How Can I Find Purpose When I Don't Feel Like I Have One?
In trials, routine, and self-doubt, you may find yourself questioning your purpose. If you’re battling this thought, reflect on this: How are you defining purpose? By your own standards? By another’s? By God’s?
We are our own worst critics in so many ways. Often, when we fail, we give up on ourselves far more quickly than anyone else. You may feel stuck in the same routine everyday and feel you’re making no impact in your daily spheres. You may be warring through one of the hardest battles of your life or drowning in shame over a past mistake. Do these things really have anything to do with your purpose?
Simply put…as believers, our purpose is intertwined with Jesus’ purpose. It really has nothing to do with us.
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose” (emphasis added).
You can be encouraged that His purpose comes to pass: “The Lord of hosts has sworn: ‘As I have planned, so shall it be, and I as have purposed, so shall it stand’” (Isaiah 14:24).
So, what is God’s purpose? God’s purpose reflects His will, desires, and plans in any situation. Therefore, in order to fulfill your purpose, you follow God’s leadership in your life, listening closely to His prompts for action and direction. This requires us to know God. We can’t know the purpose of One we do not talk to or grow in relationship with. God’s purpose isn’t contingent on us. He chooses to include us in His work, but He doesn’t need us. It’s truly an honor to be a part of God’s purpose!
God works so much in the details…He’s not just in the “big picture.” Just because you didn’t see the fruit doesn’t mean you didn’t plant the seed (1 Corin. 3:6-9). A simple kind word to a person, a smile to a stranger, a “check-in” with a friend could all be a part of God’s purpose. It’s not our job to undermine the “little things” that really aren’t little at all. Jesus died for our sins so we didn’t have to live imprisoned by them; making a mistake doesn’t obliterate your purpose. Feeling like you aren’t making an impact doesn’t mean that you actually aren’t.
You were designed on purpose with purpose. God has handcrafted you uniquely and wonderfully, stamping you with your very own fingerprints and DNA. God would not create anything incapable of purpose. We are all made in His image.
When you are feeling purposeless, look to Jesus in prayer. Ask Him to help you see who you are in Him. Ask Him to reveal the gifts He’s given you to use to fulfill that purpose. Ask Him to show you what His purpose is in your life right now…not ten years from now or even next week, but now. Remember, He’s all in the details.