Spiritual PurposeSýnishorn

A deeper recognition of our spiritual identity aids us in discerning our spiritual purpose. 

Jeremiah’s challenge to the exiled Israelites was not to seek their purpose but, as God’s chosen people, to first seek God in the midst of their circumstances. However, it was in the seeking and searching after God with all their hearts (Jeremiah 29:13) that God’s purposes and plans for His people became clear: 

“I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you…and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile” (Jeremiah 29:14).

You can see a similar pattern at work in the calling of Saul and Barnabas to be missionaries in the book of Acts: 

“While they (the church at Antioch) were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them’" (Acts 13:2).

It was only as the church at Antioch sought after God and learned more of His heart that the Holy Spirit granted discernment concerning the calling of Saul and Barnabas to the mission that God had set for His church. 

Many of our lives lack direction because we are pursuing a purpose that is inconsistent with who God is and what He has created us to be. Like a parent correcting a child who is misusing a kitchen utensil, God is saying to many of us concerning the direction of our lives, “that’s not what that is made for!” 

Are you listening when God directs you down the path to your purpose?