Testimonies

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It would stand to reason that when we take into account God's Character and the fact that God created everything, we conclude that He has a plan and a purpose for everything and everyone. We are an active participant in those plans and purposes through free-will (Deuteronomy 30:19). I also believe we are capable of thwarting those plans and purposes. For example, while it is God's will is for all to be saved (1 Tim. 2:3-4), there are many who will be saved AND not be saved by their own choice(Rev 20:11-15 and 21:27).

It is our responsibility to find out what that purpose for us individually (John 17:4, Philippians 3:13,14). While we know our chief end is to glorify God, the question that begs asking is this: how will we glorify God?

Not all of us are called to the same purpose. While we are members of one body, we have different jobs. Some of us would love to be singers but we lack the vocal gifting to do so. However, I've seen some of the brethren FORCE themselves into a ministry that wasn't theirs to begin with. They simply "felt" lead by the Holy Spirit to go into that particular ministry. For the sake of speaking plainly, they were in the choir but couldn't carry a tune to save their lives.

Imagine an eye trying to be a hand or a hand trying to be an eye. I often said that I could call an apple tree and orange tree all I want, but it is an apple tree because of its fruit - it produces apples and apples only. In view of this, we have to ask, "What is my purpose?"

An apple tree's purpose in life is to produce apples. That's what it does the best. It has been prepared and made for that purpose.

Granted, a tree can be chopped down and made into furniture or even a log cabin. However, the best thing that it can do is to produce apples.
So what is it that we do best to the chief end of glorifying God? I suggest that you should take the time to pray and to do some introspection. What do you do best?

My gifting lies in writing and preaching about the Word of God. I do have other talents. I am a network engineer, web developer and I thrive in leadership positions. However, writing and preaching God's Word really rings my bell.

I studied graphic arts and web developing since 1997. At university, I received top honors in my class. I’ve also been a Microsoft certified network engineer since 1998. That’s what I did for a living since then. Until, of course, the doors started closing on me. I fought it tooth and nail, thinking it was the devil harassing me. All the while, it was God trying to get into my thick head that being a glorified geek wasn’t my purpose. This is what he started doing. He directed me to an executive position. I became the Director of E-commerce for a well known GM auto dealership in Upstate New York. What did I do 99.99% of the time? You guessed it, internet marketing, writing and speaking. And guess what He did to me at my home church? Stick a microphone in my face every time He got a chance. Of course, He would send my pastor’s wife to ask me ever so sweetly if I would speak to the congregation. He knew I would never say no to her.

Then in came time for me to saddle up and leave New York, He stuck me in the middle of nowhere known as Clio, Michigan. Why? I don't know. The peanut gallery is still out on that one.

That's where I met a Jerry Jones and he was very interested that I was from New York. He’s a very talented musician and… (ahem) a writer. After several superficial conversations, he finally asked me, “What do you do?” I began showing him my online technical portfolio. I, then, showed him my online business e-zine, The Latino Edge. When Jerry saw that, he said, “Man, I want you to meet a friend of mine. He has a radio talk show and you need to get on that show.” I smiled and said, “Sure.” I didn’t really think anything of it.

That is, until Tom Sumner, the host for “Off the Kuf” – a mostly political radio program – called me. After talking about my technical background, he briefly asked me about The Latino Edge. Suddenly, he declared, “I am booking you on my show.” He had two open time slots. I accepted and I was booked for a half hour slot on March 31, 2009. After the call, I prayed, “I know You’re up to something. Thank You.” Little did I know that I was in for a shocking surprise!

March 31st came quickly, and Jerry picked me up at my home at 7:00 am. He looked like he was the cat that swallowed the canary. He said, “You know, John, I don’t want you to be nervous but you’re going to be broadcasted to half a million people this morning. Not only that, most of the local and state politicians are going to be listening to what you have to say.” I thought to myself, “Oh dear Lord. What have You gotten me into?”

I met Tom in person and we talked lightly, making jokes and trading stories. He said to me, “John, this is “Off the Kuf”. I have no set questions for you. We’re doing this on the fly.” He then stuck the microphone in my face (deja-vu?) and the rollercoaster started. He introduced me to his audience as a "talented engineer and web developer from New York". Yet, the first question was about … The Latino Edge! Another shock! I have never been asked about my e-zine. In fact, I thought it was all but dead. There after, for 30 minutes all the questions centered on my articles about Latino issues in the United States. Not one question was about technical issues! The Lord did it to me again!

About a couple of weeks later, I threw up my hands in surrender. I finally said, "Lord, if this is where my gifting lies, I need a word processor preferably a laptop." Guess what? Within days, I had a brand spanking new laptop. That wasn’t the only thing that happened. Out of the blue, my neighbor offered me FREE access to his Wi-Fi connection. God also directed me to this site, FaithWriters.com, to hone my skills.

Yet, the event that really sold me to the fact thatI am a God ordained writer/preacher was receiving an email from a pastor in India. He wrote in no uncertain terms that my articles were a blessing to his flock. He's using my articles in his sermons. He concluded by inviting me to preach at his church whenever I found myself in India (Oh dear Lord, am I going to India?)

Beloved, when we step into God’s plan, the doors of blessing open up (Psalm37:4, Proverb 3:6) and there's peace.

That’s my story, folks. That how I found my purpose in His Kingdom. If you want to know what your purpose in life is, ask Him. Trust me; He will let you know (James 1:5).

©Johnny Rivera - 2009

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