THE PRICE AND THE PURPOSE (Part 4),  By Dr Charity Segun Odeyemi (Lead Pastor Evergreen Christian Centre Akure Nigeria)

Philippians 3:7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
Failure is mostly attained in life when you either mismanage the resources God has entrusted you with or you lack vision. Lack of vision is usually an indication that you don’t value your purpose in life. Evaluation of purpose determines how much price to pay for the fulfilment of such purpose. People who don’t pay much in life are actually not going far in life.
“Failure comes when are not willing to pay the price of success “
In Hebrews 12:2, Jesus Christ estimated the price, paid the price and fulfilled his purpose. He first and foremost endured the cross, despised the shame and is being set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Also in Matthew 13:44-47 the Kingdom of God was likened to the following:
• Treasure hid in a field
• Merchant man seeking goodly pearls
• Fishnet that was cast into the sea catching all kinds of fish
As described in the scripture above, it takes only that person who has estimated the cost to sell all that he has to secure a treasure.
If the fulfilment of your purpose is of utmost importance to you, no price will be too high for you to pay. One of the important steps to creating a future is by seeing and valuing your purpose. In Genesis 37:7-11, Joseph saw and paid the price for his dream. He was able to endure all the pain because he had already seen his purpose.
HOW DID JOSEPH PAY THE PRICE?
1. He saw and valued his purpose
2. He paid the price with purity against pleasure Genesis 39:7-20 just like Daniel who purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the portion of the King’s meat. Joseph had the willpower to live a holy life (he was determined) and this manifested when he had the opportunity to act against God’s Will.
3. Joseph used service to pay the price. Joseph grew in righteousness despite the hatred and enmity from his household.
4. Joseph paid the price with forgiveness. Joseph expressed forgiveness freely even before his household asked for it. This was a price.
Finally brethren, you must note that the devil will use the road (process) to oppress you. Never mind the consequence of the righteous life you have chosen, set your gaze on the gain. God only pronounced a promise about the promise land, he never did about the road to the promise land. It is not the road that matters but the destination thereof, never lose your focus.