Pushing Past the Pains of Purpose (Part 2)

Practical Insights from Dr. Eddie Connor

(The following article is based on a Rethink Network interview. Part 2 of a 3-Part Series)

Welcome back to Part 2 of our compelling series with Dr. Eddie Connor, where we delve deep into the intricacies of “Fulfilling Purpose.” In this segment, we are exploring the hurdles and obstacles individuals face on their journey to purpose fulfilment, emphasising the significance of conquering these challenges. Additionally, prepare to be moved by Dr. Connor’s very powerful and inspiring personal testimony that will surely resonate with your heart and soul.

Personal Challenges in Fulfilling Purpose

• STAYING IN THE COMFORT ZONE

One of the particular challenges faced is Doubt, which stems from the desire to remain comfortable. Ironically, the most perilous position in life is not when we’re ‘walking on water’, but rather choosing to remain in the boat. The shallowness within us is what holds our lives in a stagnant state because it reflects our preference for familiarity and comfort; shallow friendships, shallow relationships, and shallow ideas rather than heeding Christ’s call to venture out into the deep, to embrace change in order to achieve something different. Oftentimes, we expect change to come although we’re crazily repeating cycles by doing the same things. It is essential to develop a sense of comfort amidst discomfort, and equally crucial to feel discomfort when we become too comfortable.

• NO EVOLVEMENT, NO INVOLVEMENT

COVID-19 should have at least taught us one thing; if you don’t evolve, you won’t be involved. To bring about change, we must abandon the familiar, step out of our comfort zones, and embrace challenges. Surrounding ourselves with individuals who push us beyond our boundaries, seeking inspiration from uplifting material, and engaging in critical thinking are essential for navigating turbulent times. In order to reach our intended destination, we must reevaluate our approaches and methods. The imperative lies in undertaking unfamiliar actions that lead us to uncharted territories. Somebody’s waiting for you to become who you are so they can become who they’re supposed to be. The crucial question then arises: How long will you make them wait?

The Importance of Overcoming Personal Challenges

Dr. Connor believes that challenges create champions. When it comes to fear, only two options exist: 

1. Face everything and RUN

2. Face everything and RISE 

We find strength to rise when we recognise that the giants we encounter in life exist because there is a giant lying within us. 

His Testimony

Despite perceiving ourselves as David, it’s all about the fact that we possess the ability to triumph over the giant before us. This was the place that Dr. Connor was forced to come to when he had found himself grappling with the effects of stage four cancer. That was a very challenging period in his life, compounded by the fact that his biological father had failed to visit him even once during his hospitalisation. He experienced severe chest pains and following a CT scan of the area, doctors sliced him open to find that the cells in his body were rapidly growing. The growth was so swift to the point that it was visible to the naked eye. His heart, trachea, esophagus and voice box were all affected by the disease. 

Chemotherapy and radiation took a toll on his body as he lost his hair, self-confidence, self-esteem and the will to live. The people whom he thought were rooting and praying for him, were actually praying against him and hoping to witness his demise. During that time, the renowned influencer was faced with depression, mental discombobulation and literally wanted to give up on everything. But, because of faith in God along with his mother’s undying love and support, he found the strength to fight. In the midst of his mother’s tears and prayers, she encouraged him to declare Psalms 118:17 over his life – “You shall not die but live and declare the works of the Lord.” She continued to encourage him by saying, “Everybody gets knocked down, but a knockdown is not a knockout unless you stay down. You’ve got to get back up again.” 

Further inspiration came through the words of the famous Muhammad Ali – “The canvas is no place for a champion.” It’s all about the ability to persevere and rebound from a setback, to understand your test as a testimony, your misery as ministry, your mess as a message, your stumbling block as a stepping stone. Well, God does use your setback as a setup for your greatest comeback. He uses your tragedy as a strategy to move your life to the next level. You must recognise that your own victory is intricately linked to someone else’s triumph in their own life. Your challenges become a blueprint and a launchpad for others, as you can now share your testimony of resilience and determination with others in similar situations. 

Despite depression, giving up is not an option and instead, you choose to transform the letters in “depression” to “I pressed on”….you found the “I’m possible” in “impossible”. Adopting such a mindset becomes the driving force that propels you toward greater achievements. It involves delving deep within, embracing self-determination, and acknowledging that God’s purpose for you extends beyond your current circumstances. You have been given the capacity to progress through any means necessary. 

Stay tuned for Part 3 as Dr. Connor unlocks the potential of exposure in developing purpose among the youth.