Your purpose matters!

Do you ever wonder if there’s more to life? I often ask myself if I’m doing everything that I could be doing. I’m not talking about adding more stuff to my day and doing more, but about doing what I should be doing: using my time wisely, developing my strengths and focusing on my purpose. We have a specific mission, certain abilities and talents and we have been placed where we are for a reason; unfortunately our purpose many times gets lost in a sea of busyness, obligations and expectations until we settle for comfortable or good enough.

Talking about purpose is exciting and all too common, but sometimes we get distracted with the talking instead of focusing on the doing, because actually following our purpose is no easy task. It may start with self-doubt, continues with doubt from others, judgment, financial constraints, and challenges. Why then should we follow our purpose if it seems that so many negative things are related to it? Maybe these points will help you answer this question:

• The what: Before you were born God had a plan for you. He planted an idea in your heart, a plan, a thought, a mission. It may sound so impossible that you have not even considered it, but it is always there and it doesn’t go away. That is your purpose and it is big, it matters, it is important. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

• The tools: Many times we have an idea but we don’t think we are capable to carry it out. We feel so inadequate for the dreams God puts in our hearts that we tend to wait until we are “ready”- most likely we will never feel ready, we have what we need already in us, we need to identify our strengths, develop them, learn, grow and trust God. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

• The timing: You may have a dream, something you know God has told you to pursue, and no matter what you do, nothing happens, no doors open, and everything seems to lead to a dead end. It is so frustrating to feel a dream so strong in our hearts and then feel that nothing we do is leading us toward it. Don’t get tired of believing, of preparing, of trusting. God is never still, He is working behind the scenes, even if you don’t see it. “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:3

• The direction: Many times when we are passionate about something we tend to think we know what direction to take, and we may ask God to bless our plan and to follow along, instead of asking Him what is the plan and following His guidance. Pursuing your purpose is all about pursuing God’s guidance because He is the only one who can show you the way. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. “Proverbs 3:5-6 Take time to ask God and then time to listen, and remember that God speaks in many ways, keep your eyes and ears open.

• The reason: It is always good to ask why are you doing what you are doing. The reason behind your actions gives you direction and understanding. When we realize that our purpose is to glorify God with our lives and that everything we do is for Him, then absolutely everything takes a new meaning, there’s no job too small or position too humble, everything done with the right attitude is done to glorify God, we are doing it for Him. “Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” Isaiah 43:7

It sounds nice and simple doesn’t it? If only it was that easy! When it comes to following our purpose the journey is full of questions, exciting decisions, maybe some drawbacks, and more questions, but every step toward your purpose is worth it.

If talking about following your purpose is exciting, just imagine how it must feel to dedicate each day to actually get you closer to the dream God has put in your heart, to enjoy the journey, and to take small steps and celebrate each victory.

Manuelita