The Meaningful Life: Discovering God's Unique Purpose For You

By Ivon L. Valerie

The Meaningful Life: Discovering God's Unique Purpose For You is a profound and enlightening book that guides readers on a spiritual journey of self-discovery, helping them unlock their God-given potential and embrace their ultimate life purpose.

Through insightful reflections and practical exercises, Ivon Vale

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sapiential Publishing
• Release date: Oct 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9780997465563

Ivon L. Valerie

Ivon Valerie lives out his calling to inspire others through biblical truth with bold vision and infectious passion. As an emerging voice, he articulates spiritual insights with relatable wisdom that connects. Raised in a strong Christian home in Dominica, Ivon's faith foundations were cultivated in his early years. After migrating to Sint Maarten in 2002, he continued nurturing his spiritual gifts while gaining hands-on ministry experience in various church roles. This equipped Ivon for the leadership platform God had prepared.Along with his beloved wife Jeanetta, Ivon founded Faith & Works Ministries, a vibrant Caribbean church rooted in applying God's Word to daily life. As Senior Pastor, his natural leadership and pastoral gifts shine. Members are drawn to Ivon's warm, conversational preaching style and knack for motivating believers to live boldly.In addition to shepherding his flock, Ivon has a passion for the written word. He is the author of two books - Prayer Lifestyle and Commanding My Morning - which provide biblical perspectives and practical wisdom. Writing is a creative outlet for Ivon to share spiritual insights in his approachable tone. Those who know this dynamic pastor describe his enthusiasm as truly contagious. Ivon finds great joy in revealing the truths of God's goodness and miraculous power. Whether preaching or chatting over coffee, his passion for Kingdom realities energizes people to build their faith.As a visionary leader, Ivon models a faith-fueled life and pops complacency with God-inspired challenges. He carries a divinely appointed mantle to ready the Bride of Christ for impact. The flames of revival burn bright through his dedication to equipping believers. Above all, Apostle Valerie cherishes his role as a loving husband and father. He resides joyfully in Sint Maarten with his wife, Jeanetta, who serves faithfully by his side in ministry. Their two children bring them great delight.

Book preview

The Meaningful Life

Discovering God’s Unique Purpose For You

Ivon L. Valerie

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Sapiential Publishing

The Meaningful Life: Discovering God’s Unique Purpose For You

Copyright ©2023 by Ivon Valerie

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, without the publisher’s prior written permission except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

This publication provides information but does not offer legal, investment, accounting, or other professional services. The accuracy or completeness of its contents is not guaranteed, and sales materials do not create warranties. You should consult a professional for advice and strategies tailored to your situation. The publisher and author are not liable for any damages.

New International Version (NIV) copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

King James Version (KJV) public domain

New Living Translation (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.  

Paperback Print Version ISBN: 978-0-9974655-5-6

Electronic Version ISBN: 978-0-9974655-6-3

SAPIENTIAL PUBLISHING

Cover design by Ivon Valerie

Interior design by Ivon Valerie

First edition: October 2023

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Contents

Foreword

Dedication

Striving Toward God’s Purpose

You Are God's Masterpiece

Clues to Your Purpose

Uncovering Your True Self

Developing a Spiritual Ear

Recognizing Divine Opportunities

Stepping Out in Faith

Purpose in the Daily Grind

Reviving Forgotten Dreams

Live Boldly, Love Completely

About the Author

Also By Ivon L. Valerie

Foreword

Discovering purpose and significance can feel elusive in a world full of distractions. We grasp at goals, achievements, pleasures, and possessions, yet contentment remains out of reach. We yearn for the fulfillment of walking in our true calling and potential. But inner confusion and settling for counterfeits leave many souls stuck wandering. 

In The Meaningful Life, my dear friend Apostle Ivon Valerie speaks authentically about this universal longing. Through compelling stories and biblical insights, he guides readers gently but courageously into uncovering the customized purpose for which they were formed. 

Ivon writes with a pastor’s heart -challenging when necessary but always encouraging. His wisdom is found through his winding journey of seeking God’s purpose and walking in obedience. Though a successful ministry leader, Ivon remains humble, cheerful, and eager to lift others higher.

The pages ahead deliver hope to the hopeless and direction to the confused. But they also emphasize that fulfilling your purpose requires taking action. Expect this book to stir you to renewed faith, deepen your intimacy with God, and bolden your steps toward obedience. May your sense of meaning, purpose, and destiny ignite as you read this timely book. 

I remain,

Bishop Dr. Dexter James

Founder and Overseer of 

Warriors Assembly GCBMI – Trinidad & Tobago

Dedication

I dedicate this book to three of my life’s most influential people: my beloved wife, Jeanetta, and our two beautiful daughters, Rebecca and Ariella. Without them, this book would not be possible.

