‘Fit for Purpose (2)’: A Sunday Sermon by Pastor Mensa Otabil

Introduction

In his profound sermon titled Fit For Purpose – Part 2 (Preparation), Pastor Mensa Otabil, the General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), expounded on the necessity of preparation in fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. 

He stressed that while every individual is created for a divine purpose, achieving that purpose requires deliberate preparation and intentionality.

Understanding Purpose and Preparation

“To be fit for purpose is to function the way you were designed to function,” Pastor Otabil explained. He noted that God’s purpose is not merely about the roles we play, the jobs we do, or the skills we acquire. 

It is primarily about being upright and doing all things to the glory of God. Citing King Rehoboam’s failure as a cautionary tale, Pastor Otabil delved into the consequences of neglecting preparation for one’s divine assignment.

Drawing from 2 Chronicles 12:13-14, he highlighted that Rehoboam’s downfall stemmed from his failure to prepare his heart to seek the Lord. “Rehoboam failed because he did not prepare for his assignment,” Pastor Otabil stated, adding, “God had a purpose for him, but he wasn’t ready for it.”

The Twofold Nature of Preparation

Pastor Otabil offered two definitions of preparation:

1. Putting things in place: Preparation involves organizing and fixing the necessary elements for success. For Rehoboam, this meant aligning his heart with God’s will—a critical aspect he neglected.

2. Providing for something: Preparation also entails feeding and strengthening oneself with the resources needed to thrive. Pastor Otabil underscored that feeding the mind with knowledge and cultivating upright character are vital for personal growth.

He emphasized that preparation is not passive but requires effort and foresight. “Purpose doesn’t manifest itself unless there is preparation,” he declared.

The Power of Intentional Living

Living purposefully, according to Pastor Otabil, demands intentionality. Using vivid illustrations, he described intentionality as a conscious and deliberate response to life’s circumstances. “Life may put you down, but intentional living means choosing to rise above it,” he said.

Drawing from Jesus’ teaching on turning the other cheek, Pastor Otabil highlighted the importance of choosing one’s reactions. “When someone slaps you and you smile instead of retaliating, that’s intentionality,” he remarked, encouraging believers to act deliberately rather than predictably.

Lessons from Rehoboam’s Failure

Pastor Otabil identified inner preparation as the key to success. Rehoboam’s failure was not due to a lack of skills but a lack of heart preparation. 

“Living purposefully is done intentionally and requires preparation,” he reiterated. Without these, even the best opportunities can lead to failure.

Conclusion

Pastor Mensa Otabil’s sermon serves as a timely reminder that fulfilling God’s purpose requires both preparation and intentionality. 

As we step into 2025, the call to prepare our hearts and align them with God’s will is more critical than ever. “The problems of 2025 will not be solved by the year itself but by a prepared people,” Pastor Otabil concluded. 

Let us heed this wisdom, committing ourselves to purposeful and intentional living for God’s glory.