Daily Digest: Capstone Capsule

“A man’s heart plans his WAY, but the Lord directs his STEPS” – Proverbs 16:9

Myles Munroe’s “In Pursuit of Purpose” captures the dynamics of PURPOSE-DRIVEN IMPACT: “A man’s heart plans his WAY, but the Lord directs his STEPS” (Pro.16:9). Munroe's teachings, connect the practice of planning, the pursuit of purpose, and the resulting impact. Purpose is the driving force behind meaningful actions and decisions. Discovering and living out our God-given Purpose is the key to personal fulfillment, which in turn leads to a meaningful impact on the world. Understanding our purpose allows us to make significant impact in our lives and the lives of others. Purpose allows me to be myself, freeing me from the expectations of others, enabling me to focus on my unique contributions to the world.

However, while we as humans can and should make plans, God ultimately directs our steps. The pursuit of purpose for God-glorifying Impact is not about inventing our own mission but discovering the one God already embedded within us. Purpose is inherent and individual: Inherent in every person and unique to each individual. True success is therefore not measured by society's standards but by personal fulfillment achieved from living out our specific purpose. To discover this purpose, we must consult the Creator. We don't ask a product what it's for; we consult the Manufacturer – it’s the same with us and God. Ignorance is dangerous and destructive. As Munroe would say: “When the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable.”

Without purpose life will pursue the wrong things, leading to unfulfillment, and wasted opportunities and potentials. Purpose-driven impact naturally derives from a purpose-driven life, being an outcome of fulfilling a God-given mission. It is the external result of an internally sourced, purpose-driven life. As we align our actions with our purpose, our influence on earth follows. Specifically, Proverbs 16:9 explains the dynamic between human effort and divine sovereignty. It helps to distinguish between Planning and Presumption. We’re encouraged on "humble planning," where we diligently plot our course but recognize that God ultimately directs our life’s details. This acknowledges humanity's ability to plan while affirming God's ultimate authority.

Purpose must precede Plans. We should not make our own plans and then simply ask God to bless them. Rather, His Purpose precedes and is superior to and more powerful than our plans. If our plans align with His purpose, He will establish our steps. If not, His purpose will prevail. Weare therefore called to trust and surrender. Instead of worrying about every future step, we should focus on our relationship with God and surrender our plans to His ultimate will, knowing that He will guide us along the best path. God’s purpose for us is to manifest His Glory and positively influence the world. Purposeful living is the key to confidence, contentment, and fulfillment, which enable us to positively impact our world and achieve our divine assignments.