Made for a Purpose
God has a purpose for us, and we can trust in His leadership and goodness as we navigate life's challenges.
Mary Wilder Tileston, inspired by Isaiah 48:17, emphasizes God's role as the ultimate teacher who guides us to prosperity and directs us on the right path. She encourages surrendering to God's leading without questioning or choosing our own way, trusting that He will prevent us from going astray. Tileston reminds believers that God's purpose is to continually lead and support us, assuring us of His constant presence and help, allowing us to confidently declare that the Lord is our Helper, freeing us from fear and anxiety.
Text
I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.
--ISAIAH 48:17
JUST as God leads me I would go;
I would not ask to choose my way;
Content with what He will bestow,
Assured He will not let me stray.
So as He leads, my path I make,
And step by step I gladly take,
A child in Him confiding.
--LAMPERTUS GEDICKE
HE has not made us for nought; He has brought us thus far, in order to bring us further, in order to bring us on to the end. He will never leave us nor forsake us; so that we may boldly say, "The Lord is my Helper; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me." We "may cast all our care upon Him who careth for us." What is it to us how our future path lies, if it be but His path? What is it to us whither it leads us, so that in the end it leads to Him? What is it to us what He puts upon us, so that He enables us to undergo it with a pure conscience, a true heart, not desiring anything of this world in comparison of Him? What is it to us what terror befalls us, if He be but a hand to protect and strengthen us?
--JOHN HENRY NEWMAN
Sermon Outline
- God's Purpose for Us
- Trust in God's Leadership
- Cast Our Care on God
- He cares for us
- We can trust Him with our future
Key Quotes
“He has not made us for nought; He has brought us thus far, in order to bring us further, in order to bring us on to the end.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“We 'may cast all our care upon Him who careth for us.'” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“What is it to us what He puts upon us, so that He enables us to undergo it with a pure conscience, a true heart, not desiring anything of this world in comparison of Him?” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- We can trust God's leadership and goodness, even when we don't understand what's ahead.
- Casting our care on God is a key to living with a pure conscience and a true heart.
- Desiring God above all else is the key to a life of joy and fulfillment.