Destiny

Lately I've been trying to absorb the concept of destiny. What does it mean? What does it matter? I've heard many refer to destiny in a flippant way, chalking it up to some sort of romantic collision of fates. That seems a bit too unintentional to me, however; this crazy notion that we live any ol' way we wish and somehow, by happenstance, it all works out in the end. I suppose I've seen it NOT work out enough times to discredit this theory in my own life. If only I could toss up my hands in a grandiose display of, "Che sara, sara! Whatever will be, will be!" and somehow land right where destiny intends me to be. And while I'm wishfully thinking, wouldn't it be great to skip the whole labor part of birthing children, too? Oh, the possibilities…..

Destiny has taken on a deeper meaning for me in the past few years. When I search out synonyms of the word I find a few that really strike my heart. There's certainty, conclusion, portion, expectation, and foreordination among many others. I have to smile because I realize that these are indeed honest depictions of what it means to be destined. And when I plug this into the context of reigning with Christ forever and ever, my smile widens because I am certain that he has written destiny on my heart.

Do you remember the line from Back to the Future, one of my favorite movies ever, where Marty McFly approaches Lorraine, his future wife, in a local diner and musters up the nerve to say to her, "I'm your density. I mean... your destiny." through much awkwardness? Though a ridiculous analogy, it is so fitting for what the truth is in regards to the coming Bridegroom King. He says to us, "You are my destiny." And we are to answer back, "And you are MY destiny, Lord." I imagine we may stammer those words out as Marty did but, nonetheless, it is to be said and understood. Jesus is our destiny. This remains true whether you believe in Him or not. Flipping back to my synonyms, He is the certain conclusion and portion of all things, both past and present. He is more than a romantic notion or a superstition. He is the be-all and end-all.

I find myself in a very spacious place, spiritually speaking. I have lofty ideas of God and I find myself daydreaming about the time we spend together. He's courting me and I'm searching for Him. It's not a hit and miss type of deal. It's a very purposeful and strategic time. I'm embarking on a journey with Him that allows me to FINALLY give myself permission to minister before Him in the place of prayer and worship at the International House of Prayer. I've so longed for this season. I was made to do this. I was made for worship. I was made to love God and be loved by God. I was made to search Him out in the secret places of prayer and meditation. I can sense destiny taking root inside of me. As I span the past and reflect on the seeds sown, words spoken and promises made, I have certainty about what God has called me to and what God has promised to do in and through me. Because of this I don't have to second guess every movement I make and yet I'm not charging blindly into life either. I'm walking, in fellowship, and I'm agreeing with what destiny has declared over my life. His plans can be found out and I can know where it is that I am going by knowing the One who has invited me to sojourn with Him. There is nothing flippant or consequential about Christ's death on the cross. He predestined eternity before I was even a thought in my parents mind. Destiny begins and ends with Him alone.
There is a great quote that goes something like this, "I don't know what the future holds but I know who holds the future." Jesus knows my destiny. And even greater than that, Jesus IS my destiny. I sure ended up with the long end of the stick on that one.