Have you ever wondered what God/heaven thinks concerning you? During the silent moments of your journey to purpose it is tempting to doubt yourself, doubt what you heard, and doubt that your vision will come to fruition. During these times, God may not speak to you directly; however, He will speak through the others. As I reflect on experiences this past month, I realize the unexpected ways and the unlimited ability of God to assure and confirm His purpose and the good plans He has for our future.

One way God does this is through the voices of others. While we unassumingly pour out our God-given gifts, others are engaged and bear witness to a manifestation of the vision we are yet to realize. The work that God has begun shaping and filling us with gifts, knowledge, wisdom and intelligence for the prepared purpose shines through. We exude a glimpse of who we are and what we will become in the eyes of God and the face of man. The topic this week is about seeing yourself through the eyes of God. As we pursue purpose and God places us in a holding pattern, we can feel unsure of ourselves. It becomes important to know how God sees us. It’s comforting when God affirms us in such a way that confirms the vision surrounding our future and purpose.

This is what happened to me a few weeks ago when I attended the Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference in San Jose, California. Leading up to the conference, I was hoping that my book would be complete in order to market the book and move on to the next level of the purpose journey. God had been silent about the next steps with the book. I prayed about taking the book to the writer’s conference but left it in God’s hands. Although I was not able to bring and market the book at the conference, I was able to encourage and exhort many writers. Little did I know, I was actually marketing the book simply through listening to the concerns of others and encouraging them with nuggets from the book.

This was affirming in two ways: 1) It allowed me to realize the timeliness and relevance of the book and 2) I received, in turn, affirmation from each individual.  This happened over-and-over-over. I decided to record what people were saying. As I read the list, it was as if God was speaking to me about his plans for me. Like pieces of a puzzle, the statements could be arranged in such a way as to prophecy the specific plans God has in store. Many of the statements did confirm previous prophetic words given. When I returned home, I typed out those quotes and had them printed poster-size, framed; and I hung it in my office as a reminder of how God sees me; and his plans for me. Although the vision I’ve seen of my future has yet to fully manifest in the physical, these affirmations are clues to the vision and my purpose. I encourage you to listen to what others say of you as it gives clue to the vision, purpose, and the influence God has designed for you. Consider the analogy of an apple seed. Oftentimes, we don’t connect the apple seed with the substance of a whole apple. Everything the apple is already exists inside the seed. In seed form, it does not resemble an apple in the least. However, when the seed is planted and watered, it grows and begins to show forth signs of what it will become. Soon, many are able to identify it as an apple even though it’s not showcased in the produce section of the grocery store.

If you are discouraged because the vision of purpose and destiny tarry, take time to listen, journal, and reflect on what others say of you. As you pour out of your God-given gifts, they are seeing you through the eyes of God. Remember that God has called you for his purpose (Exodus 31:1-6); He has a unique plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11); and He is mindful of you (Psalms 8:4-6), so don’t get ahead of Him.

As always, I appreciate you taking the time to visit the blog. I pray that you will find something of value to support you on your journey to purpose. I would also appreciate you sharing the blog on your social media sites. This will help get the word out about the blog. I hope that you rate the blog as content of value and share with your friends and family. Also, please leave a comment on the questions in the TalkBack section. You never know whom you will bless with your testimony.

Until next time, keep seeing yourself through God’s eyes.

Announcements:  Be on the lookout for my new book, Journey to Purpose, coming soon to Barnes & Noble, Amazon (print and e-format), Xulon Press, and other Christian bookstores. Stay tuned for information about an e-launch party.

If you missed last week’s post click here.

Highlights from Today’s Episode:

• When God places us in a holding pattern, He can use others to affirm His thoughts about us and His plans for us
• While we unassumingly pour out our God-given gifts, others are engaged and bear witness to a manifestation of the vision we are yet to realize

Talk Back:

Share two things others say of you that confirm your purpose, sphere of influence or tell a story about your kingdom work.

During the journey to purpose, when God is silent, what keeps you motivated?