#007 On this episode, DrZ explores the topic of Purpose and how it relates to the Path we are to be following. To introduce the topic, DrZ 's presents relevant scriptures which illuminates Purpose in a context we may not have perceived from how it is understood culturally. He then introduces and interviews his special guest Beth Townsend - author of the book "Life on Purpose," speaker, and television and podcast host and personality. Specifically, DrZ wanted to discover what Beth observed during her numerous encounters and interviews with believers on the topic of purpose.
This is a rich program filled with nuggets of purpose wisdom and knowledge revealed by believers to Beth; all of whom noted they experienced trials and difficult times before they discerned purpose. It says in James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." and in Romans 5:3-5 - "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Purpose and trials seem to go hand in hand.
Two proverbs make the connection between trials and purpose and this podcast's tag-line Simply Believe God and Follow Jesus. Proverbs 19:21 - "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails." Proverbs 20:24 - "A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?" Believers have a tendency to think we know what God wants us to do, so we get off the path to do it. What we forget is when we lead we are not following. That's a very hard lesson to learn... John 15:55 - "...apart from me [Jesus] you can do nothing."
The core foundational element to both believe and follow is TRUST in who you believe and in who you follow. Our TRUST is based upon our faith [Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see]. We are told to have full confidence and assurance to believe and follow. And when we get off the Path, our Faith to follow and not lead is increased through trials and tribulations. Ultimately, we must know by Faith and TRUST that God has the power to do what He has promised and then fall back and follow...
You don't want to miss the end of this episode following Beth's interview as DrZ reveals a special regular feature beginning with our next Episode #008 - A Walk on the Beach with DrZ.
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