My Life Has Purpose

Merriam-Webster describes the definition of the word “Purpose.”  It is defined as the reason for which something is done or created, or for which something exists.

There is a beautiful definition related to “Purpose” as it relates to you and me. It comes straight from the mouth of God.  “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you.”  (Jeremiah 1:5)

Imagine that!  Long before we were conceived by our parents, God had us in mind.  Our existence was not by chance or luck - - but intent.

PURPOSE - THE INTENT!

The word “Purpose” is a noun and an action word for intent.  In scripture, it’s very clear that each one of us was created on purpose for a purpose.  We each have meaning and value in the eyes of God. He chose our race, the color of our hair, our body type, make, and structure, when in the stream of time we were to be born, and where we were to live.  He also hardwired us for our personality and uniqueness of character, and what our natural talents would be.

Why is it that the enemy likes to tempt us into thinking we do not have a purpose and we are nothing?  Satan finds anything remotely beautiful painful to be around; so we must be pretty painful to him!  We must remember that in our moments of doubt, it is then we must remind ourselves what God told us about ourselves.  God does not lie, Satan does.  So, why would we entertain such a thought from the enemy when we know it is not true?

HOW DOES GOD SEE ME?

There is a lovely passage in Psalms 139:13-16 written by David that perfectly describes how God viewed us at the time leading up to our existence.  It reads, “For you created my inmost being; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.  When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.  All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

He also assures us that He does not make mistakes in our creation (Romans 9:20). He made us beautiful, just as we are.  He even knows the number of hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30).  We were born for our time (Esther 4:14).  All things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).  God is patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish and everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). God will instruct and teach us the way we should go.  I will counsel you with my eye upon you. (Psalms 32:8).

These are just a few of the many texts in scripture that reassures us that we were born on purpose for a purpose.  He knows everything about ME!

MY LIFE IS NOT SO GOOD RIGHT NOW!

There are times in our lives when things may look perplexing, cruel, and arbitrary.  Having a purpose seems unrealistic.  But, if we know that God created us on purpose, for a purpose, we need to trust God when we cannot clearly see.  We need to let God work out the difficulties in our lives; working out all the details.  That is His job for us in our lives.  Often things don’t make sense until you look in retrospect.  So, in the moments of doubt, lean into Him and he will give you safe passage through it. We will learn to trust in Him to work out the impossible.

GOT TALENT?

God has a plan for us, and we certainly want to be a part of His plan.  We are here to do God’s will.  He will help us do it. He has big plans for us and will not hurt us. (Jeremiah 29:11).  We must be content in how we were made and be ready for the work God has destined us to do.

God has given us characteristic talents for our enjoyment and to share with others to help them, as they help us. Some of those characteristics are: leadership, bravery, thoughtfulness, studiousness, creativity, imagination, helpfulness, humor, patience, adaptability, optimism, and organization. The talents God gives us work together to help and build each other up. (Ephesians 4:11).  

Everyone has a specific talent to perform for which He created us for.  It is unique to us – so we should feel very special.  We may have similarities, but no one has been made exactly the same.  That would be really boring.   We are all unique in our own way.  So, we shouldn’t think anything is wrong with us just because we look different, act different, have different interests, and different talents.  We need to embrace who we are and how we were made.  We need to love ourselves and get rid of any negative self-talk. It is the enemy who puts doubts into our head.  We don’t belong to the enemy, we belong to God.  I want to listen to what God says about me, don’t you?

NOW WHAT?

Purpose is a lifelong process.  The process brings us on a journey through experiences - - some that may be uncomfortable.  But, perhaps, it is through those uncomfortable experiences that leads us to our true vocation in life - - which is in helping others.  

You may have more than one talent and if you have more they may appear at different times throughout your lifetime.   Be patient with it.  Be hopeful in it.  Be close with God through it. His plans are bigger and better than ours.

As you journey through the process, you may ask yourself a few questions:  

1) What motivates me?

2) What am I interested in?

3) What am I good at?

The answers to these questions can help guide you in the direction you may be headed.   We can also ask God a few questions as well.  Some things we can do in that process may include:  

1) Start Praying.  He will give you direction, peace, and wisdom.

2) Read, study, and meditate on scripture.

3) Follow His promises – some estimates say there are over 8,000 in the bible!

4) Ask to be shown how to apply your characteristic traits in your life and to others.

IN CONCLUSION......

We know a few things.  1) We definitely know we were born for a purpose. 2) We definitely know God has our best interest at heart. 3) We most definitely know we can talk to God every day, as often as we want about anything. 4) We know that the enemy wants to prevent us from having a relationship with God.  He does not want us to fulfill our God-given purpose in our lives.  

The next time the enemy wants you to think that you are worthless, then you say at the top of your voice, “I am created on purpose, for a purpose by God, and I’ve made the choice to start living my life.”

What are you waiting for; you have a life to live and things to do!

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