Smith Wigglesworth, a prominent 20th-century preacher and faith healer, left behind a legacy of powerful words and unwavering faith. One of his most enduring quotes, often paraphrased, speaks to the core of a purposeful life: "It's not what you do, but what God does through you." This seemingly simple statement holds profound implications for understanding our existence and fulfilling our divine calling. Let's delve deeper into the meaning and impact of this powerful message, exploring what it truly means to live a life of purpose, guided by Wigglesworth's inspiring words.
What Does "It's Not What You Do, But What God Does Through You" Really Mean?
At first glance, this quote might seem to diminish the importance of personal effort and action. However, a closer examination reveals a different perspective. Wigglesworth wasn't advocating for passivity; rather, he highlighted the crucial role of surrendering our will to God's plan. It's about recognizing that our individual efforts, while important, are ultimately empowered and amplified by a higher power. The "what you do" refers to our willingness to serve, to obey, and to make ourselves available to God's working. The "what God does through you" signifies the transformative power of God's presence and guidance in our lives, turning our ordinary actions into extraordinary accomplishments.
How Can We Align Our Lives with God's Purpose?
This leads us to a critical question: how do we practically align our lives with God's purpose and allow Him to work through us? The journey involves several key steps:
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Prayer and Seeking Guidance: Regular prayer and seeking spiritual guidance through scripture and mentorship are essential. This allows us to cultivate a deeper understanding of God's will and receive direction for our lives.
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Self-Reflection and Identifying Talents: Understanding our own strengths, weaknesses, and passions is vital. What unique talents and abilities has God gifted us with? How can these gifts be used to serve others and further His kingdom?
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Serving Others: A life of purpose is often characterized by selfless service. Seeking opportunities to help those in need, whether through volunteering, acts of kindness, or supporting charitable causes, is a powerful way to allow God to work through us.
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Embracing Faith and Trust: Living a life of purpose requires unwavering faith and trust in God's plan, even when the path is unclear or challenging. Trusting in His timing and guidance, even amidst uncertainty, is crucial.
What are the Benefits of Living a Purpose-Driven Life?
Embracing this principle of allowing God to work through us offers numerous benefits:
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Increased Fulfillment and Joy: When we align our lives with God's purpose, we experience a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy that transcends worldly achievements.
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Enhanced Spiritual Growth: Serving God and others fosters spiritual growth and strengthens our relationship with Him.
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Greater Impact and Influence: When we allow God to work through us, our actions have a far greater impact and influence than they would alone.
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Peace and Contentment: Trusting in God's plan provides a sense of peace and contentment that surpasses the anxieties and uncertainties of life.
What if I Don't Know What God's Purpose for Me Is?
Many people struggle with uncertainty about their divine purpose. This is a common feeling, and it's perfectly acceptable to feel lost or confused at times. However, the key is to remain open to God's guidance, continue seeking Him through prayer and study, and remain actively engaged in serving others. Your purpose may unfold gradually, revealing itself through opportunities and experiences along the way. Don't be afraid to ask for help from trusted mentors or spiritual advisors.
How Does This Relate to Smith Wigglesworth's Life and Ministry?
Smith Wigglesworth's life powerfully exemplifies this principle. He wasn't initially known for his extraordinary faith healing abilities; rather, he surrendered his life to God's service, and it was through that surrender that God performed miraculous works through him. His unwavering faith and obedience opened the door for God's power to flow abundantly.
In conclusion, Smith Wigglesworth's quote serves as a powerful reminder to shift our focus from self-effort to God's empowerment. By surrendering to His will and allowing Him to work through us, we can live lives of profound purpose, experiencing fulfillment, joy, and a greater impact on the world around us. The journey may require faith, perseverance, and a willingness to step outside our comfort zones, but the rewards are immeasurable.
