A Prayer in Pursuit of My Purpose (Inspired by Charlie Wilson)

06 Sep 2015

This morning, as I finished reading the memoir of Charlie Wilson—the former lead singer of The GAP Band, and now, successful solo artist—I found myself on the verge of tears multiple times reading how God made himself known at every moment in his life. I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to see “Uncle Charlie” speak and sing live this summer at a book-signing organized by Mocha Ochoa of The Oracle Group for his New York Times Bestseller “I Am Charlie Wilson.” It was powerful hearing him speak about God’s grace in his often tumultuous, but inspiring journey to redemption. (Special thanks to my friend, Yona Deshommes of Simon & Schuster/Atria Books for helping to bring this story to life. And to Denene Millner, your gift of writing gave this memoir wings. This book has blessed me in so many ways.)

Charlie Wilson’s testimony leaves no room for doubting God’s miracles, as Wilson is given a second chance to use his gift of music to inspire, uplift, and sometimes even heal—across generations. Knowing how fickle the music industry is, and how little real talent is respected in what has become an auto-tune, cookie-cutter industry, Charlie Wilson’s staying power is even that much more miraculous.

But there were so many times he almost missed out on his comeback. His addiction to drugs and alcohol left him homeless at one point, and nearly railroaded a career that laid the groundwork for so many of today’s artists. To find out the details of his story, you’ll have to buy your own copy, but I can tell you, it’s a book I’ll be reading more than once. “I Am Charlie Wilson” will help you remember that—in those moments you doubt yourself, your gifts, or your vision for your life—you must surrender to the process. 

Success does not happen overnight. Nothing worth having does. It’s that in-between stage, usually right before your breakthrough, where the enemy attacks you with everything he’s got. Because he knows that once you get that breakthrough, there’s no stopping you. But you’ve got to be willing to see it through.

This prayer is for you. Keep pushing. Keep trusting. Keep believing that what God has for you is for YOU. (Download this prayer as a PDF.)

 

A Prayer in Pursuit of My Purpose

Father, I thank you. I thank you for the gift of my life and the glory of your light which shines through me. Teach me to trust in your will for my life. Teach me to believe in the vision you have seared into my spirit. Teach me to walk by faith when my sight becomes blurry. Teach me to hold on when I feel like letting go. When the weight becomes too much to bear, and the journey long and tiresome, teach me to be still and know that you are God.

What you have for me is for me. And the gift that I have is meant to serve the world. Give me strength, courage, and wisdom to walk the path you have destined for me. I pray that my life is a testament to your glory. I pray that my words and my works serve others in the way that Jesus served mankind. I thank you that all the blessings you have assigned to me will come to pass.

In Your time.

And so, Father, as I wait upon you, I ask you to carry me on those days I don’t have the strength to carry myself. To love me, on those days I find it difficult to love myself. To be with me, on those days I find it unbearable to be by myself.

Remind me that in you, I live and move and have my being. Remind me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Remind me that you have given me a spirit of boldness and not of fear. Remind me that I am not my circumstances. Remind me that my worth comes solely from being a child of the most High God. Where I am is not where I am meant to stay.

But Father, while I am here, help me draw closer to you, so that in my waiting, I am still growing—in faith, in wisdom, in strength. And when the blessing comes, Lord, in the moment you choose to open the floodgates of favor, help me to remain humble, grateful and loving. To give you all the glory. And to forever pursue all that I do—my God-given purpose—boldly and fearlessly.

May all that I do, honor you, serve others, and fill my life with true joy and fulfillment which only come from surrendering my will to Yours.

Amen.

(Download this prayer as a PDF.)

©Julian B. Kiganda/Bold & Fearless (This prayer may be copied with attribution.)

 

 

In what areas in your life have you found that adversity made you stronger? 

 

Photo of Tameka J. Harris by Daniel Harris. Photo of Julian B. Kiganda with Charlie Wilson courtesy of TOG Productions.

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