Purpose. What could be the purpose of some incidents in life?
“Unless you assume a God, the question of life’s purpose is meaningless “– Bertrand Russell
Clara Brown, Director/Secretary, Daughters of Sheba Foundation
Over 40 years ago, my now-deceased brother, Ivan, was viciously attacked in the line of duty as a police officer.
At the time of the attack, he was only 23 years old, newlywed, a young and upcoming star in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). He was also one of the most proficient marksmen.
Was it destiny then that the attack resulted in him losing both upper limbs? His highly regarded talent as a marksman was suddenly altered or, shall I say, brought to an abrupt end.
Was It Destiny Or Redefinition Of Purpose?
Vividly I recall one of his colleague’s at the hospital. As was leaving, this visitor remarked to my brother, “IC, this is your destiny. Every ‘dog’ have his day.”
Shortly after, we got the news that the same colleague was hit off his service motorcycle! This happened as he left the hospital. He died the same night.
Did he meet with his destiny or was his purpose served?
What Happens When Purpose And Destiny Meet?
My brother Ivan recovered sufficiently from his injuries. With the help of prosthetic limbs, he lived for thirty-three more years. The ‘rest of life’ for him was one of sterling living. He touched many lives in the 72 countries he visited giving his testimony. He preached hundreds of sermons, walked with Kings and Princes and received numerous “Key to the City.” All the while he maintained his humility.
The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfilment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions” – Rick Warren- A Purpose Driven Life
My Destiny – Two Sons
I had two children, both boys. My second son was born two and a half years after my firstborn – Jared. My desire and plan were always to have not more than two children. After getting pregnant with Justin, I discussed with my lovable OBGYN my decision to do the procedure to prevent further pregnancies.
Justin was born via C-section on June 4, 2005, at 8:00 a.m. I woke up shortly after surgery and the midwife placed the beautiful six-pounder in my waiting arms. I checked and noticed that he looked exactly as Jared did when he was born.
Twenty-four hours later, we were landed a four-squared blow to our joy-filled guts.
Justin had a malformed heart chamber.
What? Cannot be! I had a next–to-perfect nine months of pregnancy. Every instruction was followed: took my vitamins, made all my doctor’s appointments without even an hour off target, ate properly, maintained a spirit-filled-with-pleasant vibes attitude and prayed for a healthy pregnancy! I did everything right!
So, what was at play here? Destiny or purpose?
The Lesson In The Pain
Details aside, suffice it to say we pulled every stop, put the machinery in place to ‘fix’ Justin’s problems. Yet, after three weeks in the Children’s Hospital, Justin went back to His Maker.
The lessons learned from his birth to his transition are many. To this day, some are still inexplicable. Frankly, my thought is that no other experience matches teach the lessons taught when your child dies. Not in this life or the next. I feel Justin came, fulfilled his purpose, did his job and moved on. Destiny intertwined with purpose.
Destiny in my mind is your ultimate call, whereas purpose is your present call.
My belief is that destiny is predetermined by God. The parameters were set by Him before you were born. Purpose, in my opinion, is whatever you are called to do right now, in this very moment.
I recognize that there is something inside of me and you that has not been unlocked – that must be destiny inside of us that we do not even know about. We often hear the saying “God holds our future (destiny) in His Hands,” meaning our destiny is in His Hands waiting to be released or unlocked in His own time.
Purpose Is Temporary
Your purpose is right now. It, therefore, means that purpose is “temporary,” ever-changing but always promoting or pre-empting destiny. What you are doing right now (fulfilling a purpose) may only be for a specific time because God is leading you to your destiny.
The questions in my mind then, to you and to myself are: “When purpose meets destiny, are you ready?” “Are you leading a purpose-filled life?”
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Have a purpose-filled day!
Clara