May 19th, 2025
by Dalton Jenkins
by Dalton Jenkins
Living with Purpose: Understanding God's Special Call on Your Life
We all have a divine purpose and calling from God. Understanding this calling and living it out faithfully requires wisdom, accountability, and making decisions aligned with God's will.
You Are Set Apart for a Special Purpose
Just like Samson was set apart as a Nazarite from birth, God has uniquely called and anointed each believer for a specific purpose. You are not ordinary - you have been chosen and equipped by God to fulfill a divine assignment. This special calling is why you may feel uncomfortable in certain situations or environments. It's because you're different - you're a child of God with a destiny to fulfill.
Even the Anointed Can Make Costly Mistakes
Having an anointing doesn't guarantee making right decisions. Samson had incredible power from God but made poor choices that led to his downfall. Some key lessons:
God Holds You Accountable
As believers set apart for God's purposes, we are accountable to Him. We cannot live as "freelance Christians" - we belong to God and He will discipline those He loves when they stray from His will.
Don't Base Relationships on Looks, Lust or Convenience
Samson's downfall came through poor relationship choices based on physical attraction and convenience rather than spiritual alignment. When choosing relationships:
Bad Decisions Lead to Broken Places
Choices made outside of God's will can lead to:
Life Application
Take time this week to evaluate:
Challenge: Identify one area where you've been making decisions based on convenience or personal desire rather than God's will. Commit to bringing that area back under God's authority through prayer and accountability.
Remember - no matter how far you've strayed, God offers second chances when we turn back to Him in genuine repentance. Choose today to live purposefully in alignment with His calling on your life.
You Are Set Apart for a Special Purpose
Just like Samson was set apart as a Nazarite from birth, God has uniquely called and anointed each believer for a specific purpose. You are not ordinary - you have been chosen and equipped by God to fulfill a divine assignment. This special calling is why you may feel uncomfortable in certain situations or environments. It's because you're different - you're a child of God with a destiny to fulfill.
Even the Anointed Can Make Costly Mistakes
Having an anointing doesn't guarantee making right decisions. Samson had incredible power from God but made poor choices that led to his downfall. Some key lessons:
- Anointing requires stewardship and staying connected to God
- We must guard against being driven by fleshly desires
- Bad decisions often happen gradually through compromise
- God's grace shouldn't be taken for granted
God Holds You Accountable
As believers set apart for God's purposes, we are accountable to Him. We cannot live as "freelance Christians" - we belong to God and He will discipline those He loves when they stray from His will.
Don't Base Relationships on Looks, Lust or Convenience
Samson's downfall came through poor relationship choices based on physical attraction and convenience rather than spiritual alignment. When choosing relationships:
- Look beyond surface-level attraction
- Ensure shared faith and values
- Pay attention to warning signs
- Don't compromise standards for convenience
Bad Decisions Lead to Broken Places
Choices made outside of God's will can lead to:
- Loss of vision and purpose
- Damaged relationships
- Compromised testimony
- Spiritual bondage
Life Application
Take time this week to evaluate:
- Are you living fully aligned with God's purpose for your life?
- What compromises or decisions have pulled you away from God's best?
- In what areas do you need to cry out "Lord, give me one more chance"?
Challenge: Identify one area where you've been making decisions based on convenience or personal desire rather than God's will. Commit to bringing that area back under God's authority through prayer and accountability.
Remember - no matter how far you've strayed, God offers second chances when we turn back to Him in genuine repentance. Choose today to live purposefully in alignment with His calling on your life.
Devotions
Day 1: Chosen for Purpose
Devotional
Have you ever felt different, like you don't quite fit in with the crowd? That feeling might not be a coincidence - it could be a divine indicator. God has specifically chosen and set you apart for His purposes. Just like a master craftsman carefully selects specific tools for particular tasks, God has uniquely designed you for special works in His kingdom. This isn't about being better than others; it's about being positioned for a specific purpose. Your unique qualities, talents, and even the situations that make you feel 'different' are part of God's intentional design for your life.
Bible Verse
'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.' - Jeremiah 1:5
Reflection Question
What unique qualities or circumstances in your life might God be using to fulfill His special purpose for you?
Quote
You are special. With a special anointing. If you never hear it from anybody else, hear it from me this morning. You are special. With a special anointing. You gave your heart to the Lord. God called you for purpose.
