At the heart of faith is the desire to understand what God wants for each of His followers. It’s a question that resonates with many, regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey. Drawing insight from Pastor Charlie Whitlow, we explore the messages found in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, which reveal God’s intentions for His people. This small but powerful passage reminds us that God’s plans go beyond our spiritual well-being and touch every part of who we are and where we’re going.
Pastor Whitlow’s teaching sets the tone for recognizing the four key desires God has for every person. By understanding and accepting these spiritual truths, we open the door to greater clarity and strength in our walk with God. These truths are not complex theories. They are practical and life-changing when we let them shape our outlook and guide our everyday moments.
God Wants to Establish You
When we talk about God wanting to establish us, it means He wants to give us a solid foundation. Everyone knows what instability feels like. It can show up in our relationships, health, finances, or even emotions. The good news is that God wants to take those shaky spots and turn them into areas of strength.
The prophet Isaiah paints a picture of what this looks like. He describes God as someone who doesn’t snuff out a dying flame but gently brings it back to life. That kind of care and patience shows that God isn’t looking to condemn us when we struggle. He wants to steady us, to heal the bruised parts of our hearts and lives.
Think about a newborn giraffe taking its first steps. At first, it’s clumsy and unsure, legs wobbling beneath its body. But with time and effort, the giraffe finds its footing and becomes one of the most graceful creatures on earth. That early instability doesn’t last, and it doesn’t define the animal’s future. The same applies to us. Our current struggle doesn’t have to write our story.
Jesus used the parable of two houses—one built on sand and one on rock—to show just how important a strong foundation is. Storms will come, but the house built on rock stands firm. That rock is Christ. Being established in Him allows us to face life’s challenges without being toppled. And this isn’t just about spiritual strength. It spills into how we manage money, care for others, and make decisions.
One way to build this kind of stability is through involvement in a local church. Having community matters. Joining a small group, serving with a team, or making time to pray with others can lead us toward consistency and growth. As we take those steps, we let God work in the deeper areas of our lives.
God Wants to Anoint You
Anointing might sound like a churchy or old-fashioned word, but it’s actually very practical. When God anoints someone, it means He gives them favor and strength to accomplish something specific. He isn’t looking for perfect people. He’s looking for willing ones.
Anointing means stepping into what God created you to do. That might be hospitality, leadership, serving behind the scenes, or encouraging others. Just like on a sports team, every role matters. And when each position is filled with care, the team succeeds. The same applies in life. Knowing your assignment and doing it to the best of your ability, with God’s help, is what anointing looks like in action.
Sometimes people think they aren’t qualified for these spiritual roles. They assume anointing means preaching or leading worship. But it can be as simple as offering help to a family member, volunteering on a Sunday, or praying with a friend going through a hard time. These are the works of someone walking in their anointing.
Jesus said that God anointed Him to bring good news. It was a mission paired with purpose. When you live with purpose, your work carries weight and meaning. God wants to do the same with you. He wants to assign you tasks that carry eternal value, and He will give you what you need to do them well.
Living your anointing doesn’t mean life will be easy, but it does mean you won’t walk through it alone. Serving others, helping with love and humility, and doing your part helps build a stronger church and reflects God’s heart.
God Wants to Put His Seal on You
In the ancient world, seals were a big deal. A seal was more than a stamp or signature. It showed ownership and gave something official authority. Think of a king sealing a document to prove it’s real and final. There was no second-guessing it.
That’s the type of relationship God wants with us. When He puts His seal on you, He’s saying you belong to Him. That seal declares purpose, promise, and protection. It’s His way of making sure we know we are family, not outsiders looking in.
This kind of divine stamp brings peace. We live in a time filled with uncertainty, but when you know you are sealed by God, it makes all the difference. You begin to live from a solid place instead of chasing approval or fearing the future.
And just like no one could break the king’s seal in ancient times, no one can break the seal God places on your life. It’s a permanent mark that reminds us we are His, we are held, and we are going somewhere meaningful with Him.
Let that truth sink in next time you doubt your direction or identity. You are marked by God. You are His and your future is safe with Him.
God Wants to Give Us His Spirit as a Guarantee
We’ve all made a down payment on something at one time or another. That’s how we show we’re serious. Maybe it’s at a hotel, a car rental, or reserving a spot at an event. The guarantee says, “I’ll be back to complete this.”
God gives us something even stronger. He gives us His Spirit, not just as a comfort but as a promise. It’s like He’s saying, “You can count on Me. I’ll finish what I started in your life.”
The Holy Spirit living in our hearts is a reminder that we aren’t left to figure things out alone. He’s our guide, comforter, and teacher. Think about how reassuring it is when someone goes before you or walks alongside you when you’re trying something new. It eases the pressure and provides courage.
That’s how the Holy Spirit works. His presence helps us press on. He gives us moments of peace when we need them, reminders of truth when we forget, and nudges when we need guidance.
Life may twist, turn, and take us to unexpected places, but when we remember that we carry God’s Spirit inside us, it helps us trust that He’s still leading the way.
Living Into God’s Purpose For You
When you look at each of these four desires—establishment, anointing, sealing, and the gift of the Holy Spirit—what comes forward is a picture of a life lived with intention and support from God.
He’s not distant or passive. He is involved in shaping our character, giving us assignments full of meaning, confirming us as His own, and walking with us through His Spirit. These truths aren’t just meant to be heard. They’re meant to become part of how we live, how we treat others, and how we view our future.
Being established means you grow roots and find steady ground. Being anointed means you have a role that matters and are equipped for it. Being sealed means you belong to God and nothing changes that. Having His Spirit means you are never alone and never without direction.
As these truths take hold in your life, you’ll begin to see change—not just in you, but in others around you. That’s the beauty of growing in faith. It spreads, encourages, and invites others close. So take the next step with confidence, knowing God’s desires are not demands. They are gifts. And they’re available to anyone willing to receive them.
As you continue your journey, explore opportunities to grow deeper in faith and build meaningful relationships by connecting with a welcoming Christian non-denominational church. At Love Church, you’ll find a community that supports spiritual growth through group activities, volunteer service, and weekly gatherings where everyone can discover their purpose and walk confidently in God’s plan.
