Finding your purpose in God leads to a better altogether life.
Relinquishing control and trusting God with our lives leads to an inspiring, peaceful, and fulfilling journey. But for me, it took time and several wrong turns.
Finding purpose took me on many paths with some success and some dead ends.
When I finally attached my dreams and goals to God’s plans for my life, finding my purpose in God became clearer.
At times I wish to go back and remove some of the confusion and pain I had to walk through before feeling comfortable with myself and my God-given purpose. But that is impossible.
Where has finding your purpose in God taken you?
Finding purpose in God helped me realize there is not just one big purpose in life to accomplish but many missions along the way.
Embracing mistakes and struggles we experience freedom on the other side.
I am still a work in progress, but God has used my obstacles to form me into a more humble, loving person.
Finding your purpose in God helps you understand what is the real purpose of life.
What is My Purpose in Life?
What is my purpose in life? Most of us have asked ourselves this question many times. I know I have.
Understanding why we were created and what we are supposed to do with the time we have can take a lifetime.
Some of us may feel we have missed our chance, are discouraged, or don’t have a real purpose other than making it day by day; we may wonder what is my purpose in life.
I believe a life following Jesus offers more than just making it and answers the question of what is your purpose in God and in life. Finding your purpose in God is encouraging and leads to an explosion of hope and possibility!
While contemplating my purpose in life, I was reminded of a family vacation that didn’t turn out exactly as planned.
Discovering Your Purpose in Life
When I started thinking about discovering your purpose in life, I remembered a trip our family took to Disney World with 4 children and 2 girls we were fostering.
We were excited and planned the trip for months; we thought about where to stay and visit, and what colors to wear each day so we didn’t lose each other.
Our plans for a wonderful vacation did not include losing a child.
As we walked around Disney’s Epcot, we left the France exhibit and made our way to Morocco.
There was one problem, we left France with 6 kids and entered Morocco with 5. Our 6-year-old son was missing.
You can imagine the panic we felt. We quickly spread out and ran around like crazy people looking for him.
As I ran down the crowded fairway, my son suddenly appeared walking toward me holding the hand of a Disney worker.
He remembered our discussed plan; if he was separated from us, to find a worker to help him locate his family.
The relief was something I will never forget.
After this unexpected diversion, we did not pack up and go home. We learned from our mistake and got back on track, or purpose, following our plan for a great vacation (until we briefly lost another child, but no time for that story!).
What does this have to do with finding your purpose in God?
Our purpose begins with God’s plan for our life. Many of us start off with great plans for our future. We may not have a completely defined purpose but we have excitement and wonder of the unknown in life.
What happens when we get off course and lose our way? Many of us wrestle with disappointment and abandon our original purpose; in our discouragement, we settle.
We pack our bags and head into a journey that is either easier, more available, or offers the least pain or resistance.
When you discover that your purpose in life begins with finding your purpose in God and His plan for your life, it takes a huge weight off your spirit.
God is faithful and guides us to confidently pursue a direction.
We can pray and ask God to help develop a plan so we can discover what is our purpose in God.
Finding Your Purpose in God
My son who lost his way in Disney World was adopted into our hearts and lives from an orphanage in Mongolia.
He does not question who he is, who he belongs to, or his identity. He knows we love him and he is part of our family.
Even as the Disney employee questioned him about the frantic lady, who did not look like him, he pointed to me and persisted, “That’s her, that’s my mom.”
He had confidence in his identity and persevered until we were reunited.
Just as my son knows we love him and would find him, Jesus loves and finds us.
When you truly believe Jesus loves you, you can overcome an inability to move past pain, obstacles, and insecurities to embrace finding your purpose in God.
Confidence in our identity in Christ helps us know our purpose in life. This is an amazing realization!
Once we have confidence in our identity in Christ, the path to our purpose becomes clearer. We can grasp the idea that finding your purpose in God is linked to finding your purpose in life.
Discovering Your God-Given Purpose
One of my favorite books is The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, a World War Two survivor who used her loss and pain to help her discover her God-given purpose.
Although Corrie served a valuable purpose by saving many from death during the war, her work was not done.
