It
was 3 p.m. on December 31st, 2024, when my family and I found ourselves in the
hospital, gathered around our father’s bedside. He had been on life support for
six days. The doctors had done everything they could, and though we had been
prepared for the worst, nothing truly prepares you for that moment when reality
strikes.
As the machines beeped and the monitors began to show dropping numbers oxygen levels, pulse, blood pressure each one falling below the signs of life, we knew the inevitable had come. With tears streaming down our faces, we watched as the medical team slowly disconnected the life support. At that moment, we realized that our beloved father, Dr. Agaba John, had gone to be with the Lord.
It was the most painful experience of our lives. Yet, in that pain, a quiet peace filled our hearts a deep assurance that he had fulfilled his purpose. He had run his race and fought the good fight.
My father was a man of immense love and sacrifice. He deeply cared for his family and ensured that none of his four children lacked educational opportunities. By the time he passed on, all his children had at least a bachelor’s degree, and some had gone on to pursue higher qualifications. He sacrificed personal comfort so we could have a better future. His love for education was unmatched; even at an advanced age, he returned to school and earned his doctorate degree a testament to his determination and sense of purpose. What Is Purpose?
Purpose is the reason you exist the “why” behind your creation. Everything that exists was designed with a purpose in mind.
- A car is made for transportation.
- An egg tray is made to hold eggs.
- A chair is made to support weight when someone sits.
Similarly, you were created by God for a divine reason. Your life is not an accident. As Dr. John Stanko writes in his book "Never Too Young forPurpose", “Whoever God made you is who He wants you to be to the fullest.”
Relating this to my late father’s life, I can boldly say that he lived true to that statement. He served faithfully in his calling, touched many lives especially the students he lectured in the different institutions in Uganda, and left a legacy of love, service, and faith. When God called him home, it was because he had completed his assignment on earth.
Now, I ask you to reflect on your own life ,are you living in alignment with God’s purpose for you? Perhaps you’ve made mistakes or drifted off course. Don’t lose heart. Just like the prodigal son, your mistakes can become the very path that leads you back into the arms of God our loving Father.
You are still alive because your purpose is not yet complete.
The Bible says in Acts 13:36 (NIV):
“Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.”
David’s life didn’t end until he had fully served God’s purpose for his generation. That should inspire all of us to live intentionally, faithfully, and purposefully every single day.
As the machines beeped and the monitors began to show dropping numbers oxygen levels, pulse, blood pressure each one falling below the signs of life, we knew the inevitable had come. With tears streaming down our faces, we watched as the medical team slowly disconnected the life support. At that moment, we realized that our beloved father, Dr. Agaba John, had gone to be with the Lord.
It was the most painful experience of our lives. Yet, in that pain, a quiet peace filled our hearts a deep assurance that he had fulfilled his purpose. He had run his race and fought the good fight.
My father was a man of immense love and sacrifice. He deeply cared for his family and ensured that none of his four children lacked educational opportunities. By the time he passed on, all his children had at least a bachelor’s degree, and some had gone on to pursue higher qualifications. He sacrificed personal comfort so we could have a better future. His love for education was unmatched; even at an advanced age, he returned to school and earned his doctorate degree a testament to his determination and sense of purpose. What Is Purpose?
Purpose is the reason you exist the “why” behind your creation. Everything that exists was designed with a purpose in mind.
- A car is made for transportation.
- An egg tray is made to hold eggs.
- A chair is made to support weight when someone sits.
Similarly, you were created by God for a divine reason. Your life is not an accident. As Dr. John Stanko writes in his book "Never Too Young forPurpose", “Whoever God made you is who He wants you to be to the fullest.”
Relating this to my late father’s life, I can boldly say that he lived true to that statement. He served faithfully in his calling, touched many lives especially the students he lectured in the different institutions in Uganda, and left a legacy of love, service, and faith. When God called him home, it was because he had completed his assignment on earth.
Now, I ask you to reflect on your own life ,are you living in alignment with God’s purpose for you? Perhaps you’ve made mistakes or drifted off course. Don’t lose heart. Just like the prodigal son, your mistakes can become the very path that leads you back into the arms of God our loving Father.
You are still alive because your purpose is not yet complete.
The Bible says in Acts 13:36 (NIV):
“Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.”
David’s life didn’t end until he had fully served God’s purpose for his generation. That should inspire all of us to live intentionally, faithfully, and purposefully every single day.
How to Live Alive to Purpose
Here are a few ways to ensure you are living in alignment with God’s purpose:
1. Be a student of God’s Word.
Every created thing comes with a manual, and for us, that manual is the Bible. The more you study God’s Word, the clearer your understanding of your purpose becomes. God’s Word reveals who you are, what you were created for, and how to function in your calling.
2. Desire to glorify God in all things.
Purpose is never about personal fame or comfort it’s about reflecting God’s glory. Let your goals, achievements, and daily actions point others to Him.
3. Give yourself fully to the things of God.
Purpose demands commitment. Be intentional about serving, growing, and using your gifts to bless others. When you give yourself to God’s work, He multiplies your impact.
4. Seek to fulfill God’s purpose in every area of life.
Don’t separate your faith from your daily life. Let God’s purpose guide your career choices, relationships, marriage, parenting, and even how you handle challenges. Every part of your life can be a testimony of His grace.
Final Thoughts
Losing my father taught me one of life’s greatest truths: a life lived in purpose never truly ends. His legacy continues to inspire us to live meaningfully, to serve others, and to walk faithfully with God.
You, too, were created for something eternal. Don’t just exist rather live intentionally. Seek God, align your heart with His will, and let your life echo the words of Acts 13:36:
In his Life Changing Power!
Paul Agaba
Here are a few ways to ensure you are living in alignment with God’s purpose:
1. Be a student of God’s Word.
Every created thing comes with a manual, and for us, that manual is the Bible. The more you study God’s Word, the clearer your understanding of your purpose becomes. God’s Word reveals who you are, what you were created for, and how to function in your calling.
2. Desire to glorify God in all things.
Purpose is never about personal fame or comfort it’s about reflecting God’s glory. Let your goals, achievements, and daily actions point others to Him.
3. Give yourself fully to the things of God.
Purpose demands commitment. Be intentional about serving, growing, and using your gifts to bless others. When you give yourself to God’s work, He multiplies your impact.
4. Seek to fulfill God’s purpose in every area of life.
Don’t separate your faith from your daily life. Let God’s purpose guide your career choices, relationships, marriage, parenting, and even how you handle challenges. Every part of your life can be a testimony of His grace.
Final Thoughts
Losing my father taught me one of life’s greatest truths: a life lived in purpose never truly ends. His legacy continues to inspire us to live meaningfully, to serve others, and to walk faithfully with God.
You, too, were created for something eternal. Don’t just exist rather live intentionally. Seek God, align your heart with His will, and let your life echo the words of Acts 13:36:
In his Life Changing Power!
Paul Agaba
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Email: paulagaba2014@gmail.com

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