Prayer
Lord, help me embrace the unique way You've created me. Give me clarity about my purpose and the courage to walk in it. Thank You for choosing me for Your special plans. Amen.
Reverence: Lord, You are the sovereign Creator who knew me before I was formed. You make no mistakes and design each person with purpose and precision.
Response: Thank You for choosing me and setting me apart for something greater than myself. I worship You for Your intentionality and love.
Requests
* Help me recognize the specific purpose You've assigned to me.
* Open my eyes to the gifts You've placed within me.
* Remove comparison and self-doubt from my heart.
Readiness Today, I walk in the confidence that I am chosen. I embrace my calling with courage and faith, ready to fulfill the unique task You have entrusted to me.
Day 2: Divine Discomfort
Devotional
God often speaks through our internal warning system - that feeling of unease in certain situations isn't just coincidence. Like a fish out of water, believers are meant to feel uncomfortable in environments that don't align with their calling. This divine discomfort serves as a protective mechanism, guiding us away from situations that could compromise our purpose. Instead of viewing these moments of unease as inconvenient or awkward, we should recognize them as God's navigational tools, helping us stay on course with His plan for our lives.
Bible Verse
'But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.' - 1 Peter 2:9
Reflection Question
When was the last time you felt spiritually uncomfortable in a situation? How did you respond to that feeling?
Quote
That's why you are not comfortable in certain circumstances. That's why certain surroundings, you cannot feel comfortable. You ever wonder how you get uneasy when you're among certain company? There's something different about you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your guiding presence in my life. Help me recognize and respond to Your promptings when something isn't right. Give me the wisdom to honor these feelings of divine discomfort. Amen.
Reverence : Father, You are holy, and Your presence brings clarity, conviction, and direction. You are the God who leads us away from darkness and into light.
Response : Thank You for caring enough to stir my spirit when I’m in the wrong place. I acknowledge Your hand even in my discomfort.
Requests
* Make me sensitive to Your Spirit's warnings.
* Teach me to discern environments and relationships that hinder my calling.
* Give me peace in obedience, even when it's uncomfortable.
Readiness: I will not ignore the stirring in my spirit. I will walk away from anything that competes with my identity in You, and step fully into Your light.
Day 3: Choices Matter
Devotional
Having a calling from God doesn't make us immune to poor choices. Like Samson, we can possess great spiritual gifts while still making decisions that lead us away from God's best. Each choice we make either strengthens or weakens our spiritual foundation. Small compromises can gradually lead to larger departures from God's path. The good news is that we don't have to wait until we've hit rock bottom to make better choices. Today, we can choose to align our decisions with God's will, protecting our calling and purpose.
Bible Verse
'Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.' - 1 Corinthians 10:12
Reflection Question
What daily choices are you making that either strengthen or weaken your spiritual walk?
Quote
Anointing doesn't guarantee right decisions. Samson had power. But his poor choices show that even the call can fall.
Prayer
Lord, grant me wisdom in my daily decisions. Help me choose paths that honor You and protect the calling You've placed on my life. Give me strength to resist compromise. Amen.
Reverence: God of wisdom, You are the righteous Judge who sees the heart and weighs every decision. You are holy, and Your ways are perfect.
Response : I humble myself before You, acknowledging that my choices reflect my trust in You. I want to live a life that honors You.
Requests
* Guard my heart and mind from poor decisions.
* Empower me with wisdom to make godly choices.
* Deliver me from temptation and complacency.
Readiness: I commit to making decisions that protect my purpose and glorify You. I will not compromise—my life belongs to You.
Day 4: Vision and Purpose
Devotional
Our spiritual vision - our ability to see and understand God's purpose for our lives - is crucial for fulfilling our calling. When we lose sight of our divine purpose, we risk wandering aimlessly or falling into traps that could derail our spiritual journey. Just as physical blindness limits our natural sight, spiritual blindness can limit our ability to perceive God's direction and warnings. Protecting our spiritual vision requires intentional focus on God's Word, regular prayer, and maintaining relationships that encourage our faith journey.
Bible Verse
'And she said, "The Philistines are upon you, Samson!" And he awoke from his sleep and said, "I will go out as at other times and shake myself free." But he did not know that the Lord had left him.' - Judges 16:20
Reflection Question
What practices or relationships in your life help maintain your spiritual vision and keep you focused on God's purpose?
