What is my Destiny?

The term “destiny” is discussed lots but do we really know what it means? The media would like to tell us that we need to find our perfect “destiny” – that we were built for a specific destiny and we should go after it.

When I searched online, Google’s summary suggests the following:

Finding your destiny involves aligning your daily actions with your core values, passions, and authentic self to create a fulfilling life. It requires introspection to identify your unique, natural talents, followed by consistent action, overcoming obstacles, and trusting the flow of life. Key steps include identifying what excites you, setting goals, and cultivating a supportive environment.

That’s a long, tall list. Did you notice that it all centers around ourselves and what we need to do? I need to find my passion. I need to search my soul for my gifts. I need to consistently act to reach my goals…and so on.

When I read that I feel nothing but pressure. What if I mess up and then I don’t reach my “perfect” destiny? What if I don’t know how to set appropriate goals? What if I can’t figure it all out? It is an exhausting process to think about.

As per usual, God turns around what the world says. Yes, He has created us with specific talents and abilities and He wants us to use them, but our focus should be outward and not inward.

What does God say our destiny is?

“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9 NIV)

This is pure and simple – God wants us all to believe in Jesus as Lord and Saviour and thus be saved. Our focus is to be on Jesus and His saving work, not on ourselves.

You will find your true destiny, not in yourself, but in God Almighty. Our energy is much better spent seeking close communion with God through His Word and through prayer. It is looking at each new day and asking God what His plan for us is and how can we be our best selves in His service as we use the gifts we have been given and live out our lives of faith.

It is important to consider how God is working in our lives and what that means as we reach out to others in our sphere of influence. A fruitful Christian life considers the needs of others before our own. It encourages generosity and collaboration, caring and nurturing.

When we keep our sights focused on God’s plan and not on ourselves, we have His sure and certain promise of success. We might not have so called earthly success but our eternal destiny is secure and certain.

I can attest to having wasted many hours trying to fit in the mold that the world sets forth. I have been worried and even saddened that I am not making the grade and that maybe I won’t totally be the kind of person I should be.

We can take comfort in God’s Word which assures us that we are His beloved creations, made perfect in His sight by the saving work of Jesus on the cross. Nothing can take our security and hope in eternity if we trust in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. He will play out the rest. He has done the work. Now we can go forward in peace and joy.

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