Christian Writers Circle

Holy Assurance
Set Apart for a Special Purpose
by Brenda D. Flowers

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2: 9, NKJV)

In my China cabinet, I have a few serving items I have set apart for use on special occasions. They are valuable and useful to me. Some have sentimental meaning or value as they were given to me by a loved one or they were inherited from a close relative.

When I use these serving items at celebratory times, most people would not notice them as being exceptionally valuable. They are just serving items after all.

This year, as we have been writing on the topic of holiness, I have been intrigued by the deeper meanings of the word, holy. 

One important meaning of the word, holy, is set apart.

Think about this definition in relationship to our salvation and sanctification. Our holy God supplies the needed faith and helps to set us apart for His prepared purpose for us. We are to live for Him and to proclaim His good to all we meet. 

We, who trust Christ, are changed into holy standing before God (set apart from sin and the world), ready to be used in great service to God. 

Just as God called Israel to be holy (set apart unto Him), He calls us, as followers of Jesus, to be set apart as His holy people, the church.

Yet, God also has a unique holy service for each of us personally. We can ask Him to show us what our special purpose is.

We can talk to God and ask Him: 

Why was I born in my family, neighborhood, or country? 

Why am I facing my individual circumstances? 

What is my purpose for living? 

Our Holy God, who is set apart in His full perfection, created and designed each of us perfectly for the purpose He has prepared for us. 

It is a celebratory purpose! Rejoice in knowing deep down You are loved beyond words and God has a wonderful inheritance prepared for you. 

When we set ourselves apart to read God’s Word, we are given greater understanding and  assurance that God’s promises are true. In our times with Him, God assures us of our value. We are more than useful servants to Him, we are His children, inheriting and carrying His Kingdom message of hope to all the world. 

Meditate on this truth with me:

God’s Word gives us the assurance that He will give us the faith and needed help for us to live our lives honoring Him. 

Lord, may we approach You with a true and sincere heart in unqualified assurance of faith, knowing You have sprinkled our hearts clean from evil and washed our bodies with Your pure living water. May we celebrate Your goodness and give You the glory. (Prayer adapted from Hebrews 10:22, AMP)