A renowned man of God recently celebrated 40 years in ministry. Within the 40-year period, he did some amazing things that a lot of people would consider phenomenal. But he said something striking during the celebration. He said God told him that the last 40 years was like wilderness experience; it’s time to go to the Promised Land.
Friend, purpose is a journey. It is not a place you arrive at, it is a destiny you are pursuing. Every man of purpose must beware of arrival syndrome. There would be purposes within purpose and achievements within allotment. All of these must not be mistaken for the ultimate (1 Samuel 17:54-58). Many people shortchange themselves in destiny by celebrating too soon.
If you must celebrate, you should celebrate your journey, not your arrival or destination. You should celebrate the future that is unfolding, not the present that looks beautiful. You should celebrate the high calling of God for you, not the present attainment (Philippians 3:14). This is the secret of becoming God’s best.
The revered Apostle Paul wrote Philippians 3:10-14 towards the end of his life and ministry. It is amazing to note that he never considered himself to have attained. He kept pressing to know God and fulfil the highest call on his life. No wonder, aside Jesus, he was the only who could boldly say that he had finished his course (John 17:4, 2 Timothy 4:6-8).
We are in days where people build monument of emptiness around pseudo success. Listen, your life is a mystery unfolding; a movement in progress. Any attempt to make it a monument is to end it a mortuary. Sadly, many great dreams and destinies have become mortuaries today because of premature arrival and celebration.
The day Elijah said it was enough, he ended his destiny abruptly (1 Kings 19:4). God could not convince him otherwise. He never knew that there were still a lot that God had in store for him. The anointing and assignment on Elijah were so massive that they had to be shared among three people; Elisha, Jehu and Hazel (1 Kings 19:15-18). He could have kept on, but he ended too soon. May this not be your portion?
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria