One of the questions I hear the most from people is “What’s my purpose?”.
This is a question I have struggled with. As I’ve gotten older and grown closer to God, I have learned that not everyone is meant to find the cure for cancer, go to the moon, or even build the rockets that take astronauts to outer space. There is a unique plan and purpose for everyone in God’s economy.
Romans 8:28 is one of the great verses in recognizing what our purpose is all about. In the King James Version, the verse reads, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose”.
…all things work together for good. Even when things are bad, they are meant for good. Does that make sense? In God’s plan, it does. He uses our trials and hardships for the greater good. We may not see it. We may not understand it. We may even resent it. Still, everything that happens to us, even the ugly, dirty, nasty things, is meant to do us good. These things refine us and grow patience and faith in us.
…to them that love God. As a Christian, I can’t imagine how anyone cannot love God. The closer we get to Him, the harder the enemy tries to steal our joy. And when we love God and discover a purpose in Him, we can experience great joy.
…the called according to his purpose. God does have a purpose for each of us. We often look at the big picture and forget that purpose can be found in simply loving others and caring for our loved ones. Some people are meant to be teachers. Others are to be speakers. Some people build houses. Others clean houses. There is no wasted talent or job in God’s plan for us. Some people become presidents. Others become assistants. Our true purpose is found in the summary of the Ten Commandments. In Mark 12: 30-31, Jesus says, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
Love God first. Love others second. Is there any other purpose greater than these? We all have jobs to do and a part to play. Whether it’s rescuing animals or serving as missionaries, making sandwiches in a deli, or sewing blankets, we each have talents, skills, and abilities that are unique to us. These are parts of our purpose and God uses them as He wills. The most important thing to remember is to do these things with love. We are to go through our trials with patience and joy so God gets the glory. That is our purpose, to love Him and glorify Him, and to love others.
Are you living your purpose today?
Questions to consider:
What do you think your purpose is?
What skills, abilities, and talents has God given you?
Do you believe that loving God and others is part of your purpose?
Do you believe that going through painful times is part of your purpose?
Do you believe everything that has happened in your life and will happen is all part of God’s plan for you?