Do you ever feel lost or unfulfilled in life? For many years I was searching for more. I had no idea where I fit and had no idea how to find the purpose, or calling, God had for my life.
What is purpose? Purpose is God’s plan for you whether for your life or for a season of time. God has a purpose for everything, including you. Purpose gives your life meaning or fulfillment, it adds depth to your life, and it helps you set goals. Knowing your purpose can also make you happier. It is so important to find yourself and have your own identity!
There is no surefire way to find your purpose. I can't say, "do this for you to find out what your purpose is." But I can tell you ways that will help you begin looking for it. It also won’t happen overnight. You will have to do some soul searching.
First things first, you must seek God in order to find your purpose.
Psalm 57:2 (ESV) I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
1. Spend time in prayer. Don’t just pray, listen too. This means shutting out distractions and getting alone with Him.
2. Search yourself, reflect. Journaling is a great way to do this.
3. Be aware of what you are feeling and what God is speaking to you. You might be out shopping, or at work, and you get some kind of revelation. Be aware enough to sense those nudges.
4. Have a support system. This support system should be mentors and friends that will surround you, support you, pray with you, and talk with you about your feelings.
As you are journaling and reflecting, ask yourself these questions:
1. What are my gifts and talents?
You already have God-given talents you’re sitting on. Part of the reason why I couldn’t find my purpose was my self-confidence. For the longest time, I didn’t think I was good at anything. I also never tried anything because of my low self-confidence. You have to be willing to try new things if you are going to find what you are good at. But it’s in there, I guarantee that there is something inside of you that you are good at.
2. What are you passionate about? Many times your talents and your passions will overlap. What excites you? What makes you want to take action? Again, you might have to try new things in order to find what you are really passionate about.
3. What are your struggles or past struggles? My struggles are what led me to find my purpose. I had been unhealthy emotionally, spiritually, and physically most of my life. When I really tapped into my past life events, I began seeing a pattern.
4. What doors have already been opened to you? What opportunities have come into your life?
You will find your purpose where all of these areas align. When I look back, I can see the stepping stones along the way.
How will you know when you have found your purpose?
1. I believe your purpose will be a bit scary. I cannot do what I have been called to do without God. This is absolutely bigger than what I can do on my own.
2. It will excite you even though it may be a bit scary or overwhelming. It will stir you up and be in alignment with your passions.
3. Your purpose will never go against your values. If there is any check in your spirit that this isn’t right, it probably isn’t.
4. You won’t be able to get away from it. I argued with God. And every time I argued, I would get another form of confirmation.
5. You will have peace. No matter how much anxiety I have, or how many insecurities and questions I have, I have a sense of greater peace. Deep down, I know that I am doing the right thing.
Even if you know what God is calling you to, it is very important that you don’t step out until the timing is right. For years, God would give me small bits of what He was wanting me to do, but it was like a puzzle and I didn’t have all of the pieces. When I had the peace that all of the pieces were coming together, I prayerfully considered the next steps and how God was leading me. If you step out too early, you may not have a clear picture of what your steps should look like, and you may not be ready. Seek God, trust Him, and follow His lead as you seek His purpose for your life.
Romans 8:28(NLT)
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Jeremiah 29:11 (TLB) For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Lord, thank you for calling me to a greater purpose. I pray that you continue to reveal to me the purpose that you have laid out for me. I pray that I will be sensitive to hear your voice as I seek direction for my future. Amen
Journal prompt: What are my gifts and talents? What are my passions? What are my past life experiences or struggles? What doors have been opened for me? Do I see alignment within these areas?
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