If you’ve jumped from job to job and new idea to new idea, you may not be as flaky as you think. If you are finding yourself constantly discontent, you may not be as ungrateful as you think. You could simply be looking for a purpose. Purpose and career are not the same. Purpose is a greater calling in life.
Have you ever wondered what God wants you to do with your life? I know what it’s like to want to find your calling but not know where to start in our fast-paced world where daily demands dictate more of our destiny than God does. It’s no wonder.
There are four categories that comprise your purpose:
- Passion
- Mission
- Profession
- Vocation
Passion includes that which you love and that at which you are good.
Mission includes that which you love and that which the world needs.
Profession includes that at which you are good and that for which you can be paid.
Vocation includes that for which you can be paid and what the world needs.
When you are able to combine all of these areas, you my friend have struck a purpose. Although I do want you to keep in mind that the financial aspect isn’t always an indicator of purpose. So if you’ve been feeling discontent and unsettled, it could be that God is looking to move you into a greater calling in life, but finding your calling in life is more than just a simple search on local job boards. It takes a journey of discovery.
So are you ready to journey with me?
To help you find the answer to the question, “what’s my purpose?” Ask yourself these:
1. What are my desires?
Otherwise, known as passions, the desires in your heart are no accident. It is God who gave you those desires? And it is God who longs to fulfill them through you, in 1 Corinthians 9:16. Paul said, “Woe to me if I don’t preach the gospel.”
That was Paul’s passion shining through and passions and desires can encompass everything from what you love to, what you hate to, what you would like to see changed in this world. And in our society, we are taught to squash our passions all in the name of responsibility. And while I agree that a passion to play video games all day long may not provide for your family, your passion actually can begin to point to a greater purpose. At the very least it could be an indication of an expression of that purpose.
So, if you find yourself saying it, “If I only had the time or if I only had the money, I would pursue a blank.” What would it be feeling that way? You may have several blanks, but I want you to remember some of God’s children are specialists and some are multi passionate. Go ahead fill in the blank.
2. What are my gifts?
Otherwise, known as talents, we all have different gifts according to the grace that God has given to each of us, Romans, 12:6a God was intentional and how we created you, and that includes the gifts that he has bestowed upon you. And your gifts were meant to bring glory to God and benefit to the body of Christ and gifts can range from a teaching gift to a gift of encouragement to a gift of leadership and everything in between.
There are several sources online that provide quick and accurate test results to reveal your spiritual gifts. So I want to encourage you, my friend, start searching, and just as an aside to fully thrive in your spiritual gifts, you’re going to want to avoid the comparison trap. If you find yourself stuck in that comparison, trap, go ahead and jump on over and check out last week’s episode.
3. Where is the need?
“All of you together are Christ’s body and each of you is part of it.”1 Corinthians 12:27. Our purpose is meant to serve the needs of others. Not ourselves. Your hand does not serve itself. It serves to help the rest of the body and you can have an intense passion, an incredible gift, but if it’s not needed it serves no purpose, a passion or a gift with no need, usually indicates a hobby. Not a purpose.
4. What are my past experiences?
Think your past will keep you from God’s purpose? You may want to think again. God has a history of taking the broken pieces of our lives and building something beautiful. Think of all the men and women in Scripture that he used in spite of their past. People like Moses, King David, the Apostle Paul are just a few who God used to fulfill a mighty calling regardless of what they’ve been through or done. Romans 8:28 confirms it. “And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called, according to his purpose.”
So, please remember that everything that you have been through, gone through, and done can, and will be used for God’s glory. Don’t let your past go to waste. Okay, here’s the fun part. Once you have answered all of these questions. I want you to look for some commonality and crossover. For example, maybe you have a passion for helping people in crisis situations and God has given you the gift of help and administration.
Perhaps your past experiences involved abuse, and or neglect. And now, God is preparing you to help women and children in domestic violence situations, or perhaps you are like me, who had a passion to solve problems. I love to help people live a life that honors God, and he’s given me a gift of wisdom and faith and it was confirmed by others constantly bringing their struggles to me. My past experiences with my own personal immaturity and self-righteousness along with the countless dysfunctional relationships prepared me to help others find biblical solutions to their tough challenges.
Lastly, I encourage you to sign up for this free mini-course, Uncover Your God-Given Purpose which aims to inspire you in discovering your destined path and fulfilling your God-given purpose. With this course, you’ll realize that clarity is within reach and you’ll be motivated to take action towards your purpose. And when you’re ready to take the next step, Destined – Discover Your God Given Purpose will help you further in your pursuit of purpose.
Now it’s time for you to answer the age-old question: what’s my purpose? Remember all things are possible with God.
