5 Ways to Find God's Purpose for Your Life
Career
Audio By Carbonatix
By Shea Smith, Crosswalk.com
Purpose can be a loaded word, you know? I remember choosing a college major and panicking over the decision! I would question, “What’s my purpose and how do I get there?” It’s easy to assume purpose is what one does day-to-day, such as a job or career, or another may assume it’s what one is called in a deeper purpose, such as a role or specific service. I tend to think purpose can ebb and flow in different seasons. So while we approach this subject of purpose, let us seek God humbly to lead us to Him. I have a feeling we’ll know more about the purpose the more we draw near to the Lord!
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1. Seek God First
To know what God wants us to do in life is a secondary step to first knowing God. The Creator, who lovingly and purposefully created you in His image, wants to be known by you. Your daily seeking and pursuit will help you discover more about God and His heart. When you prioritize reading the Word of God, praying, journaling, and worshipping, there’s no doubt that you will grow deeper in your relationship with the Lord. God draws near to those to seek Him. Matthew 6:33 instructs believers to,
“Seek first the kingdom of God.”
How can this look in your life on a daily basis?
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2. Remain a Faithful Participant in Your Local Church
Psalm 92:13 states, “[Those who are] planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.” When you are diligent in your everyday pursuit of the Lord, it’s essential to root yourself in a Bible-based church that both encourages and challenges your faith to be lived out daily.
Listening to widely-known sermons online and faith-filled podcasts are great enhancements to your faith, but they do not replace attending a Christ-centered church. Having a community of believers will help clarify, refine, and encourage your purpose as a believer and child of God. Joining a small group and growing in relationships with like-minded Christians can also be extremely edifying in faith and finding purpose. Proverbs 27:17 declares,
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Not only could you receive the blessing of another’s insight, but you could play an encouraging role in another person’s calling.
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3. Steward the Desires and Gifts God Has Given You
As you seek God’s purpose for your life, it’s helpful to ask a few simple questions. For example, “What breaks my heart?” Chances are, what breaks your heart is also what breaks God’s heart. Lean in to that! Another question to ask yourself: “What makes me feel most alive?” Do you feel an extra burst of energy when you lead worship or close another small group meeting? Is there a spark when you create a new piece of art or close a deal? These are great inklings to finding your God-given purpose!
Another clue to finding your purpose is recognizing the talents God has already blessed you with. Can you carry a tune? Please, get up on stage to lead worship and help (me) out! Do you have the gift of hospitality and enjoy having people over? Could you host a small group Bible study once or twice a month? Do you have the type-A, ultra-organized strand? Maybe you could lead the next Vacation Bible School or offer your skills for the next big event at church. Your talents are meant to be used and shine for Jesus!
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4. Serve Christ Where He Has Placed You
There’s a good chance God is using you right where you are if you are open to His daily leading! Whatever job you hold, may it be teacher or architect, student or stay-at-home mom (and every and any job in between!), God can use you to fulfill His purpose with your willing heart to listen and obey.
Our world is desperate for hope, love, and the good news of Jesus Christ. Never underestimate what a powerful position you hold as an ambassador of God, on a mission to share His love. Offering to pray for a coworker who is going through a rough time or sharing your faith to a student who feels hopeless can change a life. Daily, yield your day to the Creator and ask Him, “Lord, show me who to minister to today and help me be bold in your name.”
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5. Walk in the Call to Love God and Love Others
Jesus gave us all the ultimate purpose. We find it in Matthew 22:36-39. Scripture states,
“‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’”
Our purpose isn’t a great mystery or puzzle to solve but a close, intimate journey we walk with the Lord. If you love God and love others, you are already fulfilling the greatest call upon your life! How you spend your time and what you do professionally can be used to glorify God–all with a heart to serve and love Him deeply. Never underestimate a healing hug, handwritten note of encouragement, or meal delivered to a friend in need. You won’t miss God’s purpose for you! What is for you won’t pass you. He’s the One who opens doors and presents opportunities beyond your wildest imagination. Stay in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25) and trust He will lead you!
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