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Chadwick Boseman, well-known for his role as King T’Challa/Black Panther in the MCU Black Panther movie and other iconic roles such as baseball legend Jackie Robinson in the movie “42”, passed away on August, 28th 2020 at the way-too-young age of 43. He had privately battled colon cancer for 4 years.
As I read the condolences and tributes from those who knew and worked with him, one thing stood out to me. Chadwick Boseman knew what his purpose was, was intentional about fulfilling it, and used every opportunity he had to encourage others to do the same.
In the time between his cancer diagnosis in 2016 and his death, had made no less than ten movies without complaint or excuse, worked with kids with cancer, and gave his famous commencement speech in 2018 at his alma mater, Howard University, where he encouraged the students to pursue purpose rather than a job or career. All while enduring multiple surgeries and rounds of chemotherapy.
I want to remind you of the importance of living your purpose every day. Besides the fact that none of us know when we’re going to leave this earth, there are a few other important reasons why living your purpose is important.
It’s a responsibility and a privilege. God has given each one of us an assignment to fulfill while we’re on this earth. It is part of His overall plan and it’s how we get to partner with Him to bring His plans that are already established in heaven to earth. We get to go on a journey with Him and it’s a privilege.
Someone is waiting for you to write that book, sing that song, or start that business. It doesn’t matter if it’s been done before. No one else can do what you were called to do. You are unique therefore, whatever you create with God will have your unique stamp. You will reach those He has given you in a way no one else can.
You’ll forever be frustrated if you don’t. If you spend your time pursuing things outside your purpose, you will always feel a measure of discontent and frustration in your life because you’re working against what God created you to do. When you’re living your purpose, you will enjoy what you do (most of the time). You’ll be making a difference in the life of others.
When faced with cancer, Chadwick chose to live, rather than die. He made the most of the time he had left by living intentionally and focusing on the positive rather than the negative. Let’s choose to do the same.
Prayer: Father, help me understand it is a responsibility and a privilege to partner with you to fulfill my purpose. I want to work with you to draw others into Your Kingdom as I pursue the calling you have given me. I choose to pursue the purpose You have given me rather than to run after a money-making career or some other plan of my own. Help me understand the importance of my purpose to You and others and to make it a priority.
Do you need more clarity on your purpose? Join me starting January 24th, for the 7-Day Finding Purpose prayer challenge. I’ll be praying on topics such as deeper intimacy with God, identity, purpose, and more. Keep an eye on your email for more details.
P.S If you’re not on the Finding Purpose Facing Fear devotion list, sign up here.
Deborah Ruck @ As Bold As THE Lion blog
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