designed it. He designed all of the details and knew that He would be glorified and His purposes would be filled in our relationship together. And we understand that." When you clearly understand your purpose and destiny you will choose goals based on this premise and have the most meaningful fulfillment. Mentoring through a trusted loyal friend and advisor helps you get there.

This is really just a simple message that discourages depression, and encourages everything good you've got going on in your life. We want you to learn to live life like a rag, and squeeze every drop out of it.

There are wonderful relationships all around you just waiting to happen. You only need to show up and be willing. How can we show up when we feel so overwhelmed with endless mundane daily activities and life in general?

Pages

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15