by Kala Loptien

On Purpose

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this Sound Cloud link.

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Psalm 138:8 ESV

I’ve had this hymn stuck in my head recently and felt compelled to research its origin. I learned it was penned by a woman named Charlotte Elliot. It isn’t often that we know the intimate details surrounding the creation of older hymns, but, praise God, her story was and continues to be told.

In her early 30’s, Charlotte developed a disease that left her semi-invalid and deeply burdened. She wrestled with her purpose, battling depression and questioning her purpose. In the midst of spiritual darkness, she encountered an evangelist and confessed she did not know how to come to Christ. She was conflicted and expressed misery in her circumstance. The evangelist responded, “You have only to come to him just as you are.” (Biography of Miss Charlotte Elliot, STEM Publishing)

In the years following, God enabled Charlotte to use her incredible spiritual gifts to compose perfect poems and powerful hymns.

Just as I am without one plea,

but that thy blood was shed for me, 

and that thou bidd’st me come to thee,

O Lamb of God I come, I come. 

In the middle of her darkest night, she thought she had no use or purpose in the world. But God had other plans for her story. This beautiful hymn has been sung worldwide for nearly 200 years. What a testament to His providential plan for our lives. God doesn’t expect perfection in body, mind or spirit. Nor does he require a fancy approach or invitation. Through whatever means it may be, he draws us closer. He helps us let go of our human emotions and understanding of situations so that we can rely solely on what only He provides: Restoration. Strength. Comfort. Hope. Eternal Life.

God is in it with us. He goes before us. We were wonderfully made on purpose, for a purpose. Just as we are.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado