Do you find yourself struggling to find your God-given purpose in life? If so you’re not alone. While in college I found myself questioning if I was wasting my life because my actions didn’t reflect a life I was too proud of. I knew what I was passionate about but didn’t know if following my passion aligned with God’s purpose for my life. I want to share some of the lessons I learned while seeking the help of pastors and mentors to answer this question that many philosophers have been debating over for centuries.
Often we boast in our accomplishments and material possessions because we identify them as giving us significance in life.Click To TweetI must admit I often link my career accomplishments with my identity, which can lead to us falling short of our true God-given purpose in life. (Isaiah 43:7) The right thing to do is bring glory to God because there is no one greater who is worthy of trust, adoration, and worship. Therefore, for the Christian, we are to live to bring glory to God–how we do that is through prayer and study of His Word, the Bible, so that we might better know what He has for us. Here are several ways to glorify God in your everyday life.
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7 Steps to Find Your God Given Purpose in Life
1. Turn To The Bible
God has left us with a wealth of knowledge of the Bible to help us. I’m sharing knowledge what has been revealed to me through my personal lessons in life. I must admit I don’t have all the answers, but I can point you to the source that can help you find your God given purpose. I believe to live a life with both passion and purpose we must continue to learn who Jesus Christ is and what he says our purpose in life is. We’re created in his image so his life reflects many character traits we should seek to live out on a daily basis.
👋🏾 I recommend downloading the Bible app so you can turn to it in times of need.
2. Pray For Direction
I often meditate and pray each morning using the Abide App to attain peace and gain a sense of direction before I write because I have faith that my writing will touch someone else’s life and allow them to gain knowledge that changes their outlook on life. With this task, I take on a huge burden, so I pray for the ability to articulate my words in a way that’s most helpful. As you seek your purpose, understand that each day we live is a gift and ask how to make the most of your life by living by faith and not by sight.
According to “Hope for the Heart” you should notice first that, in Ephesians 2:10 the apostle Paul says, “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” God calls you to a purpose—to do good works—“tailor-made” just for you. And He gifts you with all you need to accomplish that purpose.
3. Follow The Will Of God
For us to live with a God driven purpose, you must first put down this life to gain life.
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21)
God has better plans for us than we can imagine and he does things, which we may not be able to understand but trust in his will. Through scripture, there are several ways we can live a purpose driven life.
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:16-17)
Take time and reflect if you feel you desire materialistic possessions or want pride and power. It’s futile to focus on temporary pleasures because on our deathbed we can’t take anything with us. Besides more than likely, your family will be by your bedside, and they love you unconditionally, not because of what you have.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)
4. Promises Of God
Now that we understand what the will of God is for our life we must look at the many promises of God when we seek first the kingdom of God.
There are over 3,000 promises of God, but I want to point out a few that relate specifically to finding your God given purpose in life so you can experience a career that aligns with your faith.
- Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
- Romans 8:28-29: In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose, which is to be conformed to the likeness of his Son.
- James 1:17: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Take time to review some verses that apply to your life and write them down and place them in different locations. This can help you in your daily walk and serve as reminders of the many promises that comes from Jesus Christ.
5. Living A Purpose Driven Life
Once we learn to live a life that’s Christ-centered, then we will understand how we can glorify God in all things. In this way, we can lead a purpose driven life for God.
I was lost seeking worldly things like money, power, women, and status but felt they were trivial because long term they don’t matter. I knew we all must face death so I decided to serve a purpose thats bigger than myself. We all want to leave a legacy but I asked myself how can I do that in a way that can truly makes an impact on others lives?
Rick Warren is a pastor and author who wrote the book “The Purpose Driven Life.” In it, Rick talks about God’s intentions to use our talents to do good in the world and explains Gods 5 purposes for us.
- We were planned for God’s pleasure
- so your first purpose is to offer real worship.
- We were formed for God’s family
- so your second purpose is to enjoy real fellowship.
- We were created to become like Christ,
- so your third purpose is to learn real discipleship.
- We were shaped for serving God
- so your fourth purpose is to practice real ministry.
- We were made for a mission
- so your fifth purpose is to live out real evangelism.
If you want an in-depth understanding of God’s five purposes for us to check out this TED talk by Rick Warren.
6. How To Apply God’s Purpose In Your Life
With the five purposes God has for our lives, we can now define a singular purpose which we can live out in all area, even our professional lives.
To live your life fully with purpose, you must choose a profession you’re passionate about and integrate Gods 5 purposes for your life. Last but not least you must make sure you can earn money to provide for your family.
