Everyone Has a Purpose

Each person is important to God and to His purpose for mankind. In some way, each person will be used to fulfill God’s purpose. As a Christian, I’ve struggled for many years trying to understand my specific purpose in life. Here is what I’ve learned so far:

1. Everyone has a purpose.

Ephesians 2:10 – For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Each person is called to a specific function to display good works. These works are to bring glory to God and to build up the saints. (This doesn’t mean you will hold a position within the church.) God will call you to a position/purpose He entrusts you to fulfill and will provide you with everything you need to be successful.

Sometimes a person can go years without knowing what their specific purpose in life is. Don’t worry you’re not alone – many people have the same questions! God ‘speaks’ to people in different ways concerning their purpose. Some God speaks to directly; some receive visions; others feel a strong desire within their heart; and some may receive their purpose through a prophet. Though I cannot give the one ‘answer’ for how God will tell you of your purpose, I do know that God will speak to you when the times comes for it to be revealed to you.

If you are unsure of your specific purpose, continue to do good works. We can continue to prepare ourselves through reading/meditating/studying and living out what we receive through our studies.

Psalm 139:13-16 – For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Additional references: (Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 1:4-10; Colossians 3:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 1 Peter 2:9)

2. God will tell you what your purpose is and will direct you in His time. If you read the first five books of the Bible, it won’t take long for you to see that God is very specific with directions and gives them at specific times for specific reasons. If God has not told you something, then it is for a good reason and for your own good (and others as well). Don’t become so impatient to see ‘action,’ that you run out of God’s will (Proverbs 19:2).

Serving God is about bringing glory to His name, not yours.

3. You must be able to stay with the purpose God has given you. There will be many opportunities looking for your attention and support. Time is the most important resource we have and once it’s used, there are no refunds. Therefore, it will be vital for you to support things that align with God’s purpose for your life.

There will be some good things out there asking for your time, but if they will take away from your purpose, you must decline them. There is a difference between good and godly projects. Good projects look good, but may ultimately cause you to be disobedient to God because you cannot focus on the godly task from Him.

Matthew 7:21-23 – Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Photo courtesy of iStockPhoto/Douglas Shelton