Maybe you’re like so many Christians who sense a calling for a greater purpose, but you’re just not sure what it is.

The purpose is as unique as personality, in that God has designed it specifically for you.

Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:13 that it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.

Does that mean that we just sit back and let God do all the work? No. We are called to be active participants in His plan. But maybe you’re not sure what step to take next. Maybe you’re not even sure what His purpose for your life is.

Well, there may be things happening in your life that are indicators that God is calling you into a greater purpose.

Indicator #1: You’re discontent. 

Not all discontent is bad. Oftentimes God will stir up a holy discontent within us to prompt us towards a greater calling. When I was in my fitness business, I struggled with discontentment. On one hand, I felt ungrateful and tried to dismiss those feelings. On the other hand, my discontent was actually sent by God to move me forward.

Indicator #2: Your desire is changing. 

Psalm 37:4 tells us that God will give us the desires of our hearts. So if you feel that your desire for the old is diminishing and new desires have emerged, it’s likely God shifting you into a greater purpose. 

Indicator #3: You’re questioning everything. 

When God is moving you into a greater purpose, you feel displaced and begin to question everything: your choices, both past and present, and your motives. This can feel like you’re having a midlife crisis. Don’t fret, it’s often God realigning your destiny. 

Indicator #4: You’re noticing your limitations. 

When God is moving you into new territory, He will often bring you into greater awareness. This is not to discourage you, it is to help you focus on your strengths and not get distracted by trying to overcome something that was only meant to be managed. 

I’m not referring to sin as a weakness. Sin needs to be eradicated no matter what. I’m referring to traits such as a strength for leadership but a weakness for details. This is where God will begin to send people to help you in the areas that are not your strength.

Indicator #5: You’re apprehensive. 

Stepping into a greater purpose is going to come with mixed emotions. On one hand, the thought of doing something amazing with your life is exciting, but on the other hand, you’re nervous. What if I make a mistake? What if I mess up? What if I didn’t hear from God? All these doubt-filled questions are normal; they are also likely an indication that God is looking to move in your life. 

Indicator #6: He’s isolating you. Before you panic and feel like everything is falling apart, know that this is a good thing. It is a necessary preparation phase. He wants to prepare you for your destiny. Remember, God is more concerned with your character than your comfort. Let Him do what He needs to do. 

Indicator #7: You’re getting confirmation. 

I believe that God uses those around us to confirm His calling on our life. It’s a reassurance that we are hearing from Him. Perhaps you’re feeling a pull in your spirit and you’re hearing messages that confirm it plus others are starting to notice…that’s confirmation. We also call this a growing knowledge. It gives you the confidence needed to step out. 

Indicator #8: Your current efforts are fruitless. 

Oftentimes, God begins to call us into a greater purpose long before we recognize it, and for many people, their uncertainly will cause them to stay stuck. They will perhaps ignore God’s call or question it so much that time slips away. God will often give us a little nudge by causing our current efforts to become fruitless. I believe this is to motivate us to move. I know it did for me. When I was in the fitness business and felt the call of God, I thought I could toggle both. God said no. I ignored Him. As a result, my current efforts became fruitless to the point where I had no other choice but to move. 

My friend, you have only one life to live. My hope is that you will answer His call and make it matter.

Curious about Your God-Given Purpose? Find out more in our Uncover Your God-Given Purpose Guide