Some examples of Christians who do a good job of living a purpose driven life by integrating their faith within their professional lives include:
- Dave Ramsey: A financial planner that has built a massive faith-based organization that teaches people The 7 Baby Steps which is about how to save, get out of debt, and creates a future to serve others.
- Lecrae: A rapper that’s helping lead the Christian hip-hop culture. Also, Lecrae owns his label that consists of artists like Andy Mineo, & Trip Lee.
- Stephen Curry: A professional basketball player that has a God given the ability to shoot the ball from anywhere. What’s more impressive than his jump shot is his ability to relate to everyday people and share the gospel in unique ways.
- Michael Hyatt: A former executive turned entrepreneur who blogs, does speaking events, and has his online course. He’s an excellent example of a business professional who still manages to integrate his faith in his everyday life.
You don’t have to be a preacher to share Jesus message. Above I showed you three ways to do it if you’re a financial planner, musician, or athlete. Take time to reflect on what you love to do (your passion) and how you can align it with God’s purpose in a way that can glorify God and give you pleasure.
7. A Personal Challenge
Often in my life, I set goals in each area of my life according to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs because I’m very goal oriented and like to see progress being made.
This serves as both a blessing and a curse because sometimes I found myself having anxiety in trying to meet the goals that had been achieved by others which are a sin.
My challenge is that you will live your life in a way that glorifies God but march to your drum. We all are created in his image but we each are unique, and none of us will experience the same things in life. Dream big, pray, and then seek to do God’s will.
Religion within the United States is on a steady decline so if you’re reading this article you now have a purpose bigger than yourself that you can contribute to that will make a difference.
I’m big on technology and believe that we can reach people online through websites, social media and other forms of online communication. Also thanks to the internet our initial efforts can be multiplied.
For instance, this blog post I wrote can be read by you and 100’s of others. Consider integrating ways to scale when choosing a vocation because then your influence and income won’t have any limitations.
Thank you for posting this I truly needed to read an article such as this.
Thank you so much because God opened up my eyes to a few things through you !
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!
Excellent article, people are desperate to KNOW what their PURPOSE is and they imagine things like pop star, multimillionaire, actor/actress, successful athlete, etc. They don’t imagine ordinary jobs with other ordinary people doing extraordinary work for God, by becoming more like Jesus through being disciples, then discipling others, by being kind and helpful to the unlovely, the widows and the orphans, etc. Their imagination is still about possessions, fame and power, not to forget money.
Thank you for this I’m currently going through a divorce and really needed this I’ve been struggling with who i am now that my wife is gone and wanted to make a change for my kids I’m praying for gods direction and want to live for him
Am so grateful for this, thanks
Thank you for taking the time to share this article and spread knowledge that purpose is within all of us.
Thank you for this post. It was exactly what I needed. I have such clarity now. Thank you for being faithful to your call.
Wow!!! Am so amazed for the wisdom you use to write this article. I have been praying and looking for ideas and answers concerning my purpose on earth .. This your article explain everything I was searching for with scriptures and directions. With this, I have directions on how to go about. God blessed you mightyly for this piece of work sir…..
i speak Gods strength over your life Ryan, in God you are a winner
Thank you for this article, for I have been battling and asking why am I still here. I have no purpose any longer since I’ve retired. I wonder what Hid must think of me now, I feel like he’s so disappointed in me. I feel useless
Thank you so much for sharing. Currently working on a seminar to help teenagers discover purpose early.
I found this very help full.
I am currently on, let’s call it a mission, to understand God’s purpose for my life. One thing I have realized is hat I have to make an effort to spend time with God to understand His plan. It will not just fall in my lap. I am looking at articles like these every day to understand and I am already feeling more fulfilled by just seeking His truth every day. Don’t stop trying to find His purpose for your life. He will show you as long as you keep on seeking. Thank you for sharing His message through your own experiences.
Thanks indeed for this great Article, I got great insight from it, now I can boldly say I know the purpose of God in my life, I pray that God will give me more direction to know his perfect will and plans for my life. Amen. Thanks once again
Am so blessed
Thank you very much for this post. It has helped me to understand a lot of things I need to understand, but didn’t give them much attention. Now I am sure that I will soon identify God’s purpose for my life and also teach others to do same, all with the aid of this blog. Keep this up and God bless you.
I love this, this has made me reflect on what I have and how I can use it for His purpose. Thank you so much!
Thank you for this amazing teaching of our almighty God. Very uplifting for a better understanding of the purposes God desires for all of us. God bless you.
