God has a Purpose

Take a moment to look around you. If you're in the living room, notice the couch; if you're in the car, focus on the steering wheel. Recognize that everything you see was created with intention. Each object, crafted by human hands, serves the unique purpose for which it was created. If this is true with man, how much more is it true that God made you and me with a divine purpose? From last week's lesson, we know that God has a plan, and within that plan lies a profound purpose for each of us.

It's important that we understand that not only does God have a plan for our lives, but He has a purpose. Jeremiah was called to be a prophet before he was born (Jeremiah 1:5), Paul was destined to go to Rome (Acts 23:11), and Jesus told Peter the manner in which he would die (John 21:18-19). His destiny for us has a purpose to touch others in a very special way.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”    Jeremiah 1:5 NKJV

Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.  Proverbs 19:21 NIV

Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you made me. Psalm 138:7-8 NLT

We understand that God has a unique plan for each of our lives, a purpose that defines our destiny. This divine direction offers a sense of fulfillment that nothing else can match. God doesn't intend to keep this purpose hidden from us; rather, the challenge often lies in our own actions—we frequently pursue our own paths and then ask for His blessings upon them. So, the basic question remains: how can we discover the true purpose God has for our lives? Let me give you a few things that you can do to find the purpose you were created for.

Finding God's Purpose For My Life

1. It always starts with prayer.

For the child of God, this should always be our foundation. We often find ourselves in difficult situations because we haven't taken the time to seek God's guidance (James 4:2-3). Begin this journey by earnestly asking God for His will for our lives. After all, what employer would hire someone without clearly communicating their expectations? They would express precisely what they want them to do. How much more does God want to show us what He wants us to do? Request God's wisdom and direction in your life (James 1:5) and trust that He will lead you on the right path.

2. Go to the Book

"I once heard it said, 'If you get into the Word, the Word will get into you.' It is His Word that serves as our primary source of understanding God's will. Through scripture, we grow and mature in our relationship with God (Romans 10:17). Regularly reading and meditating on scripture can light your path and help you understand God's intentions for your life (Psalm 119:105).

3. Look At Your Gifts, Talents, And Passion

I once heard someone say that they hated camping out and being isolated in the woods. So, they thought that God must be calling them to be missionaries in a remote area of the world. That is the craziest thing I have ever heard. Scripture reveals that God moves differently than this. The psalmist declares that when we are in a right relationship with God, He will give us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4). That doesn't mean that He will give us that third house or expensive car; it means something much more significant than that. When we delight in Him, He will place within us His desires for our lives. As we draw closer to God, our desires change. They begin to be less about us and more about others. A good question we can ask ourselves is what am I passionate about? What gifts do I have, and how can they be used to help those around me? As we meditate on these questions, we will begin to see ministry opportunities all around us. It is not by accident that you have those gifts. God gave them to you with a purpose.

4. Ask Those Closest To You

Every Christian should have a group of people who can provide support, encouragement, and insight as you seek to understand your purpose. Many times, they see something in us that we do not see in ourselves. A word of caution here: make sure your counselors are mature, godly Christians. Always be careful who you are allowing to speak into your life.

5. Trust in the Journey

Always remember that God has a purpose for both today and tomorrow. The victories and trials you face now are shaping you for your next chapter. What you are called to do today may change in the future. Seek God's will and embrace the journey with Him. Life may take unexpected turns, but take comfort in knowing that God has a plan and a purpose for you. Not only does He want to use you, but He wants to use you right where you are.

I am reminded of a remarkable woman from one of the first churches I ever pastored. Shortly after I arrived, she called to introduce herself and share her story. Due to a severe respiratory condition, she could only walk about 20 steps at a time, making even simple tasks like going to the restroom a challenge. As a result, leaving her house and attending church was impossible. However, her desire to be involved in ministry was firm.

She asked me to call her every Monday to let her know who had missed church the previous Sunday, promising to reach out and check on them. Additionally, she wanted to connect with new attendees, introducing herself and letting them know she would follow up occasionally.

Her attitude toward her situation has often inspired me. It would have been easy for her to focus on her limitations or feel like she couldn't contribute to God's work because of her disability. Instead, she chose to find a way to serve and fulfill her purpose during a challenging time. Throughout my tenure at that church, she consistently reached out to those who were absent and made random calls to members to offer encouragement, always maintaining a positive outlook. Her strength and commitment left a lasting impression on me, reminding me of the power of determination and purpose.

Conclusion

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.   Ephesians 2:10 NLT

Do you recall driving a car without power steering? When you came to a stop, turning the wheel was nearly impossible. However, once you started moving—even at a slow pace—it became much easier. The same principle applies to discovering God's purpose in our lives. Don't just sit on the church pew waiting for a sign. Begin to work where you are. Seek out ways to serve, find someone who needs encouragement or help that you can provide. As you step forward and take action, you will uncover your sweet spot in service for the King. Start looking for ways to serve others, and you'll begin to see your incredible destiny unfold!

Review Questions

1. Do you believe that you have been created with a purpose? Do you believe that you are fulfilling that purpose?

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2. What do the examples of Jeremiah, Paul, and Peter teach us about the concept of God having a divine purpose for us?

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3. Why do you think people are reluctant to spend time meditating on God’s word?

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4. What is the significance of recognizing one's gifts, talents, and passions in the pursuit of purpose, as described in the text?

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5. Which of the five recommendations spoke most to you? How can you implement this in your life?

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