In his book, Make
Today Matter, Chris Lowney shares that psychologists have learned our “capacity
to persevere” is strengthened by showing gratitude, selfless compassion, and a
strong sense of life purpose.
While I nod in agreement and understanding of gratitude and
compassion, my mind has snagged on that last phrase, “exhibiting a strong sense
of life purpose”. Before I can live out a strong sense of life purpose, it
seems to me that I need to determine what that life purpose is.
The last few days I have pondered those words—"life
purpose”. What is my life purpose?
Who determines my life purpose? Is it something I choose? Am I taught my
purpose by my parents? my teachers? the
church? the world?
As I let those questions swirl through my thoughts, God
whispered passages of Scripture:
- “God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus, He has created us for a life of good deeds, which He has already prepared for us to do.” (Ephesian 2:10)
- “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for You have created all things, and for Your pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)
- “And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
According to Scripture, it is God who gives us our life
purpose—or rather, His purpose for our lives. He is the one who determines what
that purpose is. But how do we figure out our specific life purpose—the purpose that goes beyond the general purposes
He has given all of us, (obey Him, love Him and others, give witness of Him)?
To find the purpose God has called me to, I must be in tune with God. To be in tune with God, requires
knowing Him better by reading His Word, listening to more mature Christians share
about Him, by talking directly with Him, and by looking for His hand at work
around us.
Perhaps the purpose God has given you is working alongside
others in mission, leading a congregation, mothering children—your own and
others, welcoming people to your home, teaching, organizing functions, or any
of a myriad of purposes God has in mind that go beyond what we can even imagine.
Along with expressing gratitude and selfless compassion, sensing
and confirming the purposes God has called us to will enable us to persevere in
the face of opposition, set-backs, and self-doubt. We will truly be able to “do
all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:13)
Be encouraged!
©2018 Pamela D. Williams
