Finding Your Purpose in the Darkness

Finding Your Purpose in the Darkness

Pastor Kevin Rutledge


Have you ever found yourself asking the question, "Why am I here?" It's a question that can arise during times of uncertainty, when we're faced with difficult decisions or struggling to find our way forward. In those moments, it can feel like we're stumbling around in the dark, grasping for answers that seem just out of reach.

But what if we told you that God meets us in that darkness? That He welcomes our questions, our doubts, and our fears, and is ready to guide us towards a new understanding of our purpose?

The story of Nicodemus in the Gospel of John illustrates this beautifully. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, came to Jesus under the cover of night, seeking answers to the questions that weighed on his heart. He was searching for truth, but was limited by his own understanding of what was possible.

Jesus met Nicodemus where he was, in the darkness of his doubts and questions. He didn't turn him away or demand that he come back when he had it all figured out. Instead, He engaged with Nicodemus, challenging his assumptions and inviting him to see things in a new light.

And that's exactly what God does for us when we come to Him with our own questions and uncertainties. He meets us in the darkness, ready to guide us towards a new understanding of our purpose and our place in the world.

So often, we approach God with a fixed idea of what is possible and what isn't. We think we know exactly how things are supposed to be, and we expect God to work within those limitations. But just as Jesus challenged Nicodemus to expand his understanding, God invites us to let go of our preconceived notions and open ourselves up to new possibilities.

Through prayer and conversation with God, we can begin to see our lives and our purpose in a new light. We can start to understand that our gifts, our talents, and even our challenges and struggles can all be used for God's glory, if we're willing to trust in Him and follow where He leads.

It's not always easy to take that step of faith, to let go of what we think we know and trust in God's plan for our lives. Fear, anxiety, and doubt can hold us back, keeping us stuck in the darkness of uncertainty.

But the good news is that the darkness won't last forever. As we continue to seek God's guidance and open ourselves up to His leading, a new dawn begins to break. We start to see glimmers of hope and purpose, even in the midst of our struggles and challenges.

And as we step out in faith, following the path that God has set before us, we begin to experience the fullness of life that He promises. We discover that our lives have meaning and value, and that we each have a unique role to play in His grand design.

So if you find yourself asking the question, "Why am I here?" know that you're not alone. Know that God is ready to meet you in the darkness of your doubts and fears, and guide you towards a new understanding of your purpose.

Take the time to pray, to listen for God's voice, and to seek the guidance of others who can help you discern His will for your life. And trust that as you step out in faith, God will be with you every step of the way, leading you towards the light of a new dawn and a renewed sense of purpose.

Remember, no matter where you are in life, no matter what challenges you're facing, God can use you. He has a purpose for you, and He's ready to reveal it to you, if you're willing to seek Him in the darkness and trust in His guiding light.

So don't be afraid to ask the big questions, to grapple with your doubts and fears, and to step out in faith. You never know where God might lead you, or what amazing things He might have in store for your life. All you need is a willingness to trust in Him, and to follow where He leads.


Other Things You May Be Interested In:

The Purpose Of Worship: Shaping Our Lives Beyond Sunday

Published: September 12, 2024

Why do we gather for worship? In a world where we can connect with God anywhere, anytime, what's the purpose of coming together in a physical space? These are questions that challenge us to reflect on the true meaning and impact of corporate worship in our lives. It's easy to fall into the mindset that God is only present in church, that our spiritual lives are compartmentalized to Sunday mornings. We may give God fleeting thoughts throughout the week, but often fail to recognize His constant presence in every moment. This limited view of worship can lead us to treat it as a duty—something we do for an hour each week before returning to our "real" lives. But what if worship is meant to be so much more? The truth is, we don't come together simply to worship God—though that's certainly part of it. We gather to be shaped by our worship, to be transformed in ways that impact how we live when we leave the building. Our time of corporate worship should change our hearts, broaden our perspectives, and equip us to live differently in the world. Consider how gathering with diverse believers challenges us to expand our view of the global church. When we worship alongside those who may not look like us, believe exactly as we do, or come from our background, we get a glimpse of what the triumphant church in heaven will look like—a multitude from every nation, tribe, and tongue. This experience breaks us out of our tendency to surround ourselves only with those who are similar to us. Our acts of worship also shape us in practical ways: Offering our tithes and gifts teaches us to live generously beyond the walls of the church. Reading Scripture together equips us to encounter God's Word on our own throughout the week. Praying for one another's joys and sorrows reminds us that God is at work in the world and that He hears our prayers. Receiving a benediction and blessing sends us out with strength for the days ahead. The blessing we receive isn't just for our own benefit. Throughout Scripture, we see that God blesses His people so that they can be a blessing to others. From Abraham to the nation of Israel, God's pattern is clear: "I will bless you... so that you will be a blessing" (Genesis 12:2). As we leave our time of worship, we should overflow with blessing to everyone we encounter. This leads us to a crucial question: If our lives are no different when we walk out of church than when we walked in, what was the point? If we haven't truly encountered the living God, been challenged by His Word, or been moved to live differently as His disciples, then our time together has missed the mark. As followers of Christ, we believe that our faith journey is incremental. We don't become perfect the moment we decide to follow Jesus. Instead, it's a daily process of growing in our love for God, for His people, and for His creation. Each day, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we strive to demonstrate that love more fully in our words and actions. This is the essence of discipleship—a continual journey of becoming more like Christ. While we believe it's possible to be made perfect in love during our earthly lives, it's not something we can achieve on our own or claim for ourselves. As John Wesley wisely noted, those who believed they had attained perfection in love were often the furthest from it. So why do we gather? We come together to be commissioned, to be reminded of Jesus' call to His disciples: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel" (Mark 16:15). This isn't about forcing our faith on others or cornering unwilling listeners. Rather, it's about being prepared to engage with those who are questioning, searching for meaning, or struggling to find hope. Despite what headlines might suggest, the world isn't dominated by militant atheists or those adamantly opposed to faith. Instead, there are countless individuals who are simply unsure, who have genuine questions about life's purpose and meaning. Our call is to live in such a way that our faith stands out—demonstrating joy, peace, and an unshakable assurance grounded in our relationship with God. Your story of faith doesn't have to be a dramatic before-and-after tale. Perhaps you've grown up in the church, gradually deepening your relationship with Christ over time. That journey is just as powerful and worth sharing. The key is to reflect on how your time in worship impacts the other 167 hours of your week. As our worship experience shapes us, it should naturally overflow into a different kind of worship outside the church walls: Giving thanks to God for His blessings Offering hope to the hopeless Praying for those who are hurting Seeking out those who are lost or questioning Our task isn't to have all the answers or to dictate what others should believe. Instead, we're called to listen, to walk alongside those who are searching, and to share how God has worked in our own lives. This is how we can see transformation and healing in our communities. Ultimately, our weekly gathering serves to recharge us spiritually. When the world beats us down and we feel our spiritual batteries draining, we come together again to pray, sing, hear God's Word, and be blessed and sent out anew. We remind each other of who we are in Christ and find the strength, hope, and courage we need for the week ahead. This is why we gather. This is why we worship. Not just as an end in itself, but as a means of becoming who God has called us to be—His hands and feet in a world that desperately needs His love. As we leave our time of worship, may we go with this commission ringing in our ears: to welcome the unwanted, to love the unloved, and if they won't come to us, to go to them. Let our worship be more than a weekly ritual. Let it be the catalyst that transforms our lives and, through us, brings hope and healing to our world.

The Sacred Table: Communion, Community, And Christ's Presence

Published: September 03, 2024

Dive into the profound significance of communion and discover why early church leaders like John Wesley emphasized its frequent practice. Explore how this sacred meal, instituted by Jesus Himself, acts as an essential means of grace, fostering obedience, remembrance, and a tangible experience of Christ's presence. Reflect on how communion calls us to inclusivity and challenges us to extend our tables beyond church walls, inviting others into a shared experience of God's transformative love. Click to read and uncover how communion shapes not just our worship, but our everyday lives, offering a foretaste of the heavenly banquet and a model for Christ-like hospitality.
Top