Jeanetta, your love and encouragement inspire me daily to strive for greatness and positively impact the world. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. To our dearest and beloved daughters, no words could fully express the immeasurable joy and love you bring into my life.

with all my love,

Ivon Valerie

Striving Toward God’s Purpose

Inroduction

Pastor Steve surveyed the congregation with a heavy heart as he stood behind the pulpit. The polished wood pulpit felt cold and uninviting under his trembling hands, and a sense of dread settled heavily in his chest. He had delivered countless sermons from this spot, but today was different. Today, he knew he couldn’t continue pretending.

Thank you for joining me today, he began, his voice barely above a whisper. I have a confession to make, he continued. I have been struggling with my faith for some time now, and it has become increasingly difficult for me to continue leading you.

A murmur of surprise rippled through the pews, but Pastor Steve pressed on. I cannot offer you the hope and guidance I once could. I have nothing substantial to share with you, and I am truly sorry. I wish you all the best on your faith journey, but mine ends here. I can no longer lead you.

As he concluded his confession, the weight of his decision pressed heavily on his heart. Slowly stepping down from the pulpit, he approached the rear exit, ignoring the shock and hurt reverberating through the congregation. Despite his sadness, his mind was made up - he was done being a pastor.

The drive home was quiet as Steve reflected on the young, idealistic man who had eagerly accepted the minister role years ago. After completing bible school, he immersed himself in shepherding the church, writing sermons, counseling members, and leading Bible studies. However, the passion he once felt faded, leaving him feeling lost and uncertain about his future. 

As the week went on, the weight of his pastoral duties began to take a toll on him. Steve grew increasingly exhausted and spiritually drained despite his unwavering passion for preaching the Word. Doubts and feelings of disillusionment began to creep in, creating a wider gap of disconnection between him and the spiritual teachings he so fervently shared with his congregation. It was a lonely and challenging place to be and one that most people never truly understand.

When pastor Steve ultimately decided to resign from his position officially, he braced himself for the fallout that would inevitably follow. However, to his surprise, the days that followed were relatively calm and uneventful. While some church members expressed disappointment, the majority accepted his decision with grace and understanding.

As Steve sat alone on the first Sunday after his resignation, the reality of his decision began to sink in. For the first time in decades, he had nowhere to be on a Sunday morning. It was a sobering and humbling realization that brought a sense of both freedom and loss.

The following year, Steve continuously declined requests to attend other churches. His resentment was not aimed toward God but instead toward the superficial aspects of organized religion. As time passed, he became increasingly reclusive, avoiding public areas and sinking into a state of melancholy that he could not overcome.

As the months passed, darkness fell over his countenance and spirit. His family urged him to see a doctor, who diagnosed clinical depression stemming from extreme disillusionment. But he refused medication, believing this spiritual unhappiness could not be cured medically.

One morning, no different than 500 others, Steve stared out the window as his wife and sons left for church again without him. The darkness within suddenly overwhelmed him, and he dropped to his knees in a long-suppressed prayer. Tears flowed down his face as he cried to God for help and direction. This was the first time in a long time that he allowed himself to be vulnerable and broken before the Lord.

That night, Steve sat on the back porch, still overwhelmed by the morning’s encounter, seeking solace in God. While pondering on God’s greatness and unconditional love, he observed the stars. Something odd happened. The constellations began moving, shifting, and swirling in a unique celestial dance, causing him to shake his head in disbelief. Suddenly, a thunderous voice resonated within his spirit: Arise, for you are still My beloved whom I have called.

Steve fell to his knees in surrender and adoration, and as he knelt before his King, waves of shame washed over him for losing faith and neglecting his gifts. But even stronger came grace, enveloping his soul like a warm blanket. He felt God gently leading him back from the wilderness.

Steve’s countenance slowly changed over the following days and weeks as God renewed his spirit. The passion began flowing again for prayer and the study of God’s Word. Dreams of writing a book surfaced. He signed up for ministry training and eventually began mentoring younger pastors. 

One evening, Steve got a call from his former church, which had struggled to find consistent leadership after his exit. They sheepishly asked if he might return in a part-time capacity to assist the interim pastor.

Steve, although reluctant at first, prayed intensely over the request. He expected to feel anxiety or bitterness about returning. But God granted him clarity and forgiveness. The darkness had lifted. He realized this could bring about a redemptive outcome - using his fall to lift others through teachings on disillusionment and renewal. Because of what he had gone through, he could help others discover their purpose in life.

As Steve stepped up to the podium on his first Sunday back at his former church, he was greeted by his congregation’s warm and familiar faces. They had eagerly anticipated his return, and he felt a sense of gratitude and responsibility. This time, he knew that his message of hope would be hard-earned, as he had faced personal struggles and challenges that had tested his faith. But he also knew that it was through the grace of God that he had emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before. And so, with a renewed sense of purpose and conviction, Steve began to share his hard-won wisdom and insights with his beloved community, hoping to inspire and uplift them in their journeys of faith.

During his sermon, Steve began by speaking softly and gently, but soon, his words became filled with conviction and authority. He addressed the topic of spiritual famine