Do you have a cause?

A fire that burns in your heart, stirring you in the night, waking you in the morning?

Why do you live?
What is your purpose?
For what grand exploits did God create you?

Yes, my friend. Exploits.

“…the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.”
Daniel 11:32b

You were created for exploits- for grand adventures and daring schemes. An exploit is not a safe, timid, cute creation. An exploit is daring, courageous, messy, bold, and dangerous. Requiring every ounce of strength, the completeness of commitment, and the steadfast perseverance of perhaps even an entire lifetime.

While recently watching the film Amazing Grace, I was reminded again of what it means to live with fierce, stubborn purpose. To have a cause.

For those unfamiliar with the film, it tells the extraordinary true story of William Wilberforce. A British politician in the 18th and 19th century, he battled for the abolition of the British slave trade. With utter disgust and hatred for the putrid trade of human souls, Wilberforce fought resolutely. At last, after two decades of resistance and disappointment, Wilberforce finally realized the fulfillment of his cause. The slave trade was abolished; Wilberforce won.

Wilberforce could have quit. He could have given up and gone home. But he didn’t. There was a fire shut up in his bones- and he would not be denied.

So I’m asking, friends, what is your dream? To what mighty endeavor is the Lord calling you? Perhaps it’s freeing modern day slaves- trapped in sex trafficking, perhaps it’s adopting a troubled, broken child in need of healing love, perhaps it’s using your artistic talent to be a voice for justice, perhaps it’s being a true, listening friend.

Whatever it might be, let the fire of the cause burn deep inside- percolating, permeating, penetrating- until your whole life is consumed.

And then, my friends, go set your world on fire.

Never giving up.