Life often takes unexpected turns, and what we think is our final destination may just be a stepping stone to something greater. This is a truth that many of us discover on our journey of faith and purpose.

Sometimes we think we've arrived at our final destination in life. We believe we've found the place where we'll stay until retirement, the position that will define our career, or the role that will fulfill our purpose. But God often has different plans. I once worked for a company where I thought I would retire. I had just been promoted by the chief people officer, received excellent reviews, and was considered one of the top in my classification. Then, unexpectedly and immediately following a glowing review, I was terminated. 

Before my termination, I had written down all my ideas and goals. I documented church ideas, life goals, and even plans for a book. After my termination, the CEO called me personally. He was was not in agreement with what happened and even provided a letter of recommendation highlighting my leadership abilities and positive impact.

Initially, I struggled to accept this change. As a competitor by nature, I wasn't ready to let go of what I thought was my path. But once I accepted that God had a different plan, I entered a season of execution - implementing the very ideas I had written down before my termination.

The first item on my list was starting a church. Our church was vibrant - we ministered to the community. We fed people, clothed them, and encouraged them. However, leading a church brought immense pressure. I saw what ministry was doing to my family and friends. This led me to reflect on 1 Timothy 3:4, which states that a leader "must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him." God wants us to build His kingdom at home too, not just at church. After a personal tragedy, we decided to close the church and step out of ministry. 

After shifting my focus, I eventually found myself back in church ministry, but in a different capacity. Through a series of events and connections, I ended up here at Motor City Church. It’s been five years! At Motor City,  I discovered something surprising. I was surrounded by authors. This was significant because one of my written goals was to become an author. Proverbs 18:16 says, "A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great." My gifts had indeed brought me into the presence of people who could help me fulfill my purpose.

Through a connection at church, I met someone who helped me complete the book I had started writing in 2017. He pushed me through the process, gave me resources, and helped me see the vision clearly. The result was my book, "Transforming Trauma: The Path to Manhood: a Boys Journey."

Being at Motor City Church has elevated my creativity to an all-time high. I wrote a book, started a successful business, and developed new skills I never thought possible. 

My name, Cephus, means "rock" - the same name Jesus gave to Peter when He said, "upon this rock I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18). I've come to understand that my purpose is to work to fortify the church. The church today is under attack from many directions and I know God is using me to help build.

We fortify the church by getting back to basics. Matthew 22:37-39 tells us to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" and to "love your neighbor as yourself." Recently, I experienced an injury that left me limping and dependent on a cane. What helped me through my injury was relying on other parts of my body - my left leg and my arms - to carry me. God showed me that this is like the church.

When the church is injured, other parts of the body need to step up and provide strength. We need to fortify each other, commit to one another, and remember that only what we do for Christ will last. You are created on purpose for a purpose and as you seek God in finding your calling, you will be investing, not only in your eternity, but in others as well.