Many Christians wonder what their God-given purpose is. While most of us want the answer to this question, we generally do not know where to start to figure out the answer. We are naturally drawn to the idea of knowing our purpose and pursuing our calling. Therefore, many people are trying to figure out if they are making the right career choices, utilizing their gifts and on the right path. One of the reasons this question is so important is because the work we do matters to God. If we know that our purpose is important to God, then it makes sense to ask where God is directing your life. The best place to go to for this answer is the Bible.
Scripture offers great insight into God’s purpose for our lives and His plan for His people. Regardless of your doubts or circumstances, God has a greater plan for your life. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” We know from scripture that we are called to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us. The Bible says, “For all those who are led by God’s spirit, these are God’s sons” (Romans 8:14). As God’s children, we know that the Holy Spirit will provide us with the kind of wisdom to make proper decisions.
Many Christians don’t realize that you can cultivate a personal relationship with Holy Spirit just like you can with Jesus. The Bible says, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” The Holy Spirit serves as a personal guide and teacher for us.
The Bible reminds us that if we want to discover our purpose, we must let go of the distractions. In the world we are living in, it is incredibly easy to get distracted. The only way we can truly fulfill God’s purpose for our lives is to refuse distractions, specifically the ones the enemy is responsible for. Scripture says, “Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:15). When we are working at building our families, careers, and finances, it is easy to get sidetracked. Therefore, we must keep first things first and focus on what matters. One way to avoid distractions is by setting aside time for the things that matter, including daily mediation and prayer. Before you walk out the door today, spend a moment talking with God. Pray for His will to be done in your life.
Another thing we should do if we want to discover our purpose is to figure out who we are in Christ. Our purpose as believers to lift up God’s Kingdom. This will require you to bring your natural gifts and talents to the table. We can’t think of our calling in life without looking at our call to follow Jesus. This calling is so important. When we know that we belong to Jesus, we understand our lives in an entirely new way. We can’t follow God’s purpose for our lives if we don’t understand who we are in Christ. This is why we must all the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and draw closer to Jesus.
Scripture tells us that we will receive wisdom from the Holy Spirit and knowledge through Jesus. When this happens, the eyes of understanding will open up, and God will enlighten us. The Apostle Paul writes, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His Holy people” (Ephesians 1:17-18). God reveals a special calling to those who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. When we know this in our hearts, we are forever changed.
The only way we can accomplish our purpose is to give the best of our efforts, time and gifts. This requires us to slow down and focus on the tasks in front of us. God's only way to show the best in us is when we give Him the best we have. The Apostle Paul also writes, “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12). Just as Paul was committed to God’s call for his life and didn’t allow distractions to get in the way of God’s call, we, too, should use this model in our lives. If you are ready to discover your purpose, let go of the distractions so you can better relate to God.
Are you ready to know where you are being led? God may be revealing your purpose right now, but you cannot receive it because you are not focusing on the signs around you. Another thing you could be doing is quenching the Holy Spirit and the messages the Spirit is trying to uncover. First Chronicles 16:11 says, “Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His presence continually.” It is so important that we prayerfully seek God and ask Him to distinguish His calling for our lives. Call on Him to give you the courage and the faith to follow Him wherever He is guiding you. As your relationship with God strengthens, so will your understanding of your purpose.