Quote
Without your eyes, you have no vision. Without a vision, the people perish. The end result is that the enemy wants to blind you and disgrace you. He wants to take you out of your calling. He wants to separate you from your purpose.
Prayer
Father, keep my spiritual eyes clear and focused on Your purpose for my life. Help me recognize and avoid anything that would blur my vision of Your will. Amen.
Reverence: Lord, You are the Light of the world. In You, there is no shadow or confusion. You see the end from the beginning and reveal Your plans to Your servants.
Response : I thank You for giving me a vision and purpose. I acknowledge how easily I can lose sight of You without constant communion.
Requests
* Renew my spiritual vision today.
* Remove every distraction blurring my focus.
* Connect me to voices that point me back to Your will.
Readiness: I choose to guard my eyes, my heart, and my calling. I will walk in the clarity that comes from intimacy with You.
Day 5: Grace for Restoration
Devotional
No matter how far we may have strayed from our calling, God's grace offers the possibility of restoration. Like Samson in his final moments, we can cry out to God for another chance. Our failures don't have to be the end of our story. God's love for us and His purposes for our lives remain unchanged, even when we've made mistakes. Today could be your day of return, your moment of restoration. God is waiting with open arms to reinstate you to your purpose and calling.
Bible Verse
'For God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.' - Romans 11:29
Reflection Question
What's holding you back from accepting God's offer of restoration and returning to His purpose for your life?
Quote
Despite your failures and despite Samson's failure, your story doesn't have to end in disgrace. Broken, blinded. You can cry out to God now and say, lord, give me one more chance. And guess what? God will hear you.
Prayer
Merciful God, thank You for Your unfailing love and the chance to begin again. Help me accept Your grace and restoration, and empower me to walk confidently in Your purpose for my life. Amen.
Reverence : God of mercy, You never give up on Your children. Your gifts and callings are irrevocable. You are the Restorer of broken places.
Response: Thank You for grace that restores and for love that doesn’t let go. Even when I fall, You remain faithful.
Requests
* Heal the places in me that are still wounded by failure.
* Silence the voice of shame and remind me of Your promises.
* Give me boldness to return and strength to rebuild.
Readiness: I rise today with a renewed heart and restored purpose. My failure is not final. I am ready to begin again, walking forward in Your strength.
Devotional
Have you ever felt different, like you don't quite fit in with the crowd? That feeling might not be a coincidence - it could be a divine indicator. God has specifically chosen and set you apart for His purposes. Just like a master craftsman carefully selects specific tools for particular tasks, God has uniquely designed you for special works in His kingdom. This isn't about being better than others; it's about being positioned for a specific purpose. Your unique qualities, talents, and even the situations that make you feel 'different' are part of God's intentional design for your life.
Bible Verse
'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.' - Jeremiah 1:5
Reflection Question
What unique qualities or circumstances in your life might God be using to fulfill His special purpose for you?
Quote
You are special. With a special anointing. If you never hear it from anybody else, hear it from me this morning. You are special. With a special anointing. You gave your heart to the Lord. God called you for purpose.
Prayer
Lord, help me embrace the unique way You've created me. Give me clarity about my purpose and the courage to walk in it. Thank You for choosing me for Your special plans. Amen.
Reverence: Lord, You are the sovereign Creator who knew me before I was formed. You make no mistakes and design each person with purpose and precision.
Response: Thank You for choosing me and setting me apart for something greater than myself. I worship You for Your intentionality and love.
Requests
* Help me recognize the specific purpose You've assigned to me.
* Open my eyes to the gifts You've placed within me.
* Remove comparison and self-doubt from my heart.
Readiness Today, I walk in the confidence that I am chosen. I embrace my calling with courage and faith, ready to fulfill the unique task You have entrusted to me.
Day 2: Divine Discomfort
Devotional
God often speaks through our internal warning system - that feeling of unease in certain situations isn't just coincidence. Like a fish out of water, believers are meant to feel uncomfortable in environments that don't align with their calling. This divine discomfort serves as a protective mechanism, guiding us away from situations that could compromise our purpose. Instead of viewing these moments of unease as inconvenient or awkward, we should recognize them as God's navigational tools, helping us stay on course with His plan for our lives.
Bible Verse
'But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.' - 1 Peter 2:9
Reflection Question
When was the last time you felt spiritually uncomfortable in a situation? How did you respond to that feeling?
