Destiny/Destined

<<outcome determined by our choices>>

The finality of a predetermined or inevitable course of events. To a large degree, we determine our destiny as a result or consequence of the choices we make. If we make wise choices in life, there is a far greater likelihood of good outcomes than if there is no planning, we make bad decisions and do not live uprightly.

God has good plans for us (Jer 29:11). However, these can only come about as we fulfill the conditions to receive them, such as “If my people…humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,

Am I committed to meeting the conditions?

then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land” (2 Chr 7:14). We choose whether we experience divine favour or displeasure, blessing or curse. Jesus likened it to people hearing His words – those who acted on them stood firm and survived while those who ignored them were destroyed (Mt 7:24-27).

These principles of destiny can also be applied to personal ministry or the outworking of the call of God in an individual’s life. To Mary the Mother of Jesus it was said, “This child is destined to be rejected by many, but also accepted by many…” (Lk 2:34). Jesus knew the specific reason why He came (Mk 8:31, 9:31, 10:33,34,45; Jn 12:27). Later He could confidently say, “It is finished” (Jn 17:4, 19:30). Similarly Paul said, “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me”, then at the close of his life “I have finished the race” (Phil 3:12; 2 Tim 4:7). He could say this because “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision” but fearlessly preached the gospel (Act 9:15, 26:19-23).

Jesus came to enable us to fulfill our destiny. Do I know what my individual destiny or call is, and am I fulfilling it? It is of utmost importance.

The eternal destination of many is dependent on us fulfilling our divine earthly assignment. Wait on God to get a vision, allowing Him to birth within you His unique ministry, inside the larger context of His mission to present Jesus to the world.

Persistence of faith, integrity of lifestyle and fervent love for God are keys to ensure we keep focused on the goal, discarding what hinders. Whatever our specific task is in the kingdom of God, it will involve us becoming more like our Master (Rom 8:29). Clearly define what you believe is the Lord’s calling

Fulfilling your destiny is of utmost importance, both for yourself and others

or assignment on your life, then embark on the pathway ensuring every choice you make and everything you do will serve to fulfill it, without forcing it. Abraham, in the flesh moved ahead of God’s timing and this caused major problems with the repercussions still evident today (Gen 16:1ff).

There will be discouragement, challenges and temptations as Satan tries to divert us from, destroy or render ineffective our destiny in God. It is essential to walk in obedience under the protective covering of the Lord, not allowing circumstances to jeopardise, rather become stronger by persevering and using these obstacles as stepping-stones to advance. The divine calling is the motivating influence in your life as you make all things contribute to that goal.

For your eternal benefit and those whose lives you will touch, rise to the level God has for your life not allowing the devil to cheat you out of it. Don’t remain ‘an acorn’ – it has the potential to become a giant oak tree. You are a seed with the potential to produce a harvest for God. Place yourself and all you have in His hands, maintain humble obedient submission and the result will astound you, bless many lives and bring Him much glory. That which He has started, He will bring to completion, provided you keep walking obediently with Him for “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me” (Phil 1:6, 2:13). Put yourself in the place where God must bless – by living obediently to His Word, having close fellowship with Him and right relationships with others.

God has preplanned the various aspects of our lives based on the response He knows in advance that we will make (Rom 9:11-18). Predestination and election are terms used to describe this sovereign act of God, where “All who were appointed for eternal life believed” and “He chose us…to be holy and blameless in His sight” (Act 13:48; Eph 1:4). “They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen” for "He works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will" (Act 4:28; Eph 1:11).

The Psalmist questioned the seemingly trouble free existence of the wicked until he gained the true perspective “then I understood their final destiny” (Ps 73:17). “Man is destined to die once, and after that to face the judgment” (Heb 9:27). Unbelievers are destined to stumble and perish because they don’t accept the gospel, while one aspect of the believers destiny or calling is to “Declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light” (Job 8:11-13; 1 Pet 2:8,9). Our ongoing prayer should be for God to help us accomplish our destiny in Him, which requires us to make right choices.