One of
the biggest questions is not, What is my purpose
for my life? but, What is God’s purpose for
my life.
Purpose
is defined as the reason for which something is done or created or for which
something exists.
Here
are 7 ways to discover God’s purpose for your life:
1.
GO TO GOD IN PRAYER.
Again,
let’s start with the obvious. If you feel purposeless, ask God to give you
wisdom and direction. James 1:5 states, “If
any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without
reproach, and it will be given him.”
God
wants to give you a purpose. He wants to bestow divine wisdom on you. He
desires you to have a joyful, ambitious, purposeful life. Ask God for purpose
and expect Him to give it to you.
2.
DIG INTO GOD’S WORD:
The
primary way God speaks to us is through the Bible. This means that one of the
first things you should do in your search for God’s purpose is to start digging
into scripture.
Psalm
119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.” God’s word brings light to paths that otherwise
seem dark. In the Bible you learn how to live wisely in God’s world, which is
the first step toward finding your purpose.
3.
DETERMINE YOUR GIFTS
AND STRENGTHS:
God
has given you very specific gifts and strengths. Maybe you’re a math whiz or a
wise counselor. Maybe you have a mind for electronics or business. Maybe you’re
great at organizing people and getting things done. God’s purpose for you
probably involves the things you’re already good at.
This
is where education can be particularly valuable. Going to college or going back
to college allows you to discover your gifts and then determine how you’re
going to use them. It also connects you with people who want to help you find
your purpose.
4. FOLLOW THE
WILL OF GOD:
For us to live with a God driven purpose, you
must first put down this life to gain life.
Many are the plans in a person’s
heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21)
God has better plans for us than we can
imagine and he does things, which we may not be able to understand but trust in
his will. Through scripture, there are several ways we can live a purpose
driven life.
For all that is in the world—the
desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is
not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along
with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. (1 John
2:16-17)
Take time and reflect if you feel you desire
materialistic possessions or want pride and power. It’s futile to focus on
temporary pleasures because on our deathbed we can’t take anything with us.
5.
DETERMINE YOUR
PASSIONS:
What
is one thing you’re particularly passionate about? Really, this can be
anything. Business, art, economics, alleviating poverty, whatever. If money
wasn’t an issue, what would you love to do?
Determining
your passions often helps you figure out what God has called you to do. It’s
often said that God works at the intersection of our gifts and our passions.
Where do your gifts meet your passions? That may be God’s purpose for you.
6.
BRING OTHERS INTO
YOUR LIFE:
Proverbs
11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance,
a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” In
other words, one of the main ways God will help you find your purpose is
through others.
A
caveat needs to be made here. Your counselors should be people you trust.
Whether this is your professors, parents or friends, it needs to be people who
have your back and want the best for you. You want wise counselors to help you
find God’s purpose for you.
7.
TAKE A SOLITUDE
RETREAT:
Sometimes
it can be incredibly helpful to get away from it all and take some unhurried
time to think, pray and journal. You don’t have to spend a week in the woods
for this to be effective. Even just a day away from the hustle and grind can be
hugely rewarding.
During
these retreats, allow yourself to simply be still. To ponder. To ask God for
direction and listen for His voice. This doesn’t need to be complicated and
doesn’t require any elaborate rituals. Hebrews 11:6 is a reminder that God
always rewards those who seek him. He’s not hiding in the dark, trying to keep
his will hidden from you. He wants to guide you.