The Repurposed - or Purposeful - Life?

For the next few weeks I want to share some reflections based on my October trip north to the Seattle area. 

I parked in front of an old, two story building not far from the Columbia River and stepped into the history of a 1911 building. For a number of years this huge building (14,000 square feet) was a church. It also spent time as a very large home, and even had years as an Antique Mall. There were nooks and crannies, old pipes and insulation, furniture from other eras, and non-standard windows and shades. 

My host and her parents bought this building at an auction one year ago. Some of the large, public spaces will be redesigned and re-purposed to serve as rental space, or an art studio, or a meeting and event room. Other parts of this building will be updated and used as originally intended: as bedrooms, a kitchen, bathrooms and closets. Walls will be moved, space will be cleared, furnishings will be relocated, fresh paint will be applied. 

Sometimes we’re metaphorically like this building in our spiritual journey. 

There are parts of ourselves that may need space cleared so we can experience new opportunities and purposes – career, ministry, family, or a different season in life. Clearing space may mean removing clutter in our physical space…or in our heads. It may be releasing things that clutch at our hearts and distract us, or overfill our lives. 

Then there are those parts of us that only need a fresh look, rather than a foundational change. Sin may distort us and tweak our understanding, we may feel burdened and weary, or our focus may be dim because of the noise and busyness of life. 

When this happens, corporate worship may become sporadic, prayer meetings become boring, reading the Bible becomes less interesting than our favorite spy novel. We may find ourselves pursuing our own pleasures and power, over what God has in mind to do in us and through us. We may feel less able – and even less interested – in hearing God’s guidance and purpose for our lives. 

Are you feeling like an old building that’s dusty and dim? Then ask God for strength to be more intentional about following Jesus. Be honest with God about your weary spirit, your dry prayer life, your weakened faith. So seek the Father’s love, be grateful for the Son’s sacrifice, and ask the Holy Spirit for a fresh coat of wisdom and joy. Discover your purpose – or repurpose – in this season of life. 

Let me pray for you. Dear Lord, we are grateful that you call us to repurpose parts of our lives, while all the while keeping our main purpose in mind. I pray for those reading this blog you will help them embrace this idea from a loving father. If they need space cleared in their lives for a new season, help them release what was so they can experience what is; whatever new purpose you have waiting for them today. If they are needing a fresh look at their faith, may you help them seek you more intentionally and give time to knowing you more deeply. In this way I know you will bless them with rejuvenation in their relationship with you and in their outlook on life. Thank you for giving us purpose and for walking with us from season to season in the power of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.