I have always marvelled at the thought that John the baptist didn’t perform a single miracle on earth. Like in all his reputation and glory, neither of it was hinged on his performing a miracle. Yet, he had all these disciples who would do anything he said.

Doesn’t this suggest something to us? That just maybe anointing is not hinged only on signs and wonders, but even more on the purpose.

John was sent to announce the coming of the Messiah. The bible puts it as ‘coming to prepare the way for the Messiah’. This purpose didn’t need the performance of miracles and so he did what was required for the purpose he was given.

The problem with having people we put as pedestals in our spiritual journey is that we also tend to expect the same growth process they have. So if at a certain point, they were doing certain things, we begin to question our own growth process when we get to same place but still are not doing what we ‘expect’ we should be doing.

Our anointing is evident most when we choose to work in the purpose that we have been called in and not what we think is ideal.

John knew what He was on earth for, because he knew, he never attempted battling place with Jesus even when He came. Here’s an excerpt of an encounter that further helps us understand how powerful it is for one to know their purpose.

They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptising, and everyone is going to him.”

To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ – John 3: 26-28

The report John’s disciples brought to him was enough to raise jealousy that would make John envious of Jesus, but here was a man who knew exactly why he was earth and the final part of his response in verse 29 said ‘The joy is mine and it is now complete‘.

How much more pleasant would the world be if everyone chose to work in the purpose they have been called to, If we stopped looking out for signs and wonders and started looking out for purposes fulfilled, if we stopped comparison and started appreciating all the differences.

There’s no better time to recognise your calling than now, if not, you’ll be tossed around by whatever the majority perceive to be the most relevant.

The working of the purposes of John and Jesus makes the beauty we enjoy in salvation. Let’s not take our eyes off of purpose in pursuit of signs and wonders! The real sign and wonder is a person who is aware of their purpose and works unashamedly in it.