One of the most evident truths in Scripture is that God never acts without purpose, and He never sends without intention. From the prophets of the Old Testament to the apostles in the New, we see a pattern: God calls, equips, and sends people with divine assignments.
However, we also observe another pattern: individuals who started well, with a purpose, but ultimately fell away due to distraction, disobedience, or a lack of desire.
This post is a call to live intentionally. It’s a reminder that purpose is not just found, it must be protected, nurtured, and obeyed.
God Sends with Purpose
Scripture is filled with examples of people who were called with clarity:
- Elijah was sent to confront Israel's idolatry and call the people back to God (1 Kings 17–19).
- Jeremiah was chosen before birth:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” — Jeremiah 1:5
- Isaiah responded to the divine question, “Whom shall I send?” with a willing, “Here I am! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)
- Jesus handpicked the twelve apostles to preach, heal, and cast out demons (Mark 3:14–15).
God’s calling is always rooted in purpose, not popularity, prosperity, or personal ambition.
Purpose Can Be Lost
While the call is clear, the path isn’t automatic. The Bible gives sobering accounts of men who started in purpose but fell from it:
King Saul
Anointed by Samuel and empowered by God’s Spirit (1 Samuel 10:1, 6), Saul lost his way through disobedience and pride.
“To obey is better than sacrifice... because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king.” — 1 Samuel 15:22–23
The Young Prophet (1 Kings 13)
Sent by God with strict instructions, he disobeyed when an older prophet deceived him, leading to his death. His story teaches us to prioritize God’s voice above all others.
Samson
Called to deliver Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:5), Samson repeatedly gave in to lust and lacked self-discipline. His fall came through compromise, especially in his relationship with Delilah (Judges 16).
Demas
Once a companion of Paul, Demas abandoned the mission:
“Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world...” — 2 Timothy 4:10
These are not just cautionary tales—they're mirrors for us to reflect on.
What Steals Purpose?
Here are some of the common enemies of purpose in Scripture—and in our lives:
- Fame & Approval – Saul feared the people more than God (1 Samuel 15:24).
- Greed – Balaam loved the wages of unrighteousness (Numbers 22; 2 Peter 2:15).
- Lust – Samson followed passion over purpose.
- Pride – King Uzziah, after gaining success, overstepped his bounds and was struck with leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16–21).
- Deception – Like the young prophet, failing to test the spirits can lead to ruin.
Walking in your calling requires obedience, humility, and spiritual discernment.
How to Stay in Purpose
If God has called you, and He has (see Ephesians 2:10), then here are ways to protect your calling:
1. Stay Rooted in the Word
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4
2. Walk in the Spirit
Avoid the traps of the flesh.
“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16
3. Don’t Compare Your Calling
When Peter asked about John’s destiny, Jesus said:
“What is that to you? You follow Me.” — John 21:22
4. Stay Accountable
Even Peter needed correction. Paul confronted him when he strayed (Galatians 2:11–14). Community matters.
5. Keep Eternity in View
Like Paul, aim to finish your race:
“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 3:14
There’s Grace for Restoration
Have you fallen off course? There is hope and restoration in Jesus.
- Peter denied Jesus, but Jesus restored him and gave him fresh commission (John 21:15–19).
- John Mark abandoned Paul and Barnabas, but was later called “useful” by Paul (2 Timothy 4:11).
- David fell, but after repentance, God called him “a man after My heart” (Acts 13:22).
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful.” — 2 Timothy 2:13
Final Thoughts
Purpose is not a career. It’s not a platform. It’s not a title.
Purpose is obedience to the voice of God and faithfulness to the assignment He has given.
Some will start strong and finish weak. Others will fall but rise again. The goal is not perfection, it is perseverance.
“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure...” — 2 Peter 1:10
Stay aligned. Stay obedient. Stay in purpose.
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