January 26: The Glory of God is the Person Fully Alive
Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Howard Thurman
Gregg’s Reflection
I’ve often heard people say, “All things work for the good,” to someone who’s just suffered a loss. It never sat right with me—until I realized the full verse carries an important qualifier: “for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” Not every event or tragedy is good in itself, but God can weave even the hardest realities into His larger work of shaping us.
Living “called according to His purpose” means finding the intersection of our gifts and our deepest desires. That’s where the abundant life Jesus promises takes root. Discovering that place—our True Self, the divine spark within—requires daily connection with God and a willingness to focus on being before doing. When we live from that place, our work flows with greater power and joy.
For me, there’s deep peace in orienting my life toward what seems to be asked of a man like me in a time like this. I am convinced that there is a need I can uniquely meet—and a path God is opening that I can only walk in Christ.
Scripture
All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Ancient Quotes
The glory of God is the human person fully alive.
St. Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, IV, 20, 7
Modern Quotes
Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
Howard Thurman, The Living Wisdom of Howard Thurman, p. 18
Journaling Prompts
- When do you feel most fully alive?
- What activities or relationships draw out your God-given vitality?
- Who, what, and where do you feel most drawn?
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 4 Reflection: Calling