Quote
That's why you are not comfortable in certain circumstances. That's why certain surroundings, you cannot feel comfortable. You ever wonder how you get uneasy when you're among certain company? There's something different about you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your guiding presence in my life. Help me recognize and respond to Your promptings when something isn't right. Give me the wisdom to honor these feelings of divine discomfort. Amen.
Reverence : Father, You are holy, and Your presence brings clarity, conviction, and direction. You are the God who leads us away from darkness and into light.
Response : Thank You for caring enough to stir my spirit when I’m in the wrong place. I acknowledge Your hand even in my discomfort.
Requests
* Make me sensitive to Your Spirit's warnings.
* Teach me to discern environments and relationships that hinder my calling.
* Give me peace in obedience, even when it's uncomfortable.
Readiness: I will not ignore the stirring in my spirit. I will walk away from anything that competes with my identity in You, and step fully into Your light.
Day 3: Choices Matter
Devotional
Having a calling from God doesn't make us immune to poor choices. Like Samson, we can possess great spiritual gifts while still making decisions that lead us away from God's best. Each choice we make either strengthens or weakens our spiritual foundation. Small compromises can gradually lead to larger departures from God's path. The good news is that we don't have to wait until we've hit rock bottom to make better choices. Today, we can choose to align our decisions with God's will, protecting our calling and purpose.
Bible Verse
'Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.' - 1 Corinthians 10:12
Reflection Question
What daily choices are you making that either strengthen or weaken your spiritual walk?
Quote
Anointing doesn't guarantee right decisions. Samson had power. But his poor choices show that even the call can fall.
Prayer
Lord, grant me wisdom in my daily decisions. Help me choose paths that honor You and protect the calling You've placed on my life. Give me strength to resist compromise. Amen.
Reverence: God of wisdom, You are the righteous Judge who sees the heart and weighs every decision. You are holy, and Your ways are perfect.
Response : I humble myself before You, acknowledging that my choices reflect my trust in You. I want to live a life that honors You.
Requests
* Guard my heart and mind from poor decisions.
* Empower me with wisdom to make godly choices.
* Deliver me from temptation and complacency.
Readiness: I commit to making decisions that protect my purpose and glorify You. I will not compromise—my life belongs to You.
Day 4: Vision and Purpose
Devotional
Our spiritual vision - our ability to see and understand God's purpose for our lives - is crucial for fulfilling our calling. When we lose sight of our divine purpose, we risk wandering aimlessly or falling into traps that could derail our spiritual journey. Just as physical blindness limits our natural sight, spiritual blindness can limit our ability to perceive God's direction and warnings. Protecting our spiritual vision requires intentional focus on God's Word, regular prayer, and maintaining relationships that encourage our faith journey.
Bible Verse
'And she said, "The Philistines are upon you, Samson!" And he awoke from his sleep and said, "I will go out as at other times and shake myself free." But he did not know that the Lord had left him.' - Judges 16:20
Reflection Question
What practices or relationships in your life help maintain your spiritual vision and keep you focused on God's purpose?
Quote
Without your eyes, you have no vision. Without a vision, the people perish. The end result is that the enemy wants to blind you and disgrace you. He wants to take you out of your calling. He wants to separate you from your purpose.
Prayer
Father, keep my spiritual eyes clear and focused on Your purpose for my life. Help me recognize and avoid anything that would blur my vision of Your will. Amen.
Reverence: Lord, You are the Light of the world. In You, there is no shadow or confusion. You see the end from the beginning and reveal Your plans to Your servants.
Response : I thank You for giving me a vision and purpose. I acknowledge how easily I can lose sight of You without constant communion.
Requests
* Renew my spiritual vision today.
* Remove every distraction blurring my focus.
* Connect me to voices that point me back to Your will.
Readiness: I choose to guard my eyes, my heart, and my calling. I will walk in the clarity that comes from intimacy with You.
Day 5: Grace for Restoration
Devotional
No matter how far we may have strayed from our calling, God's grace offers the possibility of restoration. Like Samson in his final moments, we can cry out to God for another chance. Our failures don't have to be the end of our story. God's love for us and His purposes for our lives remain unchanged, even when we've made mistakes. Today could be your day of return, your moment of restoration. God is waiting with open arms to reinstate you to your purpose and calling.