Most of her family died in the war but at the age of 52, she continued discovering her God-given purpose believing it is never too late to find your purpose in life.
“In May 1945, she rented a house in Bloemendaal, which she converted into a home for concentration camp survivors, fellow wartime resistance collaborators, and the disabled. She also set up a nonprofit organization in the Netherlands to support the home and her ministry.
In 1946, ten Boom boarded a freighter for the United States. Once there, she began speaking at Bible classes, churches, and Christian conferences. Throughout 1947, she spoke extensively in Europe and became affiliated with Youth for Christ.
It was at a YFC world congress in 1948 that she met Billy Graham and Cliff Barrows. Graham would later play a major role in making her known to the world.
From the 1950s through the 1970s, Corrie ten Boom traveled to 64 countries, speaking and preaching about Jesus Christ. Her 1971 book, The Hiding Place, became a best-seller.”
Corrie Ten Boom fulfilled her God-given purpose and her words continue to inspire others to find their purpose in God and life.
Does her story inspire you to discover your God-given purpose? I hope so because every single person has a purpose to fulfill.
How to Discover Your God-Given Talents
Living a purposeful life involves our passion and talents.
The biggest clue on how to discover your God-given talents are things that don’t feel like work but accomplish a purpose.
We can have many talents and be called on different missions or special assignments.
It is helpful to investigate, research, and take aptitude and personality tests on how to discover your God-given talents.
More importantly, you can pray for God to guide you.
I have several passions including writing and teaching. One of my God-given purposes is writing for ButterflyLiving and writing Bible Studies.
Here is an excerpt from a Bible Study I wrote on Understanding Who I am in Christ & how being secure in our identity helps with finding your purpose in God.
“As you walk through seasons of life your missions may change, based on your physical, mental, and emotional availability. However, there are some deep-rooted passions that we carry around with us all of our lives.
I have always loved working with children especially helping those who are disadvantaged. How I served out this call has changed throughout my lifetime. When I was a young girl, I would babysit and put on talent shows in my neighborhood.
As an adult, my husband and I have raised 4 children, adopted and fostered children, and have worked with various age groups in the church.
During different seasons adjustments were made, but one of my core passions has never changed.
Sometimes having a passion does not mean you can fulfill it.
We can be passionate about singing but not have the voice to sing professionally or be passionate about sports but not be coordinated, strong, or gifted.
That doesn’t mean God can’t use us in those areas, but it may look different than we expect.”
When I was 10 years old me and my brother were swimming in a large built-in pool as my dad sat nearby. I had attended swimming lessons but my brother had not. I decided I could teach him how to swim.
As he jumped off the diving board and landed on me in the deep end, we both almost drowned. I was barely swimming myself and was not equipped to teach him. My passion to help my brother did not equate with an ability or talent to help him learn to swim.
I learned we can always learn new skills, but when we invest our time in pursuits we enjoy, we can give and serve at a new level. (BTW I never became a lifeguard!)
Even if we feel our current job does not complement what we are passionate about or our purpose in God, we can start cultivating a hobby or a place to serve using our God-given talents and skills.
What Does the Bible Say About My Purpose in Life?
The Bible is full of stories and characters with different purposes to fulfill.
Regardless of the call on our lives, we can all make a difference.
Every person is valuable to God and has a purpose.
When we wonder what does the Bible say about my purpose in life, we can look at three important people in the Bible who changed the course of history by fulfilling their purpose.
Fulfilling Your God-Given Purpose
People in the Bible have gone before us and demonstrated the possibility of fulfilling your God-given purpose despite mistakes, obstacles, and a lack of skills.
Let’s begin with Jesus who fulfilled the most important God-given purpose to save the world.
Jesus Fulfilled His God-Given Purpose
The Bible says Jesus’ purpose was to be a miracle worker and the Savior of the world.
The God-given purpose and mission of Jesus changed the course of history and humanity.
Jesus is the reason our existence and purpose matter.
Following Jesus gives us a new identity and helps us find our purpose in life and capture hope.
“This act in Cana of Galilee was the first sign Jesus gave, the first glimpse of his glory. And his disciples believed in him.”
