Have you ever considered that God has a purpose for your life? There comes a time when we must decide between living the life we’ve chosen for ourselves, and living the purpose God has chosen for us. I say “must” because choosing God’s purpose for your life is necessary if you want to live a life of joy.
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God wants us to be happy. He created each of us with a specific purpose. You have a unique set of gifts and talents that no one else does. Just like each person in a symphony orchestra is important, your purpose in life needs to be expressed. Life isn't fully complete if we don't live our purpose.
As a child of heavenly parents, you were sent here to shine. The light of Christ is already within you. That light seeks further expression. As you discover and embrace God’s purpose for your life, that light grows brighter and brighter.
How do I know God has a purpose for my life?
God calls each one of us. It doesn’t matter what religion you belong to. It doesn’t matter if you’re even part of an organized religion. God is calling you. All you need is to have faith in him.
God called Jeremiah the prophet before he was born.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart for my holy purpose. I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.” (Jer 1:5)
God had a purpose for Moses, too.
“Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.” (Exo 3:10)
God has a purpose for you, too! Most likely, though, you’re not living that purpose yet. It takes time to discover what it is, and to overcome the fears that we can’t fulfill our purpose.
There are some symptoms you’re likely to experience that tell you God is trying to get your attention. These things are his way of letting you know that you’re not following his purpose for your life.
Here are 7 symptoms that you're not living your purpose:
- you feel tired, depressed, or even angry
- you feel that something is missing in your life
- you’re dissatisfied with your work, and possibly with all aspects of your life
- you feel like there’s something else you’re meant to be doing, but don’t know what it is
- he sends messengers your way – friends might start telling you how you’d be really good at something – but you discount what they say
- dreams bring you messages of going on a trip
- you start to have thoughts of doing something you’d normally never do (Maybe I should write a children’s book?)
God has a purpose for you, and he’s waiting for you to discover it!
You already know your purpose
God gave Jeremiah his purpose as a prophet before he was born. God also gave you your purpose before you were born!
I’m not skilled at drawing by any means…but I’ll share this sketch with you. It is a vision I received a number of years ago. I don’t know what I was agreeing to, but I saw this image where Jesus was standing up above a crowd, and I was in this huge crowd of spirits. Jesus asked who would be willing to do something here on earth, and I eagerly raised my hand.
Sketch of a vision I received where I am volunteering for a mission. Jesus is the one standing on the right.
God’s purpose for you is already planted in your heart. It’s an integral part of who you are. That’s why, if you’re not living it, eventually you’ll start to feel that something is amiss. You’ll feel that you’re off course in some way.
Don't fear living God's purpose for you
Gifts and talents aren’t meant to be hoarded. You have a gift because it’s something you’re meant to give away!
Every person I know and have worked with to discover and live their purpose has the same obstacle that comes up almost immediately.
Me?? I’m not capable of doing that!
You’re not the only one who feels that way. Every single person is initially afraid to live his or her purpose.
Jeremiah’s response to the Lord was, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” (Jer 1:6)
Moses objected, too. “But Moses asked God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exo 3:11)
We object because we’re focused on ourselves and our weaknesses. But God is focused on our strengths and on who we can become. He sees who we already are as his children.
Perhaps most importantly, when you live the purpose God has given you, you are never alone. God provides whatever help you need along the way.
God needs us to use our gifts and to live our purpose because he blesses others through us. Every time you offer kindness, help, or support to someone in some way, you are blessing her life.
Your purpose isn’t about you. It’s about those who need you. Whenever you feel discouraged or fearful, think about those you’ve been called to serve and what they need. Call upon God for support and help, and remember that he is there to help you.
How to find your purpose
Since your purpose is already a part of you, you just need to tune in to who you are!
You already know what your purpose is, it’s simply a matter of taking the time to listen. We also need to be willing to receive and then to act in faith.
Here are 4 things you can do to help find your God-given purpose:
1. Give yourself quiet time with a journal in hand
Set aside 30 minutes where you can be undisturbed. I realize you might feel like this is an impossibility, but I promise you, it’s not. There is always a way to do what is most important.
2. Pray
Pray! Go directly to the source. Let God know that you want to know what your purpose is. Take some time with this step to soften your heart and open your mind so you can receive whatever comes. Ask him directly – “Lord, what is my purpose? What am I here to do?”
3. Record your impressions
Immediately record whatever you receive. You might hear or feel a voice. Or you might have a feeling. Perhaps you’ll see a vision. I have experienced all of these as I’ve asked the Lord what my purpose is.
4. Write a list of your gifts and talents
What are you really good at? What do you thoroughly enjoy doing? If you could study only one or two things for the next year, what would they be? Is there something that other people tell you you’re good at?
This is a process you’ll likely have to repeat multiple times. It’s rare for someone to get complete clarity on their purpose the first time they go to God. Most of us don’t have a burning bush experience like Moses did.
It takes time to get clarity on your purpose
We’re also not usually fully ready to receive the answer all at once.
I keep a journal, and recently went back through the past few years looking for all the times and ways the Lord had told me about my purpose. I found that he’d been telling me essentially the same thing for over 2 years.
Each time, I got the information in a slightly different way, or received more depth. My understanding grew over time, and as things have evolved, I have now reached a point where my purpose is completely clear to me.
I’m also clear as to how to implement my purpose. That has also changed over the past few years.
Be patient with yourself, and with God. He will give you exactly what you need and what you’re ready for each time you come to him.
Conclusion
You are a child of God, and he has a plan for you. You are endowed with unique gifts and characteristics that will allow you to fulfill your purpose.
Your life experiences have also been divinely guided to directly or indirectly help you be able to fulfill your purpose.
The path isn't always clear immediately, but as you start earnestly seeking, you will find that answer to your question. God will be happy to tell you what he sent you here to do!
God desires for each of his children to bring their purpose to life! It's why he created you and sent you here, now, at this time.
Seeking your purpose is a step of courage and bravery, even if you don't think of yourself as courageous! It shows that you're willing to do things differently, to follow a path that might be different from what the world says you should do.
Go for it! You'll be happy you did.
God has a purpose for your life
- Remember who you are as a child of loving heavenly parents. You are unique, and you have a unique purpose.
- Discovering your purpose can take time...be patient with the process.
- Feeling fearful about putting your purpose into practice is completely normal.
Have your found your purpose? What was the process like for you?
