Purpose is an important concept for all of us. Purpose is what gives us reason to go on; reason to get up in the morning; reason to live life. Without purpose how do we know what to do next? When our purpose is in question we can spiral into deep depression. When we are young and still in school, we search for purpose. What are we going to do after school? As we age our purpose can come into question as well (If our job is in jeopardy or we lose our job; our kids move out maybe for college and or they get a job; any time we finish a big project or reach a major goal that has taken most of our life.) When these things occur we can question our purpose. We ask, Now what do I do?
First let me say that we all have a God given purpose. Our God given purpose may include many purposes or a few but they last a lifetime. This isn't just any purpose; this is a purpose given to each of us on an individual level by God; a specially designed purpose tailor made for each of us. How do I know? Let's look to the Bible
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.1
What a statement! We all have a personal plan designed by God that isn't to harm us but to prosper and to give us hope and a future! No matter how we feel or know or see in our life we can have Hope. God loves us and He is in control. This doesn't mean it will be easy. We will struggle; we will question and we will feel broken and lost at times in our life. When we go through those struggles and questions in our purpose we should remember this next Bible verse:
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.2
You can find comfort in knowing that you are not the only one facing struggles and temptations. You can find more comfort in knowing that God is faithful, He will help you through this time of struggle. Trust Him.
There are things that will help you through this time of struggle:
First let me say that we all have a God given purpose. Our God given purpose may include many purposes or a few but they last a lifetime. This isn't just any purpose; this is a purpose given to each of us on an individual level by God; a specially designed purpose tailor made for each of us. How do I know? Let's look to the Bible
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.1
What a statement! We all have a personal plan designed by God that isn't to harm us but to prosper and to give us hope and a future! No matter how we feel or know or see in our life we can have Hope. God loves us and He is in control. This doesn't mean it will be easy. We will struggle; we will question and we will feel broken and lost at times in our life. When we go through those struggles and questions in our purpose we should remember this next Bible verse:
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.2
You can find comfort in knowing that you are not the only one facing struggles and temptations. You can find more comfort in knowing that God is faithful, He will help you through this time of struggle. Trust Him.
There are things that will help you through this time of struggle:
- Prayer: Take a look at the Prayer Guide pages on this web site for suggestions and help in developing a deeper prayer life.
- Read the Bible: The Bible is the Word of God. We find direction and comfort in the Words of God.
- Christian friends: We should share with other Christians. Form or join a prayer group or study group. When we fellowship with others we share the load. We share our struggles and our joy, making it easier to cope with life.
- Attend Church: In church we are fed and strengthened with God's word. Church is also a larger form of the prayer group, offering us help and comfort.
- Read devotions and Christian books: Look at the God Direction devotions in this web site. The purpose of this web site is to help you connect with God and find your purpose. You can ask your pastor and your friends for suggestions on devotions and books to read. There are other devotions and meditations on the web.
Let's Pray:
Heavenly Father, I am struggling. I have lost my way and I need help. Guide me, Lord, to see the purpose you have created me for. Help me to follow Your will for me. Strengthen me to resist temptation. In Christ's Name I pray, Amen.
1The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (Je 29:11). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
2The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (1 Co 10:13). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
2The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (1 Co 10:13). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
