Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

I love reading Paul’s letters—especially his letter to the “faithful followers” in Ephesus, as he calls them in Ephesians 1:1. Paul was a man created with purpose. He had a strong personality, and God used that strength to shape much of what we now call the New Testament. Paul’s deep understanding of the Jewish Scriptures, combined with a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ, equipped him to walk in the very purpose God had designed for him from the beginning.

In Ephesians 1, we’re reminded that God, in His infinite wisdom, knew before the foundation of the world that some would partner with Him to care for the nations and some would not. This echoes what we read in Exodus 19, where God calls His people to be a “Kingdom of Priests,” living out their purpose by blessing and helping others. This truth brings me to one of the most impactful verses in my own life—Ephesians 2:10:

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

I wish I had known this verse—and believed it—in the first 26 years of my life. At 26, I found myself divorced, financially struggling, rejected by a broken world, and deeply lonely. Though I had been born again at 15, I never spent time in God’s Word. I didn’t believe I had been wonderfully created. I lived a defeated life—even though Christ had already paid the price for me to live in abundance.

But at my lowest, God heard my cries and radically intervened. Without applying for any jobs in Texas, He moved me there. Then He began surrounding me with people who helped me learn His Word. Since then, I’ve completed six full journeys through the Bible and countless topical studies. Today, I don’t know everything, but I know—and believe with all my heart—that I am wonderfully made, and that God created me with a purpose. 

As I’ve grown in my understanding of the Bible, I’ve also been blessed with Christian mentors who have encouraged me to cultivate self-awareness and discover my God-given purpose through that. I’m certainly not good at everything—far from it—but there are a few things I know I do well. Tools like personality assessments, spiritual gifts tests, and an honest look at my passions, combined with the hard-earned wisdom that comes from failing at times, have all helped clarify the purpose God has for me.

This 5’1”, stocky woman with a business degree and no formal seminary training was created by a loving, powerful, grace-filled God to motivate and help others live an abundant life through encouragement and truth. In Him, I have an inheritance. I am a princess of the King of Kings. I know my royal duties because I have regularly met with and continue to meet with the King to receive my assignments.

Now let’s talk about you.

Are you walking in defeat or in abundance? Do you dislike how God created you, or do you believe His Word, which says you are wonderfully made? The answer makes a difference—not just in your life, but in the lives of everyone around you. If you’re not walking in your God-given purpose, you’re missing out on the joy and blessing that come from serving others for His glory.

You were meant to be royalty. You were meant to represent God, the King of all kings. You are meant to be His hands and feet in this broken world.

Jesus, It’s all about You. The more I know You, the easier it is to lay down my life in service to You. Help me each day to walk in my God-given purpose, and help me to encourage others to do the same. Oh, that we would indeed be a Kingdom of Priests for Your glory! Amen.

Stephanie Blakeslee: a motivator and encourager, designed to help others live an abundant life by teaching truth.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

FALL AT VENTURE

KXP, MVMNT, The Gathering, House Church, and Care Groups are all starting back this fall! For launch dates and events, check out the Fall at Venture webpage.