John 2:11 MSG
“The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit. It looked like a dove descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, the delight of my life.”
Matthew 3:16-17 MSG
John the Baptist Fulfilled His God-Given Purpose
The Bible says John the Baptist’s purpose was to point us to Jesus the Messiah.
John was not the main guy on stage. He was content with his God-given purpose to use his talents and skills to proclaim that Jesus was coming to save the world.
“While Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called “the Baptizer,” was preaching in the desert country of Judea. His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: “Change your life.
God’s kingdom is here.” John and his message were authorized by Isaiah’s prophecy: Thunder in the desert! Prepare for God’s arrival! Make the road smooth and straight!”
Matthew 3:1-3 MSG
Moses Fulfilled His God-Given Purpose
The Bible says that Moses‘ purpose was to lead the Jewish people to the promised land.
He did not feel equipped, ready, or worthy to fulfill his purpose, but he had God-given talents and God called and used Him.
He stepped out in faith and overcame his fear to fulfill his God-given purpose.
“The Israelite cry for help has come to me, and I’ve seen for myself how cruelly they’re being treated by the Egyptians. It’s time for you to go back: I’m sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the People of Israel, out of Egypt.”
Moses answered God, “But why me? What makes you think that I could ever go to Pharaoh and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?”
Exodus 3:9-11 MSG
I am not in the league of Jesus, John the Baptist, or Moses but find encouragement in their willingness to pursue their God-given purpose and fulfill the call to touch humanity.
God is interested in our willingness to listen and contribute not the size or scope of our work.
When we wonder what does the Bible say about my purpose in life, we can look at the many people in the Bible who persevered in fulfilling their God-given purpose in life.
5 Tips to Finding Your Purpose in God
You may be reading this and wondering how you can find your purpose in God?
If you feel stuck, finding purpose in God can start with these 5 tips:
- Discover what you are passionate about, what you enjoy doing, and what talents you have.
- Analyze where you can use your God-given talents. This can include jobs and hobbies.
- Talk to people you love and trust to get feedback and ideas.
- Start serving others using what you are passionate about.
- Pray for God to help you find direction and then just get started somewhere.
Finding Your Purpose in God Can Add Years to Your life
Research has identified certain “blue zones” where people live healthier, longer lives.
In an article available on bluezones.com, you can read how finding your purpose can add years to your life.
“Research suggests that you could be living up to seven good years longer. Research shows that people who know their life purpose and why they wake up in the morning live longer, better lives.
Dr. Robert Butler and his collaborators led an NIH-funded study that looked at the correlation between having a sense of purpose in life and longevity. His 11-year study followed healthy people between the ages of 65 and 92 and showed that those who expressed having clear goals or purpose lived longer and lived better than those who did not.
This is because individuals who understand what brings them joy and happiness tend to have what we like to call the Right Outlook. They are engulfed in activities and communities that allow them to immerse themselves in a rewarding and gratifying environment.”
No one knows how long they will be blessed with life, but finding your purpose in God can add years to your life and help you live authentically with more peace and fulfillment.
Finding Your Purpose in God is Possible
Whatever time you have on earth, whether 20 or 90 years, you have a mission or several missions waiting for you to discover. Finding your purpose in God is possible
I am fulfilling my purpose in life by being a wife and mother while writing and teaching and using my God-given abilities, talents, and skills to shine the light of Christ.
Through loving and serving God, you will learn ‘what is your purpose in God and what is the real purpose of life’.
I would love to hear about your journey of discovering your God-given talents and finding your purpose in God.
Author
Mary Rooney Armand
Mary is the creator and writer for the faith-based blog ButterflyLiving.org. Her writing is featured on multiple websites. She is the author of “Identity, Understanding, and Accepting Who I Am in Christ” and “Life Changing Stories“—a collaboration with 34 authors available on Amazon.
69 Comments
Leave a Comment
Welcome!
Join us to live better altogether!
Categories
Recent Posts
Archives
You are fulfilling your purpose so beautifully.
Thank you for this very encouraging article. I enjoyed the quotes and personal stories you shared to elucidate your points. Knowing Jesus makes finding and understanding your purpose much easier – and a great benefit is that it brings joy to you and those around you!
