One of the things I’ve made part of my life journey is to read and learn from the people ahead of me, otherwise, I would have considered myself a huge failure after a few episodes in business and ministry.You would expect that after you’ve identified your purpose, everything would be fine and problem-free. Unfortunately it is not so- purpose will always throw you into many things you’re not prepared for. Your purpose has with it pain and pressure, and if not handled properly it can destroy you.
What’s more interesting is that the byproduct of the pain and pressure of your purpose is not just for you, but also for your spouse, children and extended family. This is where most of us hit rock bottom and falter. Often times for couples, one is called or has a passion for business, ministry, art etc and the other just tags along and buys into the vision. They’ve bought into the pressure and pain also. We tend to forget that.
For me, being away from active ministry for over a year now has given me more insight into the dynamics and struggles of walking in your purpose. The sacrifice required is not what most of
us are willing to pay.
Your Case Is Not Unique
I am fully aware there are extreme cases out there but you are not alone. Learning to walk through and out of the pain and pressure of purpose is key to your fulfillment in life. The two cannot be separated from your purpose. I wish I could say otherwise but it’s a packaged deal.
Tip: Don’t ever venture into the journey of purpose if your life is not balanced because that’s the first thing that will be threatened. A lot of maturity and discipline is required to maintain a balanced life while working out your purpose.
Don’t Die in Your Pain
Nelson Mandela’s former cell room in Robben Island has became a monument where hundreds visit every year to understand where the great story started from. The cell was his place of pain and transformation. His place of pain transformed his life and nation. Pain can either destroy or make you. Everything depends on your reaction to pain. I was discussing this with my wife one day and she said something profound that kept me thinking about my own pain. She said:
For someone else’s benefit it is better not to die in the pain.
South Africa would have been different if Mandela had died in his pain and struggle for equality and a better nation. He chose uncertainty instead of certainty. He was being groomed for the position of Chief in his village before he left everything behind to pursue a cause he was willing to die for. Don’t die in your pain, because a life and a generation depends on your survival. Your life is their lifeline. For every supporting spouse and partner out there, be comforted in the knowledge that the benefit of the pain will outlast the pressure and pain. You are an anchor in their season of contradiction and doubt. Who knows, you may also find your purpose through that pain too.
