For September 4th:

“But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Exodus 9:16

Purpose

I am not sure I had ever given much thought to what my purpose was supposed to be.  I mean I knew I wanted to be a good Mother, Wife, Daughter and have a successful career.   Greg and I had a good marriage and two wonderful children and loved living in Atlanta.  Greg traveled a lot and when the children got a little older he realized he did not want to miss out on them growing up and decided he wanted to find a job where he could be home more. 

Little did I know Greg’s job change and bringing us to Chattanooga would help me to really understand my true purpose.

We moved to Chattanooga and we were invited to visit Christ Church and then we joined the church several months later.  Over the years, I have been involved with kids in a variety of ways, such as Young Life, Wyldlife, Resurrection, etc.   Again, never considered it a gift of service, just something I enjoyed.

Recently, I have spoken to several friends about a mission to support youth in our community and then finally my friend Susan replied to me.  DeAnn, it’s time you do something…  Duh…. Why was I not listening? (You will learn more about the mission very soon).

But for now, back to “Purpose”.  

I am excited to explore and get started in a mission that I know God has truly led me to do.  I have often prayed – “Am I doing what you want me to do”? “Am I on the path to what I am supposed to do?”

I believe I have finally found one thing I know that God wants me to do – volunteer with the youth in our community.  I also realized sitting in church one Sunday that your purpose is really your passion.  You just have to listen as God directs you. 

How many years did it take me to figure this out?

Deann Rauth