Hillary, thanks for reading!
“Living a purposeful life involves our passion.” Amen and very well said. This is such a good reminder that our Creator often calls us to what he designed us to do and made us passionate about. It’s funny how people (and sometimes even myself) tend to think that God is going to call us to something He has not passionately equipped us for. And while I suppose this could happen, it just doesn’t seem to be the norm.
Love this!
Jed, thanks for reading!
This is just what I need about finding my purpose! Thank your for all the tips in it! I love Corrie Ten Boom- what a courageous ladyâ¤ï¸
Karen, so glad it could help and thanks for reading!
I love this Mary! You are definitely living out your purpose beautifully in Christ! You always encourage me so!
Donna, and you encourage me…thank you!!
Great article, Mary! I am going to have to remember … when I meet with the seemingly impossible, God guided Moses, He will guide me too!
Thanks Kay!
I am working on coming out of a dark grey area in my life. I found this on the internet and its a starting point with helping understand more.
Sherrie, my prayer is that God’s light will continue to guide you out of the darkness. Many Psalms speak to me when I am discouraged. (try reading Psalms 118). Many blessings to you!
I think this is something many people wonder at some time. Thanks for sharing. Great tips to help people figure out their purpose.
thank you for reading!
It is important that we seek and fulfill God’s purpose for us. I liked this”””Pray for God to help you find direction and then just get started somewhere.” We can’t just pray and sit and do nothing. God directs our path as we get moving. Thank you for sharing these tips on how to find our purpose!
Teresa, thank you for reading!
I love this post so much, but especially loved this tidbit: “Many of us abandon our original plans and just settle. We pack up our bags and head into a journey that is either easier, more available, or offers the least pain or resistance.” I have seen this happen so many times and have, at different times in my own life, been tempted to just pursue “the easy way”. Loved the story about your son too, what a beautiful illustration of walking in our identity!
Thanks for reading and your kind words of encouragement!
I love this perspective! Finding and following your purpose in life is all about bring glory to God. When that is your focus, it seems like everything else falls into place.
Erin, Thanks for reading!
As a mom I can’t even imagine how scary that must have been to be missing one of your kids! SO glad the story had a happy ending! I really love those tips you shared for finding your purpose. They are very helpful!
MJ, It was not my greatest moment as a parent!! But he is tough and always approves my stories of him to help others. thanks for reading!
Yes. God’s purposes for our lives change over time. We just have to pay attention to what we enjoy doing that brings glory to God.
Collene, thanks, as always, for reading!
This is such a beautiful post, Mary! Thank God your baby sticked to the plan and found you! I love how you navigated the purpose of life in your post! Thank you so much for sharing!
Sheryl, thanks so much! Yes, we were very happy to be reunited that day. Thanks for reading!
Such a beautiful post illustrating purpose and how to go back to God in case we miss it.
Thanks for staying true to your purpose.
Betty, thanks so much for reading and your encouragement!
What an amazing post. So much truth here and inspiration. I love reading your blog. And l can relate to so much of how l wish l could have found my purpose earlier. Ut l believe God redeems everything in our past.ðŸ™
Ava, what kind words! Thanks for reading and encouraging me today!
I LOVE this. What is my purpose is the question I hear most often as I work with women in the church. You have such great insight and wisdom. Thanks for sharing!
Kari, thanks so much!
Thank you for this encouragement today! I too love Corrie Ten Boom’s books and was just thinking (yesterday) of how late in life she rose to complete her purpose. Of course, it was in God’s perfect timing. But it was a real encouragement to me. 🙂
Thank you for sharing. Also, your son is adorable. 🙂
Evangeline, what a legacy Corrie Ten Boom left behind for us! Thanks for stopping by and for thinking my son is adorable! (we do too!!)
Loved this post. I can’t imagine how you felt when you lost your son at Disney World…I’ve been there and I know how many people there is.
As I was reading your article, I could picture myself holding the hand of God and just asking Him, what’s next? After we finish a task, responsible, goal, in our purpose, to just turn to Him and ask, what’s next? Then He will show us what to do and where to go.
Elizabeth, thank you!
