What is my purpose?
I’ve asked that question to God, my husband, friends and myself many more times than I’d like to admit.
When I Google ‘purpose of life’ there are over 1,000,000 results with things such as finding your purpose in 20 minutes, The 5 % trick, and 5 reasons you should stop thinking about your purpose.
I can help you answer that age old question.
In one simple book.
In one simple way.
From the life of one simple ‘man’ (of God).
Finding purpose is a good thing. We are all uniquely created by God. We were created for his pleasure and enjoyment. God designed us in a way that longs and searches for purpose.
We were each created to feel that we belong. That we have a special purpose here. That we weren’t just put here on this earth to be born, live and then die.
I don’t know about you but that desire in me is strong. Much stronger in recent years. I spent many days crying and searching for purpose.
Now let me assure. I do have responsibilities. I have three children and a husband. A home to care for. Friends to enjoy and minister to. A church body to pray for and serve.
But yet I lacked that feeling of fulfillment. So I began asking. Seeking. Knocking. I asked God to flood me with purpose. I sought Him. I never stopped seeking.
I knocked on the doors of opportunity that crossed my path. Opening every one along the way. Still asking. Seeking. Knocking.
There never was a singular moment of arrival.
Yet instead…there is peace now.
At this point in my life my purpose is clear. Each of us has a purpose here on this earth.
Have you ever been left wondering?
‘Isn’t there to be more than just this?’ I’m just going through the motions of life. It’s feels pointless.
Let’s not make this more complicated than it is. The last thing Jesus told his disciples before he left this earth was. Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”
The Message version says it this way: Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”
Go find and make new disciples and teach them.
I love this snippet from the life of Peter in John 21. Peter is challenged in every way possible from the mouth of the Savior himself. Jesus asks Peter “Do you love me?” Even though we see the word ‘love’ repeated 3 times each meant something slightly different.
The first time Jesus asked “Do you agape (self-sacrificial, God’s king of love) me?”
The second time Jesus asked “Do you love me?” It focused solely on Peter.
The third time Jesus asked “Do you phileo (signifying affection, brotherly love) me?”
Each time Peter responded “Yes”. And each time Jesus replied, “Then care care of my sheep.”
So one of his last encounters with Peter he questions Peter’s love for him and in return all he asks that he take care of others.
If I knew it was my last day on earth I would want to know that my husband did indeed love me as he proclaimed. Then I too would request that he care for our children well.
Jesus had a heart for his people. So the bible makes it pretty simple in my opinion. Serve others and spread the word of Jesus.
It’s what he lived for and died for.
As you serve him in this way he will show you your passions and gifts.
Are you living a life of purpose?
Who are you telling about Jesus?
Who are you serving?
The bible challenges us. I know. It’s not only about being a mom, or dad or spouse or broker or teacher or chef. There’s definitely more.
We are challenged to live a life that brings glory and honor to God and we do that by telling others about him and serving him humbly.
This challenges me on a regular basis. And I sometimes have to reevaluate and ask if I could be doing better. Am I doing all I can?
But that is a great question to be asking ourselves.
Til we meet and eat again,
Melanie
Great post Melanie, I am reading “Home Run” by the pastor at our church and I am at the part that speaks of connecting with God on his terms – and how in persuing him, he reveals himself to us – the persuing is where we fall short and have to be reminded – your post is a great reminder to keep persuing and challenging myself to keep looking for my purpose.
I just read Kisses From Katie. I look at people like her and think that it’s so easy for other people to find their purpose. But what about me? Wife, mom of three littles? My purpose is to raise these littles and teach them that Jesus loves them. Sure there’s more to it than that, but that’s where it starts.
I haven’t read that book but it looks like a great read! Yes, it all starts here in the simple things. I think we all struggle with purpose because we want to be doing something great but it great things start small. Thanks for sharing!