Happy New Year and welcome to the first "Favor Fridays with Tony" of 2025! As we step into this new year, I can’t help but reflect on how God has graciously favored us with another chance. Another chance to breathe, to love, to grow, to serve, and most importantly, to fulfill the unique purpose He has placed on our lives. Today, I want to focus on The Gift of Purpose and how God’s favor is intricately woven into our journey of discovering and walking in His divine plan.
The beginning of a new year is often filled with hope, resolutions, and dreams. We look ahead with anticipation, believing this is the year we will see breakthroughs, growth, and new opportunities. And that hope is not misplaced, because God is always doing a new thing in our lives. The Message Bible captures this beautifully in Isaiah 43:19: “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?”
This verse reminds us that God’s purpose for our lives isn’t confined to our past. He is constantly working, constantly renewing, and constantly presenting us with fresh opportunities to walk in His favor.
Purpose: A Gift from God
When we talk about purpose, we’re talking about something far greater than personal ambition. Purpose is about aligning our lives with God’s will. It’s understanding that we were created for a reason and that reason is tied to God’s larger plan for the world. The Message Bible puts it plainly in Ephesians 2:10: “He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.”
God’s favor often manifests in the opportunities He gives us to live out our purpose. But here’s the thing: walking in purpose doesn’t always mean smooth sailing. Purpose involves preparation, perseverance, and trust in God’s timing. It’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t go as planned or when we face setbacks. But it’s in those moments that God is shaping us, molding us into vessels ready to carry out His will.
Galatians 6:4 (The Message) offers practical wisdom on this journey: “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others.” This verse reminds us to focus on our unique purpose without getting caught up in comparison. God has a specific plan for each of us, and we are called to faithfully walk in that calling.
Examples from the Bible
Throughout the Bible, we see numerous examples of individuals who walked in their God-given purpose despite challenges and setbacks:
Joseph: Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and imprisoned unjustly, Joseph could have easily given up on his dreams. Yet, through it all, he remained faithful to God, and in the end, he fulfilled his purpose by becoming a ruler in Egypt and saving countless lives during a famine (Genesis 50:20).
Esther: As a young Jewish woman in a foreign land, Esther likely never imagined she would become queen, let alone be used by God to save her people. Yet, through courage and faith, she stepped into her purpose and delivered her nation from destruction. “Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14, MSG)
Moses: Called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses initially doubted his ability to fulfill such a daunting task. But with God’s guidance and favor, he led his people to freedom and became one of the greatest leaders in history (Exodus 3-4).
Paul: Once a persecutor of Christians, Paul encountered Jesus and was transformed into a passionate preacher of the Gospel. Despite numerous hardships, he remained committed to his purpose, writing much of the New Testament and spreading the message of Christ to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15-16).
These biblical figures remind us that walking in purpose often involves stepping out in faith, trusting God through adversity, and believing that He will equip us for the tasks He has assigned.
Examples from Modern Times
In addition to biblical examples, we can also look at people from modern times who have walked in their God-given purpose:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: A pastor and civil rights leader, Dr. King felt called to fight for justice and equality. Despite facing threats, imprisonment, and ultimately losing his life, he remained steadfast in his purpose, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Nelson Mandela: After spending 27 years in prison, Mandela emerged as a leader who pursued reconciliation and unity in South Africa. His commitment to his purpose transformed a nation and demonstrated the power of perseverance and forgiveness.
Harriet Tubman: Born into slavery, Harriet Tubman escaped and dedicated her life to helping others find freedom through the Underground Railroad. She walked boldly in her purpose, trusting God to guide her steps and protect her on dangerous missions.
These modern-day examples illustrate that purpose is not always easy, but with faith, courage, and determination, we can make a significant impact on the world around us.
New Year, New Opportunities
As we enter this new year, we have a fresh opportunity to pursue the dreams God has placed in our hearts. Maybe there are dreams you put on hold last year. Maybe fear, doubt, or circumstances caused you to lose sight of what God called you to do. But the good news is that God is a God of second chances, and He’s offering you another opportunity to step into your purpose.
