David, a man after God’s own heart, lived a purpose-driven life that continues to impact generations today. His story teaches us how to fulfill God’s purpose in our own time and place.

What Does It Mean to Be Purpose-Driven?

In Acts 13, Paul describes David as someone who “served his own generation by the will of God.” This powerful statement reveals the essence of a purpose-driven life. The Greek word used for “served” here isn’t the common word for servant (deaconos), but rather a term used to describe Olympic rowers pulling their weight or runners in a relay race.

David carried the baton of God’s purpose throughout his life. He wasn’t perfect—he had his good, bad, and ugly moments—but what made him special was his commitment to God’s purpose rather than his own.

Why Is God Purpose-Driven?

God Himself is purpose-driven. From Genesis to Revelation, there’s a clear plot moving toward a specific end. God isn’t random or haphazard in His actions:

·  He removes Saul and raises up David with intention

·  He works in history because He loves people

·  His ultimate purpose is to show humanity His love

Unlike the “plotless programming” that characterizes much of our culture today, God’s story has direction and meaning. Many people today live “plotless lives,” glancing at God occasionally while focusing their attention elsewhere.

How Does God Produce Purpose-Driven People?

God takes everything in your life—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and uses it for His purpose:

·  The good: Your education, talents, and positive experiences

·  The bad: Your mistakes and failures

·  The ugly: The painful things others have done to you

Paul used his education and background to reach different cultures. David, despite his moral failures, kept the baton in his hand and got back up when he fell. God can use everything in your story if you’ll let Him.

How Do You Discover Your Purpose?

Many people look the part but are useless in fulfilling God’s purpose. Like someone dressed as a cowboy who can’t ride, or a basketball player who looks good in warm-ups but can’t play, we can appear spiritual without actually serving our purpose.

Your purpose isn’t necessarily about position or title. It’s about:

·  Your passion – what moves you

·  Your equipping – what you’re good at

·  Your calling – where God has placed you

Like Hank Aaron who knew he “didn’t come to read” but to hit, we must stay focused on why we’re here despite distractions.

How Do Purpose-Driven People Impact Their Generation?

When you live purpose-driven, you leave your generation better than you found it. David’s psalms still comfort people thousands of years later. Your impact might be:

·  Bringing Jesus into your workplace

·  Showing God’s love to someone who’s hurting

·  Rescuing those who are spiritually drowning

The tragedy of the Titanic wasn’t just that it sank, but that many lifeboats went out half-empty because people were afraid to rescue the perishing. We’re called to row toward those who need saving, not away from them.

Life Application

Are you carrying the right baton? Are you running your race with purpose or just going through religious motions? Here are some questions to consider:

·  What is your sphere of influence, and how are you using it to fulfill God’s purpose?

·  Are you distracted by minor issues that take your focus off what really matters?

·  Are you more concerned with looking the part or actually fulfilling your purpose?

·  Who are the “drowning” people God has placed in your path to rescue?

This week, identify one area where you’ve been distracted from your purpose and recommit to running your race well. Remember, we’re not in the land of the living going to the land of the dying—we’re in the land of the dying going to the land of the living. The only things we can take with us are the people we’ve helped rescue through sharing God’s love.

Whether you have 10 more years or 50, God has a purpose for you to fulfill in your generation. Run your race well.