Cornerstone Community Church

The Power of Purpose
Youth Pastor Ben Hoffman

A purpose is the underlying reason, objective, or intended result for which something is created, done, or exists. It acts as a central motivating force that guides decisions, directs actions, and provides a sense of direction or meaning to endeavors. In relation to God it means being empowered to walk in the purpose God has planned for you.

David was the epitome of this. He knew seeking God was the most important part of his life. Despite being "a man after God's own heart", his life was defined by both triumphs and devastating tragedies. David wasn’t perfect but he knew that when he failed, he didn't need to make excuses; he just needed a humble, repentant spirit to return to what truly mattered. He knew God had a purpose for him.

However, David had to wait. Anointed as king as a teenager, he endured roughly 15 years of running, hiding, and serving before he actually took the throne. His trials shaped his character and prepared him for his destiny. Knowing your purpose transforms waiting from a frustrating delay into a meaningful period of preparation. The wait becomes an active season to grow your capacity, strengthen your resilience, and align with the bigger picture. When we know our purpose we are ok with the waiting and when the storms come we are ready because we know our foundation is strong.

Are you facing giants? Psalm 142 is a heartfelt prayer written by David while hiding from his enemies in a dark, isolated cave. In his deepest distress, David pours out his complaints to God, acknowledges his complete lack of human support, and expresses faithful confidence that the Lord will ultimately rescue and restore him.

Think about David when he showed up to face Goliath. He was technically the only one in the crowd who had enough faith to stand up to him. Your ability to face your giants is completely reliant upon your faith and knowing that God is infinitely bigger than any battle you are facing. No matter how overwhelming your struggles feel, God's strength is greater than your circumstances. Often, when a situation feels too massive to handle on your own, it's because it isn't meant to be your fight in the first place. Instead of relying solely on your own power, you can step back and let God take control.

It’s time to ask yourself if you truly know Him. Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Intimacy with Jesus will lead you to conquer the impossible. Psalms 23:1-6 portrays God as a devoted shepherd who provides for, guides, and protects His people. It offers a message of unwavering trust, assuring believers that God’s presence brings peace through all of life's struggles and promises eternal security. Surrendering your burdens doesn't mean you won't experience challenges, but it does mean you don't have to win them alone. You can trust that the ultimate outcome rests in His hands.

As we honor our graduates' accomplishments this month, I would ask you to share these principals with them. We also ask God to center them in faith, to seek His guidance and show them their purpose. To do this we must see they have mastered the basics of discipleship. It’s our duty to make sure they have transitioned from just learning about Jesus to actively imitating Him and fulfilling the Great Commission. Which involves grounding themselves in the foundational pillars of scripture, prayer, fellowship, and evangelism. As they ponder what their next steps are, standing on the precipice of adulthood, we pray they are empowered to lead in every capacity set before them.