Discover Your God-Given Purpose (Part I)

Some people intuitively and instantly recognize their purpose in life. Take my mother, for example; at a very young age, she knew without a shadow of a doubt that she was created to be a teacher. Today, she is semi-retired with more than 200 teaching awards, confirming that she indeed walks in her God-given purpose! For many others, discovering God’s purpose for their lives is no simple thing. Perhaps you have been asking God to show you what your unique call is, but you are still unsure. Be encouraged!  You can discover your God-given purpose!

Here are the first three (of six) guidelines to consider when seeking your God-given purpose:

1.     Look to Your Designer

King David said to the Lord, “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalms 139:13-14a NKJV).  God made you; therefore, He knows you better than you know yourself!

Like the carpenter, God is familiar with everything that makes you “you.” He knows what motivates you. He identifies with what makes you laugh – and cry. He understands the vulnerable parts of your personality. After all, He was the One who designed and built! To realize your life’s purpose, make a commitment to spend more time talking with the One who created you. He alone knows why He put you on this planet for this time. As you spend quality time with Him, He will eventually reveal His plan for your life.

2.      Look to God’s Will

God’s plan for your life may not align completely with your plans! Be open to the unique path that God may forge for you. It’s possible that His plan for you is something you’ve never thought or heard of! God says, “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts’” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV).  

3.     Look to Your Experiences

Our Father has the incredible ability to turn any life experience into a vehicle to bring about good. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (NKJV).

How have your experiences shaped you into the person you are today? What did you learn from those events that caused you to become stronger in the Lord? Think back on your journey through life; consider the smooth roads as well as the treacherous paths. Is it possible that you are called to use your experiences to be a blessing to others?  

{Next week we will look at Part II of this review on Discovering Your God-Given Purpose.}