When explaining how the body works to others, I often use the analogy of a clenched fist and an open hand. Just like how the heart contracts and releases, the body's movement involves opposing actions of closing and opening, going in and going out.
Similarly, human nature tends to be selfish and self-centered, with a focus on "me, myself, and I." Our sinful nature often leads us to be inward-focused, insular, and self-absorbed. To effectively aid recovery of internal struggles, just as in the physical, its about moving to an opposite action - therefore inside out towards healing and restoration.
In times of adversity, whether it's recovering from an illness or overcoming a challenging situation, purpose, hope and people can be powerful motivators that drive us forward. Purpose, hope, and people, will draw the inside out and take the focus off us onto life OUTSIDE ourselves. That is moving out of stuckness into forward
Purpose is not just about having a goal or a mission, but it's about finding meaning in our experiences and understanding that our lives have a greater purpose beyond ourselves.
Having a clear sense of purpose gives our lives meaning and direction. It provides us with a reason to strive for recovery and a sense of direction to guide our actions. It provides us with a guiding light during difficult times, giving us a reason to keep going, even when things seem bleak. We have a Godly purpose or calling, we have specific giftings, but it’s often not just a gifting, but a practical obedience or extending to serve an outward purpose in the moment.
Hope is a powerful force that can lift our spirits, ignite our determination, and sustain us during difficult times. It gives us the confidence that things will get better and motivates us to keep moving forward.
As Christians, our hope is anchored in our faith in God's promises. Romans 15:13 reminds us, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Our hope is not based on our circumstances, but on the unchanging character of God. It is a source of strength and encouragement that keeps us going, even when the road ahead seems tough.
When we persevere through difficult times with purpose and hope, we become a testimony to others. Our resilience and determination in the face of adversity can inspire and encourage those around us. It is an opportunity to be an example of faith in action and to show others how our beliefs influence our actions. The Bible says And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. Rev 12:11.
It’s not always about us, and if we can live beyond ourselves and for the blessing of others, it’s a MASSIVE tool to recovery.
Our overriding purpose and hope is the joy set before us. “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb 12:2.
Jesus had His Purpose and Hope set before Him that saw Him able to do the hardest unimaginable thing. He took our shame, He took the Cross to bring us back to relationship with the Father. He had purpose (the cross) hope (restoring relationship with God the Father) and He did this for us, His people.