Consider The LiliesSample

Purpose

For many years I struggled, trying to understand my calling and purpose. As a young Christian, I found these terms intimidating and confusing, being used interchangeably. People spoke of them in reference to their job, career, sometimes in parenting or even in marriage. As a result, calling and purpose seem too often be tied to whatever people are doing in their life at that very moment. Unfortunately, when that season or moment comes to a screeching halt, many find themselves spinning and confused believing they once again lost their purpose. 

Do you find yourself confused and struggling with purpose and calling? 

Cease Striving 

Turns out, this is a recipe for disaster. The moment discouragement, challenges, or a season change in life happens, many are right back to where they started—confused and trying to find their purpose. It says in His word, “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” We don’t have a purpose that is vulnerable to the whims of how we feel or what season of life we’re in. He gives us a higher calling. He created us to be in relationship with Him, to serve Him, and to serve His people. So when we face trials and tribulations, we won’t question our existence, we won’t lose our purpose. 

“Whom are you serving, and where?” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Jesus served! He served all those He encountered, from His first miracle, changing water to wine, to spending time with the unlovable, to washing the disciples’ feet. No matter where Jesus was serving or whom He was serving, He was all about glorifying the Father. Jesus calls us to follow His lead and serve one another. He served with great love and humility. A man after His Father’s heart, Jesus served even to the point of dying on the cross for us. 

Seeing that our purpose is not tied to a job title, talent or gifting is a relief. When our job changes or the children grow up and head to college or a relationship ends, we feel lost and purposeless. But when we see our purpose as serving God, and His people, growing where He plants us, in whatever season we’re in, we begin to grow. That’s when we’re most fruitful—creating everlasting fruit. Our purpose is secure in Him. 

Clarity of Purpose 

Finding our purpose in Jesus is freedom. His yoke is light, then how could He possibly create us to walk through life to question our purpose throughout the seasons of our life. Scripture reminds us that our God is not a God of confusion. So let’s work through our own confusion and find His clarity. Our Creator masterfully planned each and every one of us and our lives. 

Consider This 

Identify your purpose ~ Jesus.
Pray, “Lord where are you calling me to serve?”
Identify your talents, gifts and personality traits to see how you can serve best where He has planted you.