The Power of Divine Appointments: From Brokenness to Purpose

Have you ever felt broken, unworthy, or disqualified from experiencing God's love and purpose for your life? Take heart, for you are not alone, and more importantly, you are seen by a God who loves you unconditionally.

Consider the story from Acts chapter 3, where a man lame from birth lay daily at the gate of the temple called Beautiful. Unable to enter due to his physical condition, he could only listen to the worship from afar, smelling the incense and hearing the praises, but never fully participating. This man's situation mirrors many of our own spiritual journeys - so close to experiencing God's presence, yet feeling held back by our perceived inadequacies or past mistakes.

But God specializes in divine appointments. Just as Peter and John were heading to the temple to pray, they encountered this lame man. In that moment, everything changed. Peter declared, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." Instantly, the man was healed, leaping and praising God as he entered the temple for the first time.

This powerful account reminds us of several crucial truths:

1. You are seen by God. No matter how invisible or insignificant you may feel, God sees you and knows your struggles.

2. Your past does not disqualify you. Whether your challenges are a result of your choices or circumstances beyond your control, God's love and purpose for you remain unchanged.

3. Divine appointments await. God orchestrates moments of transformation when we least expect them. Be ready to recognize and seize these opportunities.

4. Healing often comes through community. Peter and John were instruments of God's healing power. We too can be conduits of God's love and restoration to others.

5. What once held you back can become your testimony. The very thing that kept the lame man outside the temple became the catalyst for his powerful witness of God's healing power.

It's easy to believe the lies that we are beyond redemption or that our struggles define us. The enemy of our souls wants nothing more than to keep us convinced of our unworthiness. But we must challenge these thoughts, bringing "every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Remember, you were created with divine purpose. Genesis 1:27 tells us that God created mankind in His own image. This means you are not a mistake, regardless of the circumstances of your birth or the challenges you've faced. God has a unique plan for your life that only you can fulfill.

Perhaps you're carrying the weight of past mistakes or battling feelings of inadequacy. Take courage from the words of 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." God's forgiveness and restoration are available to you today.

Moreover, 2 Peter 1:3 assures us that God's "divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." You already possess what you need to fulfill God's purpose for your life - it may just be underdeveloped. Like muscles that need exercise to grow stronger, your spiritual gifts and calling require nurturing and practice to reach their full potential.

So how do we move from brokenness to purpose? Let's take some cues from the lame man's encounter with Peter and John:

1. Be seen: Position yourself where God can meet you. This might mean attending church, joining a small group, or simply crying out to God in prayer.

2. Ask boldly: Don't be afraid to voice your needs to God and to others who can support you.

3. Look expectantly: Cultivate an attitude of anticipation, believing that God wants to work in your life.

4. Focus intently: Fix your gaze on Jesus, refusing to be distracted by the world's noise.

5. Grasp firmly: When God extends His hand of healing or opportunity, take hold with both hands.

6. Partner willingly: Allow others to walk alongside you in your journey of faith.

7. Leap joyfully: Don't hesitate to celebrate what God has done in your life.

8. Walk steadily: Embrace the new strength and purpose God gives you.

9. Enter boldly: Don't let past limitations hold you back from fully engaging in worship and service.

As you reflect on these steps, consider: What is your "Beautiful Gate" - the place where you've been stuck, longing for more but feeling unworthy or unable to enter? Today could be your divine appointment with God. He sees you, loves you, and is ready to transform your life.

Remember, you don't have to clean yourself up before coming to God. He loves you as you are and invites you to experience His transforming power. Your brokenness, far from disqualifying you, may be the very thing God uses to showcase His glory and draw others to Him.

In a world that constantly tries to remind us of our inadequacies, let us cling to the truth of God's word. You are beloved. You are a child of the King. You have a unique purpose that only you can fulfill. Don't let another day pass believing the lie that you are unworthy or incapable of experiencing God's best for your life.

Today, will you choose to see yourself as God sees you? Will you dare to believe that He can use your past pain and present struggles for His glory? Will you step out in faith, allowing Him to lead you from brokenness to purpose?

The journey may not be easy, but you don't walk alone. Just as the lame man entered the temple "walking, leaping, and praising God," may you too find the courage to move beyond your limitations and into the fullness of God's purpose for your life. Your divine appointment awaits. Will you answer the call?

Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some relevant verses that align with the main themes:

Explicitly mentioned:
1. Acts 3:1-10 (The main passage the sermon is based on)
2. Genesis 1:27
3. 1 John 1:9 (alluded to, not directly quoted)
4. John 14:15 (alluded to)
5. 2 Peter 1:3
6. Romans 12:1-2
7. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Themes discussed with relevant verses:

1. God's love and acceptance despite our imperfections:
   - Romans 5:8
   - Ephesians 2:4-5

2. God's purpose for each individual:
   - Jeremiah 29:11
   - Ephesians 2:10

3. Overcoming past mistakes and failures:
   - 2 Corinthians 5:17
   - Isaiah 43:18-19

4. God's healing and restoration:
   - Psalm 147:3
   - Isaiah 61:1-3

5. Renewing the mind:
   - Philippians 4:8
   - Colossians 3:2

6. God seeing and caring for individuals:
   - Psalm 139:1-4
   - Matthew 10:29-31

7. Asking God for help:
   - Matthew 7:7-8
   - Philippians 4:6-7

8. Expectation and faith:
   - Hebrews 11:1
   - Mark 11:24

9. God's provision:
   - Matthew 6:33
   - Philippians 4:19

10. Transformation and entering God's presence:
    - 2 Corinthians 3:18
    - Hebrews 4:16