Have you ever felt like you didn’t know what you are meant to do in your life? Ever longed to figure out what your purpose is? Sooner than later, every single one of us ends up going through that feeling. You may lose the motivation to go after your passion with all your heart, or maybe you just aren’t sure what school to pick to go get your degree from. Maybe you aren’t sure what classes you should take for your specific major. Maybe you aren’t sure how your job is going to provide enough for your family. The good news is, we’ve all been in those situations before. You aren’t the only one going through them. The even better news is that God is there with you through these situations.  He is constantly at work behind the scenes in our lives

There are plenty of people who went through trials and times of uncertainty especially in Biblical times.  For example, think about Saul, who later became Paul. When his name was Saul, he thought it was his mission to hate and persecute, and even kill Christians. When he was on his way to Damascus, a light came down from Heaven, blinding him and the Lord spoke to him saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” At first Saul didn’t even know who was speaking to him and he asked, “Who are you Lord?” When he realized it was God, he was afraid. He then realized that he was blind and could no longer see anymore. But Jesus told him to go into the next town and Saul was told what he was supposed to do. (Acts: 9:1-20 NIV)

Ananias, a servant of the Lord, was called on to restore Saul’s sight in a vision. Ananias told God that he had heard many reports of the horrid things Saul had done and that he was nervous about going to see Saul. But the Lord reassured him, saying, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.

13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”17 “Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.” (Acts 9:12-20 NIV)

God allowed Paul to work in His ways and in His timing and with His power. If God can change a convicted murderer’s heart to turn from evil to Christ, then He can surely use you for His purpose.

Another example from the Bible, of God using someone for His purpose, is Moses. Look at how Moses had to go from being born a slave, escaping Pharaoh’s murderous plot to kill all the male babies, for fear of an Israelite uprising. Then he was rescued by Pharaoh’s daughter and cared for by his own birth mother. Then later in life he found out he wasn’t really a son of Pharaoh or from the royal family. He found out that he was really a Hebrew, and he realized with horror what his adopted father had done to so many babies.

Then he escaped Egypt, married Zipporah and became a shepherd. While he was rescuing a lost sheep he literally encountered God. He was told by Him to go back to Egypt and rescue the Israelites from the bondage of Pharaoh. Moses was fearful that Pharaoh wouldn’t listen and told God that He had chosen the wrong person. That’s a bold statement to say to God Himself. I understand where he was coming from, because the very aspect of being in front of God Himself, much less being told that He picked you for a huge task is overwhelming. But Moses went and did as God had said. Of course, he was nervous, angered and saddened by all the events such as the plagues and the death of the first born of Egyptians, but he continued to say what God had commanded him, “Let my people go.” (Exodus 3-4)

Eventually, through much hardship, Pharaoh let them go. He told the Israelites to continue to keep their faith even through their trial of crossing the Red Sea. If God can use Moses to deliver the Israelites, He will let you know what your calling is. It is all in His timing though.

God used many other people in the Bible to support His purpose and calling. Even though we are not in Biblical times anymore and God may not speak as clearly to us as He did in those days, find comfort in knowing that His plans are already lined up for your life.  You may not see His work right away or feel His guidance right away, but when the time is right, God will lead you down the exact right path of your life. Whether it is through a new job, a promotion, or the birth of a child, God knows exactly when events in your life will take place. He will steer you in the right direction and will work in ways you can’t imagine.

Waiting while God is at work isn’t an easy thing. We want to know what we are supposed to do in our lives and want instant gratification. We don’t want to be told that we have to wait for God to make the first move in our lives. Wanting that instantaneous gratification can drive us crazy, and cause more stress than good in our lives. Fortunately, we are not the ones in control of our lives, He is. Luckily for us, though, God has never stopped working for us, and on our behalf.  While you are waiting for Him to tell you what your next step is in life, be patient and remember that He knows and wants what is best for you. He will put you exactly where Hew wants you and needs you.