PART I: Finding Your Purpose

(2 minute read)

“The Lord has made everything for a purpose,”

Proverbs 16:4

Finding your purpose. Today we are talking about finding your purpose and identity. Have you ever felt confused, restless, lost, and/or baffled as to what your purpose is in life? Do you know your purpose, and where it comes from? If the scripture above is true, and I believe it is, and you believe that scripture is the actual inspired Word of God, then it stands to reason that every person, every soul has a purpose. So how do you know that you have a purpose, and how do you find out what it is? As my grandmother used to say, “it’s usually right under your nose!”

Finding your purpose is an ongoing process. One’s purpose can, and often does, change over time. If you are wondering what your purpose is, you may want to consider this:

4 Simple Ways to Find Your Purpose:

• Ask yourself: What is my purpose? Questioning the nature of your purpose is a good thing, and actually posing the question ‘what is my purpose’ is a very healthy and important first step to realizing your life’s purpose.
• Pray and ask God for discernment; and specifically pray and ask him to reveal your purpose to you.
• Praise God. There is no quicker way to grow into your God-given purpose than through praising God. Gratitude to God, is life-changing.
• Strive to live out your purpose. It will energize and reinvigorate you.

 “Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth…”

Isaiah 42:10

The world tells us that our identity and purpose are connected to material success as in our accomplishments and what we excel in. It is often wrongly gauged by how much we make, how popular we are, the size of our home, the type of car we drive; or the status we hold in regard to other people. It is easy to buy into that way of thinking as it surrounds us daily. But that way of thinking could not be more mistaken.

As Christians, we have a whole different perspective and standard, as we humbly strive to serve God and others with all our being, rather than ourselves. But each of us has to define our purpose for ourselves-no one else can do that for us.

 

Some people think that their purpose has to be something really big, grandiose even. But our identity and purpose are most easily found in the simple day-to-day way we live our lives. Certainly, we all wear many hats, and it is possible to have several purposes at the same time and many over time. But our God-given, lifelong purpose does not change, and it stands far above the rest. That is to love and serve God by loving and serving others.

 

“I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:34-35

For Christians, there really is no need to wonder about the nature of their identity and purpose. For they were already well-established long before we were born. One’s purpose has everything to do with how we choose to live our lives. Our identity and purpose are found in the following scripture:

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Proverbs 19:12

In closing, when it comes to finding your purpose, whether or not we choose to accept our God-given purpose is up to us. If we do, we need to strive to serve God through others without expecting anything in return. Trust me, God’s rewards for those who embrace their God-given purpose are unmatched when we strive to serve Him and others. Knowing that helps us lower our expectations of getting ‘credit’ from others for the good things we do. That is because we know our reward is eternal. As believing Christians, we understand that our purpose is ultimately really all about the love we hold for God and others.

© Copyright 2023   |   Adele M. Gill

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