Bible Verse
'For God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.' - Romans 11:29
Reflection Question
What's holding you back from accepting God's offer of restoration and returning to His purpose for your life?
Quote
Despite your failures and despite Samson's failure, your story doesn't have to end in disgrace. Broken, blinded. You can cry out to God now and say, lord, give me one more chance. And guess what? God will hear you.
Prayer
Merciful God, thank You for Your unfailing love and the chance to begin again. Help me accept Your grace and restoration, and empower me to walk confidently in Your purpose for my life. Amen.
Reverence : God of mercy, You never give up on Your children. Your gifts and callings are irrevocable. You are the Restorer of broken places.
Response: Thank You for grace that restores and for love that doesn’t let go. Even when I fall, You remain faithful.
Requests
* Heal the places in me that are still wounded by failure.
* Silence the voice of shame and remind me of Your promises.
* Give me boldness to return and strength to rebuild.
Readiness: I rise today with a renewed heart and restored purpose. My failure is not final. I am ready to begin again, walking forward in Your strength.
Discussion Guide
Summary
This sermon focuses on the story of Samson from the book of Judges, using it as a cautionary tale about making decisions outside of God's will. The pastor emphasizes that Christians are set apart for special purposes but can still make costly mistakes if they follow their fleshly desires rather than God's guidance. The sermon particularly examines Samson's downfall through poor relationship choices and compromising his calling, while offering hope that God always provides second chances to those who sincerely repent.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word and the lessons from Samson's life, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us today. Help us to be honest with ourselves and each other as we examine our own lives and decisions. Guide our discussion and help us grow closer to You through it. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's the worst decision you've ever made that actually turned out well in the end?
Key Verses
Judges 16:20
Judges 13:5
1 John 1:9
Hebrews 12:6
Questions
Life Application
This week, before making any significant decisions, take time to pray and seek God's guidance. Write down your choices and their potential consequences, then evaluate whether they align with God's purpose for your life. Share your decision-making process with a trusted Christian friend or mentor for accountability.
Key Takeaways
Ending Prayer
Lord God, thank You for Your patience with us and Your willingness to give second chances. Help us to make decisions that honor You and align with Your purpose for our lives. Give us wisdom to recognize when we're straying from Your path and the courage to return to You. Strengthen us to live as Your set-apart people, not conforming to the world but being transformed by Your Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen.
This sermon focuses on the story of Samson from the book of Judges, using it as a cautionary tale about making decisions outside of God's will. The pastor emphasizes that Christians are set apart for special purposes but can still make costly mistakes if they follow their fleshly desires rather than God's guidance. The sermon particularly examines Samson's downfall through poor relationship choices and compromising his calling, while offering hope that God always provides second chances to those who sincerely repent.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word and the lessons from Samson's life, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us today. Help us to be honest with ourselves and each other as we examine our own lives and decisions. Guide our discussion and help us grow closer to You through it. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's the worst decision you've ever made that actually turned out well in the end?
Key Verses
Judges 16:20
Judges 13:5
1 John 1:9
Hebrews 12:6
Questions
- How do you know if you're making decisions based on God's will versus your own desires?
- What are some warning signs that you might be compromising your Christian values?
- How has being 'set apart' as a Christian affected your daily life and decisions?
- What role should physical attraction play in Christian relationships?
- How can we hold each other accountable while still showing grace?
- What are some practical ways to protect yourself from making decisions based purely on convenience?
- How do you recognize when God is giving you a second chance?
- What steps can you take to realign yourself with God's purpose when you've strayed?
Life Application
This week, before making any significant decisions, take time to pray and seek God's guidance. Write down your choices and their potential consequences, then evaluate whether they align with God's purpose for your life. Share your decision-making process with a trusted Christian friend or mentor for accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Christians are set apart for special purposes and are held accountable by God
- Even anointed people can make costly mistakes when following fleshly desires
- Don't base relationships on looks, lust, or convenience
- Bad decisions outside God's will lead to broken places
- God always offers second chances to those who sincerely repent
Ending Prayer
Lord God, thank You for Your patience with us and Your willingness to give second chances. Help us to make decisions that honor You and align with Your purpose for our lives. Give us wisdom to recognize when we're straying from Your path and the courage to return to You. Strengthen us to live as Your set-apart people, not conforming to the world but being transformed by Your Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Dalton Jenkins
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