Philippians 3:12
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
God has a laid down plan for all his children - no one is left behind. Alas! Not all God's children know the extent of the purpose they are meant to fulfil. They don't see it so they don't know it. For the rest, they cannot become it not because they don't know it but because they've set a limitation to their walk with God and their God-given purpose. They may not be the ones who set the limits, but a natural occurrence, perhaps unseen. Natural occurrences such as their past experiences which have become a part of them, or whatever it is ( that must be put away)!
Set out fully for what God wants to make of you. Don't go for less. Don't lose yourself because of loss or rejection.
God has the best still and it is all of Himself.
Launch into the deep. Satan has nothing to offer, and all the temporary happiness that you feel now is used as bait to keep you far away from God's plan for you. The mirage will fade in due time.
Christ alone is our model, not any man. Let Him be your motivation. Find strength in Him to be what has been written of you. You cannot imagine what God has for you. (1 Corinthians 2:19) How many lives will be blessed from your pain, story and voice!
Each new day that you receive from God is a sign that He still has his plans intact. Will you let the enemy cheat you out of it?
The Apostle Paul you read of was once Saul, who persecuted the very Church of God. Obviously, he didn't see his future as then.
Your part is to give yourself up!
Give up on your strength! Give up your man-made purpose. Your pains and very importantly your SINS. Give them up. Give up on your weakness and doubts and behold, what God will do with what is left. You are made to be a partaker of God's labour and work in your generation.
Take hold of what Christ has taken hold of for you, friend. Don't go for less.
Shalom