God didn’t save us for nothing. He saved us for a purpose, a unique kingdom work that we alone can accomplish. God doesn’t leave out there floundering, or spinning our wheels. He equips us for that purpose.
Jesus says in John 15:16 hours before his arrest, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”
Here’s my paraphrase: I am specifically, individually chosen by Jesus Christ to fulfill a particular kingdom work of eternal significance, and the Father will supply whatever I need to accomplish that task.
This means I have worth. I have purpose and I cannot fail.
Two disclaimers- 1. I am not special. That verse applies to you as well. 2. My failure is not necessarily a ‘purpose’ failure.
How do you find your purpose? Ask God. You can ask yourself some questions to bring His answer into sharper focus.
1. What Scriptures really touch your heart? Is there a common theme? A purpose could be in there somewhere.
2. What excites you? Makes you angry? Makes you cry? These are the things you’re passionate about. Purpose doesn’t come without passion.
3. Are you doing anything now that you can’t imagine NOT doing? If I had to give up writing… my sanity would be next to go.
I’ve said ‘a’ purpose more than once, but here’s where I weasel out of it. Our Purpose (with a capital P) is to be conformed to Christ. However, I believe God gives shorter term purposes (little p) that help us get there. Those purposes grow and change as we do. For instance, I don’t think writing was my purpose in college. It’s hard to say what it was then. I’m pretty sure I missed out on it, though. But these days, I write all the time.
Finally…
There are no BIG purposes and little purposes with God. They’re all equal.
This is not meant to cause stress. If you have peace about what you’re doing, you’re probably fulfilling what God intends. Restlessness and dissatisfaction may be a nudge in another direction.
Kelly Langston says
Hi, Paula! It is funny, but this is what I have been thinking about for a year or so now. What is God’s purpose for me? It’s been difficult this year, because God has called me to just be still. This is hard, because I want to DO DO DO something.
I guess what I am learning -and it is a difficult lesson- is that God’s will comes at the perfect time. When He wants me to be a part of it, He will 1) Show me His will; and 2) invite me to be a part of it; and 3) Equip me for it; and 4) Give me the direction to proceed…if only that means ONE STEP at a time.
I am also learning that when we find out what God wants us to do to meet His greater purpose, there is typically a crisis of belief period. (This is from “Exeriencing God”) Sometimes, we can’t imagine God asking us to do THAT. We can’t believe it. But we have to start moving and trust God.
LIke I said, I’m still working on all of this. Thanks for the post….Thanks for doing this challenge with me. I struggled last night to post, but glad I did. I feel accountable to you and Andrea to keep on going!
Lauren says
Wonerful post! Loved it!