There is something magnificently divine about watching animals be animals – I mean seeing them in their natural habitats and exhibiting their instinctive behaviors. They show off God’s wisdom – and pleasure – in His creation of communities.
I have domestic animals on the farm so it’s just a tiny glimps into His omnipotent view, but what a view!
Our Livestock Guardian Dog, Jethro, watches his herd and fends off potential predators. I didn’t teach him that. That is bred into his heart by his creator.
When I bring a new duck, chicken or goat into the pasture, I introduce them to Jethro. I tell them they are “his” – and he seems to know. While he will happily steal a duck egg for breakfast, he will never harm the duck. He will, however, chase a crow, hawk or even a starling out of his field. He knows who are “his” and who are not.
The Runner Ducks paddle off in a straight line on a mission to gobble up slugs and bugs that eat up the pasture grasses. They take breaks to rest in the shade and then are off again to “hunt”. They are always together, chatting happily as they “work”.
As the animals are designed with a unique purpose, so are we. Over a life time of experiences, we have the opportunity to identify, practice and perfect our purpose so that we may reflect back the glory of the One who bred that purpose into our heart. But – there is also a common purpose to which we are called.
Worship. God’s design, His hope and His desire – for you and for me – is that we worship Him. We show our love and thankfulness through our worship. We demonstrate our mindfulness and obedience through our worship. We reach out in trust and faith through our worship.
If you are struggling with discovering your specific, unique purpose – then settle in to the common purpose of WORSHIP. As you take your eyes off yourself and focus on Him, He will reveal the assignment He has for you. As you wait, show love with a thankful heart and enjoy His presence (on purpose!).
“But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purpose of his heart through all generations.” Psalm 33:11
