Created for Purpose

pur·pose

noun: the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. “the purpose of the meeting is to appoint a trustee”

verb: have as one’s intention or objective. “God has allowed suffering, even purposed it”

“But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth” (Exodus 9:16).

We are living in a time when people are suffering from a lot of stress generated by external and internal sources. I believe that much of the stress that we are suffering is linked to the difficulty to clearly define our life’s purpose. I’m talking about a purpose that’s personal and tugs at the inner core begging for its potential to be developed and realized into possibilities yet struggling to define itself in clear concise words. A purpose that’s beyond vision boards and goal setting. It’s that awareness that you have accomplished much but deep down still desires self-actualization. In other words, you know that your presence on this earth is more than your present accomplishments. Surprisingly, you might even be considered to be an overachiever, pursuing profession, position, and possessions but there is still a yearning to realize (tap into) this inner purpose that beckons you to more than you already are.

“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out” (Proverbs 20:5).

Another logical linear plan may not be the answer. Another activity or club membership may still feel meaningless. Truth is, all activities and engagements are meaningless and fall short without a purpose.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).

To self-actualize, you must have purpose. We are all created by God to fulfill a personal destiny and sometimes, unconsciously, people are stressed trying to find their purpose in this life.

So what’s your purpose in life? Are you experiencing inner conflict, trying to identify your purpose? Are there days when you wonder, what has God placed you on this earth to do?

Finding and realizing your purpose does not need another plan, it needs a shift:

Acknowledge God

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” Proverbs 3:5-6

Surrender to The Master plan

“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

Release Control

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Challenge inner negative narrative

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

Sometimes our purpose seems bigger than our ability. It calls us but it also scares us. It beckons us to step out of the boat but the realization of what that involves causes us to pause and question our sanity. But, if you know your God, you also know that He can be trusted. We cannot discover something we already know. Staying in the boat does not exactly allow us to walk in purpose if purpose calls us to walk on water – purpose involves the Divine.

Finally, be confident that God fulfills His purpose for believers. God’s greater purpose should at all times be our focus. Whatever opportunities come our way must be aligned with His purpose for our lives to avoid dire consequences.

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:12-13).