Philippians 3:13-14 in The Message Bible encourages us to keep pressing forward: “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.”
This passage reminds us that while we may not have everything figured out, we can trust that God is leading us toward the fulfillment of His purpose. Each day is a step forward, a chance to grow closer to Him and the destiny He has for us.
Trusting God’s Timing
One of the most challenging aspects of walking in purpose is trusting God’s timing. We live in a world that values instant results, but God operates on a different timetable. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (The Message) says: “There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth.”
If you’re waiting on God to bring a dream to fruition, know that the wait is not wasted. God uses seasons of waiting to prepare us, to build our character, and to strengthen our faith. In those moments, His favor is still at work, even if we can’t see it right away. It’s in the waiting that we learn to trust Him fully, knowing that He is faithful to complete the good work He started in us (Philippians 1:6).
God’s Favor in Our Weakness
Walking in purpose doesn’t mean we won’t face challenges. In fact, pursuing God’s calling often brings us face-to-face with our limitations. But that’s where God’s favor shines the brightest—in our weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (The Message) says: “My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.”
God’s favor isn’t about us being perfect; it’s about Him working through our imperfections. When we feel inadequate, His grace empowers us. When we feel unworthy, His love assures us. And when we feel weak, His strength carries us.
Purpose and Community
Another important aspect of walking in purpose is recognizing that we don’t do it alone. God places people in our lives to encourage us, challenge us, and walk alongside us. Proverbs 27:17 (The Message) says: “You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another.”
As we pursue our God-given purpose this year, let’s be intentional about surrounding ourselves with people who uplift us and speak life into our dreams. Let’s also be those kinds of friends to others, helping them see God’s favor in their lives and encouraging them to keep going.
Reflecting on the Past, Preparing for the Future
While it’s important to look ahead, it’s equally important to reflect on how far God has brought us. Take a moment to think about the ways God has shown His favor in your life—the doors He’s opened, the lessons He’s taught, and the people He’s placed in your path. Gratitude is a powerful tool in keeping us grounded in purpose.
The Message Bible puts it well in Psalm 100:4: “Enter with the password: ‘Thank you!’ Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship him.”
As we thank God for what He has done, we position ourselves to receive what He is going to do. Gratitude opens the door for more of God’s favor to flow into our lives.
Taking Action
Purpose isn’t just something we think about; it’s something we live out. James 2:26 (The Message) reminds us: “The very moment you separate body and spirit, you end up with a corpse. Separate faith and works and you get the same thing: a corpse.”
Faith without action is dead. If God has placed a dream in your heart, take steps toward it. They don’t have to be big steps—even small, consistent actions can lead to significant progress over time. Whether it’s starting that project, reaching out to someone for guidance, or simply spending more time in prayer, each step counts.
Encouragement for 2025
As we journey through 2025, let’s remember that walking in purpose is a daily commitment. There will be days when we feel on top of the world and days when we feel like giving up. But through it all, God’s favor remains constant. He is with us, guiding us, strengthening us, and working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
I encourage you to start this year by seeking God’s direction for your life. Ask Him to reveal His purpose for you and trust that He will lead you where you need to go. Be open to new opportunities, be willing to step out of your comfort zone, and be ready to see God’s favor at work in unexpected ways.
Closing Thoughts
Purpose is a gift from God, and walking in that purpose is one of the greatest ways we can experience His favor. As we step into this new year, let’s do so with faith, gratitude, and a heart open to whatever God has in store. Let’s embrace the journey, trusting that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it.
Here’s to a year filled with purpose, favor, and new beginnings. Happy New Year, and may God’s favor guide you every step of the way!
Want to see how purpose, friendship, and faith come together in action? Check out my superhero novel series, S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™. It’s a story about characters discovering their God-given purpose and standing together to face darkness. Visit www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop to get your autographed copy and start your journey today!
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