Stop Searching For Your God Given Purpose And Start Living It
There have been countless books and articles written on how to find your purpose in life. That one profound thing God put you on earth to do. While I believe we are all created for a purpose and with unique Godly gifts and talents that are meant to be shared with the world with the goal of serving others and glorifying Him, I don't think stressing ourselves out to find that one deep end all meaning is the answer.
What does it mean to have purpose?
Webster defines purpose as “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists”.
What does God say about having purpose?
"Everyone who is called by My name, And whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made," (Isaiah 43:7).
According to the Bible, our purpose and the reason for our existence is for God's glory. In other words, our purpose is to praise God, worship Him, to proclaim His greatness and to accomplish His will. Through this obedience we find that God has given us a reason and meaning for our existence. As our Creator, our lives are to be lived for Him so that we might accomplish the plans He has for us.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
God says "I know the plans I have for you", He doesn't say "I am figuring out a plan for you." He knows the plan and already has it in place. When we trust the one who has made us, who works all things after the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11), we are able to live a life of purpose. The how of that purpose is left to us individually through fully and faithfully trusting in Him.
So its important to recognize with gratitude the life we have been gifted and we are not left on our own to figure out the meaning of our lives. To own our worth in Christ as a child of God who is loved and created with significance. Too often, we wait for a magical explosion that will reveal the big picture that holds the answer to our life's purpose.
When we think of living a life of purpose its easy to reference people like Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., Diana Princess of Wales and Maya Angelou. People who used their stories, experiences, fame and gifts to serve others on a very large public scale. Who all had very specific and convicted areas of service.
While their work was very important don't allow yourself to get caught up in the game of comparison. The work God has not only called your name for, but also equips and qualifies you do on a day to day basis is just as significant. Touching one life is just as important as touching the lives of thousands and every day is a blank canvas just waiting to be painted with opportunities to change the world when you allow God to be the painter of your masterpiece.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10
You may not have full clarity around how God has called you right now but you can stop sitting around waiting for an answer and instead start living more for Him. How? By loving and serving the people right in front of you.
• A kind word to uplift the girl in the Starbucks window that serves your coffee
• Recognizing the work of a co-worker who does an incredible job and silently struggling with self doubt
• Checking on a family member who needs a little extra love and encouragement
• Sharing a positive word or praying with your child before dropping them off at school
• Sending a text message to your spouse with words of appreciation
• A warm smile of compassion to the weary mom standing in line at the grocery store while managing a cranky little one
• Sharing your story of how God has healed and restored your brokenness with a friend who is struggling with a similar hardship
Every day we are gifted little moments where we pass through the life of another human being to shine God's love. Moments where we choose by our words and our actions if we are going to take the time to serve that person with an act of kindness, barely notice them or react in a way that hurts them.
What if your purpose is found in exactly who you are in this very moment? What if your significance is found right in the pages of the current chapter of the story God is writing for you? The work you do as a mom, as a wife, as a daughter, as a sister, as a friend, as a yoga instructor, as a teacher, as a business owner? What if your purpose is found in seeking more of Him so He can grow you through the journey He has for you, revealing the answers along the way? What if its not about finding your purpose but using the life you have right now in this very moment and living it with purpose and intention to glorify God?
We live in a world where people constantly feel like they are not doing enough, making enough, succeeding enough, traveling enough, working enough or being enough. Its so easy to get caught up in looking to the future. "If only my life were ___________, things would be easier. I could do more, live more, afford more, have more" but there is so much purpose to be found in the present moment. Tomorrow is not guaranteed and life does not come with a do over button. We have to value the beautiful mess of the life we have now and trust God to use it for good in accordance with His will. When we gratefully recognize the current blessings already given, God will open up space for more opportunities.
Life is meant to be lived wholly, holistically and intentionally for not only ourselves but when we live a life of serving others selflessly and compassionately, we are in fact living a life of great purpose. You don’t need a team of people, to be on TV, to write a New York best seller or have 1M+ Instagram followers in order to make a powerful, meaningful difference in this broken, beautiful world that desperately needs those who are willing to show up and love people the way Jesus loves us.
Every time you make the conscious decision to be your truest, greatest self, to touch the life of another person with the intention of making their world better, you have created a ripple in a pond. A loving example of God's grace for that person to follow, to pay your love and kindness forward, to create their own ripple in the pond and that my friend is a daily purpose worth giving your whole heart and soul to. xo
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