Why the Fearless Pursuit of Destiny?

Renee and I have decided to make that simple phrase our defining ethos for our lives, and the decisions that we make. It’s not ours alone, and I would argue a strong case that it’s a worthwhile guidepost for anybody. Why?

Following God’s call on your life isn’t just about achieving certain observable goals. It’s the fundamental abandonment of our will and the acknowledgment that above all else, God desires to mould us and transform us into His likeness. The utmost goal of ours should be to please God.

The foundation of pleasing God is Faith (Hebrews 11:6) and Faith is a gift of God (Ephesians 2:8–9). As Christians we all have faith, as we couldn’t know Him without it, however our desire should be that we grow in our Faith and knowledge of Him (2 Peter 3:18).

Unfortunately this is where it gets scary, because, although we can learn the concept of faith in theory, it’s impossible to grow in Faith without having it tested. Having our Faith tested means that we find ourselves in situations that we can’t overcome by the strength of our will, expression of our intelligence, or might of our hands.

It’s inherently humbling and frightening, because it works forcibly against the very core of our human nature, which is to be in control. Fear is an emotion that springs from being helpless and it’s a natural and healthy reaction to that - swimming with sharks anyone?

However, fear becomes the enemy of our Faith journey when it develops into our prime motivator in decision making.

Fearless : An act of our will to live according to the promises of God and His ever perfect character, rather than the cares and circumstances of this world.

Our walk with God is not a placid activity. While we were yet sinners, God pursued us (Romans 5:8-9), and now, we join with God to pursue all good things (1 Timothy 6:11-12), including the development of our Faith. Once again, it’s an act of obedience.

Pursuit : Recognising that we must actively make a daily decision to pursue what God has for our lives, as the highest priority.

Ephesians 2:10 reveals that God has determined in advance the good works we are to do in Him. Our eyes are set fast on the goal to know Him and please Him, and that is enough. The working out of that however, does include a pouring out of God’s love, an overflow of His goodness to those around us.

The good works He destined for us are twofold. Firstly, we should all be manifesting Gods very being - forgiveness, kindness, grace, mercy, generosity and so forth. Secondly, God has placed in each of us a unique element of His character that we can reflect in our life.

It’s not a job title, certificate on the wall, or social construct, but a powerful and undeniable release of God’s power that He works through us to transform and redeem lives.

For example, for some it’s teaching, or writing, or discipling others, or dance, and for others it’s entrepreneurship, or pastoral ministry, or worship and prayer.

Destiny : Identifying, embracing, and nurturing our unique God given reflection of Him, so that others may know His unfathomable and everlasting love and goodness.

In total transparency, Renee and I suck at all of the above concepts. We’re often fearful and lacking in Faith, we focus our minds on the cares of this world, we drift into passiveness and long for comfort, we fail to identify our destiny and get waylaid by temporal pursuits.

But what we do have going for us is the conviction of our Saviour which burns within us each time we wander from His gentle guidance. We have failed so many times to live up to the Fearless Pursuit of Destiny that our mortal strength is all but vanquished. All we have left is to throw ourselves at the feet of His mercy for yet another chance to be used by Him.

Come with us on this journey … because together we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:31-39).