“There are only two ways to live your life.
One is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other is as though everything is a miracle.” ~ Albert Einstein
Finding our purpose in life is much like an onion; you peel it one layer at a time. Each time we peel a layer, another new level appears. Now that we have taken the time in past Lessons to define our giftings, energy levels, personality bents, learning styles and season in life, we can more clearly see what we are really passionate about. Next, we need to clarify who we will be serving with our talents. We may be called to use our talents in a far-off country, work with jr. higher, serve food to the homeless, run a corporation, care for the elderly or many other opportunities. The importance of all we have learned is that we do what only we can do or are called to do.
As a young person, it’s common not to know our purpose. It is also just as vital
that we try on many passions to understand the one that generates a fire within us. Do not discount the trials, pain, and failures; they are the ones that teach the deepest lessons and often show us our path. We cannot allow those ‘negative’ experiences to live our lives in safe mode. The good, bad, and tough events write a script for our 2nd and 3rd act.
Scripture reminds us we are God’s masterpiece and created to do good things. A
masterpiece is an artist’s unique expression of something that moves deep inside of them. We are God’s unique creation that brings Him joy. He has knit us together with skills, gifts, passions, and personalities that He delights in. We have been given a task here on earth. Our job is to discover it and pursue living a life that brings us, others, and our Lord delight.
Mark Twain said, “The two most important days in life are the day you were born
and the day you find out why.”
We’ve all experienced that feeling that says, “Something’s not right.” We feel out
of place or like a square peg in a round hole. Sometimes we must walk along this path to get where we really want to be. We can fake it for a while, but our passion will either wane or we will just go through the motions of living, until our spirits become so restless, we think we will explode. There comes a moment where we know we are meant for more.
If we consistently pursue our purpose, our skills, our passion, our audience,
and our joy will align. Our spirits soar, our misgivings quiet and it feels right. There is an overwhelming feeling that says, “This is where I am meant to be.” There is no more time left for stumbling through life. We must actively seek to develop the service that lies within us.
“Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly.
Make sure you understand what the Master wants.” ~Ephesians 5:17 (MSG)
What are you uniquely designed to do? What are the things you are passionate about and if money and time were no object what would you get up in the morning excited to do? What do you find yourself naturally doing that you do better than most people?
Like a track long jumper, the goal is always to land falling forward. Great things happen when we keep our purpose in mind and continue to strive toward it.
What’s the secret to a purpose driven life?
Know God. Read your Bible daily. When you read something that tells you what you should be doing—do it!
Know you. Understand what you are equipped to do and stay in your lane. Don’t
imitate others unless you are certain that’s who you can pattern yourself after.
Know your enemy. Don’t underestimate who aims to take you down. Gird
yourself with prayer. Surround yourself with like-minded people while you are engaged in the battle.
Build a circle of 5!
- Develop a prayer warrior,
- Find a mentor,
- Find a person with the gift of exhortation who can give you nuggets of truth,
- Find a person with the gift of wisdom and ask their advice,
- Find a mercy with the gift of mercy that you can lick your wounds with.
Run your race. Like Nike says, “Just do it!” Slaughter the nay-sayers in your
head and start serving. No one is perfect or even really good at it when you first get started. You will gain clarity as you go, but God cannot direct a ship that’s sitting still. Pick Up Your Sword and Start today!
Pick Up Your Sword:
- “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.” ~ Isaiah 41:13
How will we know and serve our purpose according to Isaiah?
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- “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
~ Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
According to Proverbs will we be successful?
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- “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. ~ Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Why should we move forward even when we are scared?
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- “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules overall. Praise the Lord, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His bigging, who obey His word. Praise the Lord, all His heavenly host, you His servants who do His will. Praise the Lord, all His works everywhere in His dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul.” ~ Psalms 103:19-22 (NIV) Your thoughts:
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- “His master replied, ‘Well done my good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.”
~ Matthew 25:21 (NIV)
Is this what you want said to you the day you arrive in heaven? What’s your mission statement?
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- “God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start…God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.” ~ Psalm 18:20-24 What is the promise here?
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What might God be calling you to do?
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What is stopping you or stealing your purpose?
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Why?
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How will you squash the purpose stealer?
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When will you begin to live your purpose?
There is no line to write your answer because you begin today!
