Star Power: Discovering who you were meant to be.

Discover who you were meant to be. Photo-wordpress.com

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you’ll be among the stars. – Les Brown

In the 1980s the Marine Corps decided it needed special operations capable units. The Marine Corps is a paradox of a general purpose force that can do some very specialized and unique things. The National Security Act of 1947 provided for the Corps as a separate service within the Department of the Navy. Again, another paradox—this one came with specified missions and the catchall caveat—and other such missions as the president may direct from time to time.

Back to the 1980’s. The Soviet Block was still the stated main threat, but more and more smaller conflicts and terrorists actions were the norm. Many of these occurred in the world’s littorals. The United States needed a forward deployed general purpose force that could do some very specific, very special missions. These were hostage rescue in extremis, TRAP (tactical recovery of air crew and pilot), NEO (non combatant evacuation operations), airfield seizure, and more. Each had qualification criteria. All had to be met. When you finished the pre-deployment training, you knew not only amphibious warfare which Marines had claimed expertise in since their 1775 birth; you also were special operations capable. You knew your purpose.

One thing the Marine Corps does not have is an identity crisis.

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering
if they've made a difference. The Marines don't
have that problem."

This quote has been around for decades, but it was President Ronald Reagan who always receives credit for it. Regardless of who first uttered these words, they are accurate. Knowing your purpose is a wonderful thing. Not knowing is worse, but not even wondering about it is the worst of all.

The person who goes through life without a clue as to why they exist or what purpose they have in this world is to be pitied. The cliché of the 1990’s was get a life, but the cliché of all time should be get a purpose. More accurately, find your purpose!

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

We hear a lot of talk about God’s plan for our lives, this must be God’s plan, God has a plan for everything, and other such parallel thoughts. We spend less time thinking about what our purpose is in that plan. Would you really want to wait until the last month of your life to figure this out?

Here is the first of today’s make it count moments.

When was the last time that you wondered about your identity and place in life?

What were the circumstances?

How did they influence your question?

We are God’s handiwork, his first fruits, the best of his creation. He loves us and wants us to live this life to the fullest extent possible. If that sounds like a lofty term with no meaning, it might be because your purpose still remains a little fuzzy to you.

Zig Ziglar liked to remark that he could outshoot the best archer in the world. There were two small conditions to this boast. First the archer would be blindfolded and then spun around several times before he was allowed to shoot. Regardless of the champion’s skill, if he can’t see the target he doesn’t have much chance of hitting it.

In Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters, the protégé Wormwood is reminded that Jargon not argument is one of his best tactics. To paraphrase Lewis’s main character, Uncle Screwtape, “Don’t let people think too long or an any particular aspect of this universe, lest he realize the divine nature of it all. When you find someone in a contemplative moment, remind them to eat or to get back in the real world—making sure never to let them contemplate what the real world really is”.

Our enemy tries to undermine our confidence in who we are made to be. We need to remember that we are a child of God, very much loved, made in the divine image, and given purpose in this life.

Let’s dive into our next make it count moment.

When have you experienced the Enemy trying to steal your identity?

What are the messages that run through your mind when you’re down on yourself?

How can you counter these indictments the next time Satan throws them at your?

In other words, in those critical times how can you remember who you really are?

Many of you have read The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. It takes 40 days and examines what we will do this single day—seek to discover our God-given purpose in this life. It will likely be revealed to us not in a single dream or experience, but over the course of many experiences, dreams, periods of prayer and meditation, and just plain thinking about it. That’s right, just thinkin’ about it.

Here are today’s make it last for life challenges.

1. On the next clear night go outside and just look at the stars. Go alone if possible.

2. Where does your mind go?

3. Where does your heart go?

4. Once inside, read Psalm 8. Now write your own poem to God. Include not only your experience, but your questions and longings as well.

5. Let’s get audio-visual or maybe even tactile. Find a picture or object that reminds you of who you really are. Place it to where you will see it every day to remind you of your true identity.

6. Make a list of your strengths. Be comprehensive and specific. Instead of saying I’m creative, continue to list your creative strengths. I compose poetry on the spot. I write with passion. I see multiple alternative solutions to problems. Once you get started, this will come very naturally.

7. Next, write how much time you spend using or improving these gifts or talents over the past week.

Here are today's provocations.