I remember going to God often asking about my purpose when He was simply telling me to follow Him. When I did He revealed the purpose He had for me.
[…] Sometimes we are distracted because we need to redefine ourselves; program a new course or reevaluate our purpose. […]
[…] am still a work in progress, but am more purposeful and have come a long way from the clueless momma leaving the […]
[…] is the steady persistence in a course of action or purpose, especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or […]
[…] some point, every child will have to decide who they are and what kind of life they want to live. They will have to choose to build strong character in […]
[…] blowing in the sails of a sailboat. We just need to avail our eyes, mind, and heart to God’s direction and let it […]
[…] confidence is attractive and contagious. It is important to teach teenage girls how to find their purpose, identity and strength. This empowers them to confidently say ‘yes’, know how to say […]
[…] God provided clear directions to help him move forward, out of discouragement and into a divine purpose for his […]
[…] Holy Spirit fills us with supernatural hope and we can move toward a life of purpose. From this overflowing well of love, peace and confidence, we can freely love and encourage those […]
[…] to find purpose in many ways. The disappointing results have cemented my assurance that to walk in God’s purpose is far superior than to try to walk […]
[…] God is able to speak to them directly and they learn to hear His voice, so they can develop a personal relationship with Him and find a sense of contentment and purpose. […]
[…] to join Him into in the days ahead. I desire Him to “establish the work” of my hands…to bring purpose and meaning to each of my days on the […]
[…] look the way we would like but part of trust is understanding we don’t always understand His purpose for our […]
[…] for a lifetime take work and require two individuals striving for purpose and personal growth, respect for each other’s boundaries and realistic […]
[…] You can trust that you are worthy and not an impostor with something to prove. You can fully grasp what does it mean to be chosen by God and walk in contentment and with a purpose! […]
[…] sailboat returning safely. Our friend said he had struggled to turn the boat around, but stayed on purpose and never lost confidence or hope that he would make it back to […]
[…] can talk to God about anything. If our desires are not in line with God’s purpose or plans for our life, the Holy Spirit will reveal it to […]
[…] When we live within our boundaries we focus on our own assignment. We embrace our purpose instead of trying to control someone […]
[…] to live vicariously through our teenager. When we trust we are created in God’s image for a purpose, we do not try to take on others’ lives, including our […]
[…] when I retired from teaching. I was praying for guidance and for God to lead me to a new purpose. I got a job that I liked, but I was just answering the phone. […]
[…] Many years ago, I attended an eight-hour silent retreat. I was hesitant because that is a long time for me to be unable to speak! I signed up because I sensed the beginning of spiritual weariness settling on my spirit. That daylong retreat was a lifesaver that helped me reconnect with God and get back on purpose. […]
[…] when we trust God. Leading people to the joy of life in Christ and helping them fulfill their Godly purpose brings contentment in […]
[…] redeems our mistakes and helps us fulfill our purpose and call to glorify Jesus by the way we live our […]
[…] ask ourselves probing questions. All goals serve a purpose but spiritual goals serve the greatest purpose because they affect our life on earth and in […]
[…] As expectations and patterns are disrupted, if you don’t trust God to help make decisions and cope with change, it is easy to get stuck in a rut and fail to fulfill your purpose. […]
[…] emotionally and spiritually and slowly pull us away from embracing our identity in Christ and our purpose in life. If we are not careful, disappointment collects and starts eroding pieces of our […]
[…] the Bible tell you? It will tell you first of all that God created you — and he created you for a purpose. What is it? His purpose is for you to know him and live for him, by making him the center and […]
[…] Your faith helps you learn how to deal with loneliness while finding peace and purpose with God. […]
[…] reason gossip is bad is it is a negative distraction that prevents us from persevering in our Godly purpose and thriving in our […]
[…] of where you have been or what you have done, God can save and use you. Your identity is “a loved child of God”, not your circumstances or […]
[…] But spiritual gifts are given to each of us to experience God to the fullest and to bless those around us. When we understand what is my spiritual gift it connects us intimately to our creator. And helps us fulfill our God-given purpose. […]
[…] we ask God to show us His purpose on this planet, the answer will always be spiritual […]