Luke 4:42-43

Luke 4:42-43: “42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, 43 but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.””

Understanding your purpose and calling is crucial to fulfilling your mission. People will place their expectations upon you, but you must stay the course as it relates to your God-given purpose.

Jesus stepped into His earthly ministry at 30 years of age. After being rejected in His hometown of Nazareth, He went to Capernaum. He spoke with such authority and ministered with such miraculous power that the people were amazed. After casting out demons and healing all the sick who were brought to Him, Jesus departed to a desolate place to commune with the Father. But the people sought Him out because they wanted to keep Him in Capernaum. Jesus understood His purpose and mission, so He told them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.”

We all know what it’s like to have people place their expectations upon us. Yet we are not called to follow man, but God. If you don’t understand your calling and purpose, you can easily be enticed to follow man’s plan rather than God’s. Get alone with the Father and seek Him often concerning your purpose and mission. Jesus did, and it kept Him focused on what the Father had sent Him to do. Don’t settle for less by living according to someone else’s expectations. Fulfill that which God created and called you to do!

Father, we know You have a plan and purpose for each of us. Reveal it to us continually and help us remain faithful to Your will rather than the expectations of man. Keep us focused on the mission You have given us, we pray in Jesus’ name, amen.