People of all ages search for what they refer to as their life’s purpose. Throughout life, at one time or another, we reach a crossroads that demands us to define who we are. Whether that be a moral dilemma, picking a college to attend, a career to pursue, or something bigger, we are faced with choices. Most people desire to fulfill their life’s purpose, but struggle to know that that even is. When faced with that dilemma, it is easiest to look at the definition of the word in order to receive our first bit of guidance.
Purpose is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.”
Although we can’t be sure the exact reason we were created, the first thing that we can all find confidence in is that we were created by no accident. Psalm 139:13 says, “you made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb” (NLT). During the times we most struggle to understand our purpose, we can be sure of the fact that we were intentionally made. God created us each with intricate likes and dislikes, passions, personalities, gifts, struggles, and every other finite detail that makes up who we are. There is both a plan and a purpose to our lives, whether or not we know exactly what it is.
Life can lead us down so many different roads as we search for our purpose. There is not a single path that we walk down, but rather twists and turns that are unique for each of us. Despite the different choices that we each make, God has woven us together with one uniting purpose. To love God and love people! God has designed us each with individual skills, talents, and gifts that equip us with the ability to love Him and love others around us the best we can. For some people this means a life in ministry, but for others it can be something completely different. Maybe it’s studying to become a nurse to help people suffering from physical pain or using creative gifts to support a local non-profit. Our purpose is not always directly aligned with our career, it can be a hobby, volunteer work, or another passion. We all bring value to this world and are created perfectly in God’s image to serve a purpose much greater than ourselves.
There is no door that we can walk through without the presence of God walking right by our side. Even when we feel stuck, frustrated, or lost, God knows exactly where we are. Stay faithful, and stay in touch. The more that we talk to God, and learn to listen to His voice, the more that we will find clarity, belonging, and an authentic sense of purpose that cannot be interrupted. Our passions and skills create purpose as does God’s love for us. These are hints and cues that we can use to help guide us towards certain opportunities that are put there for us specifically to explore. Through speaking to people that we trust, searching for guidance, praying daily, and loving others unconditionally- we can rest assured that everything else will fall into place. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope”’(NLT). A hope and a life of purpose- what could be better!