Thanks so much for posting this, it has really helped me and I pray that God helps me know my God-given purpose.
Theresa cyr
Theresa Cyrus
Thank you for the information it has opened my mind to understanding my purpose its also good material for other folks in my church that i would usually share with. keep up the good work!!!!!!!
Thank you the light. I see clearly now.
Thanks so much for this inspiring article,yes my life has been transformed from this God’s wisdom article.thanks and remain blessed.
You gave examples of people that have God given talents or skills. How do you find your God given purpose if God didn’t give you any talents, skills, or abilities to work with. I don’t know how to find out what talents, skills, or abilities I might have as I haven’t been blessed with the finances to pay for the programs to find out. I exist in poverty, on a disability income. How can I find my God given purpose? Other than not accounting for poor untalented people, I thought the article was well done. The other problem is that no matter what you bring before God, He will still be as silent as ever. Thank you, and may God continue to Bless You.
Thank you so much for this inspiring article. In my search to better define if my purpose is in alignment with God’s plan for my life, I find your article very helpful.
Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you for posting this article, I need to read that. An what crazy is 13 years ago a stranger I was talking with about God in a mall. Shop in the middle of talking ask me to wait right there and she walked off. She didn’t say where she was going. An she returned with a book guess what the name is?The Purpose Driven Life. I started reading it but never finished reading it. God was talking to me then using people to give me the answers I have been looking for all these years. See I had my own idea of with God answer should look like there for clearly I was blind. Cause I couldn’t see I had it already. I always feel bad about the book because it was a gift from a stranger named Desire and I haven’t Completed the book. Now I will man man the time I have lost.
Thank you for this valuable message. It has made a difference in my life as I am on a journey to find Gods purpose in me.
I FIND THAT THIS PROGRAM WAS SO MUCH NEEDED AT THIS TIME OF MY LIFE! I SOON WILL BE 80 YEARS OLD. I HAVE FOUND PEACE AND WOULD’NT TRADE IT FOR ANYTHING! NOT THINKING ABOUT DYING BUT LIVING FOR GOD! THIS IS AN AMAZING FUTURE! THANK YOU
I still don’t know what my purpose is. I have searched through the abilities and skills that I have, which are none. How can I glorify God if I don’t have any talents or skills to use? No matter how hard I look, the Bible doesn’t tell me what I am good at. The Bible doesn’t reveal any unknown skills or talents that I can use to make my life anything more than this hopeless existence. Now before you go there, the hope of Jesus is after this life, eternal life in Heaven. What I mean is hopeless for this life, the here and now. Now, I keep running into the problem that to try new things, to determine purpose, you need to be wealthy to afford to try. EVERYTHING COSTS MONEY!! I am stuck in poverty and can’t afford to pay for courses to figure out my calling in life. I pray to God to show me how to accomplish this or to reveal what my abilities are. So far just more infernal silence from God. I want to help homeless people get off the streets and back to a decent life, which I don’t even have. Helping needy people is in accordance with God’s will. So why won’t God help me with this? Why no resources to accomplish this? I rely on food banks to get buy each month, so I don’t have the resources to help others. What can I do? HELP! Sorry God , since you won’t give up any answers, I must look elsewhere for them. Forgive me Lord God, in Jesus name. Amen. Thank you for your column and God Bless You.
I thank God because of you
Kenneth Gray. The fact that you are life today is a gift from GOD . Thank Him for that favour. You are a true image of His likeness. He is currently speaking in your status and every bit of our existence. He is called a present help in times of trouble.psalm46:1 proverbs14:6 proverbs30:6
Thanks so much for your thought-provoking and encouraging article. I was searching the internet for someone who is passionate for Gods’ truth, through Jesus, to be known globally because I have a passion for God to be brought into the mental health and well-being sector based on 2 Timothy 1:7. I have been chipping away for 22 years with mental health through spiritual insight- and to date have made little progress with Blitztheblues- but a great deal of progress in my relationships with God, Jesus, family members and other individuals I was struggling to love according to Matthew 22:34-40! So I’m trusting God has me placed so I can now get the practical and financial support I need to advance mental health and well-being through spiritual insight – and I’m hoping you may be one such person to help me understand – where to go from here – with it! I look forward to your response when you have time. Many thanks and blessings. ✨
Your article sort of missed the mark. I have been pleading with God to reveal purpose for my life, only silence abounds. I ask God to reveal what my God given skills/talents are so I can make my life better and glorify God at the same time. I have never seen anything in the Bible that tells me what I should be doing for a living. Am I to be a lawyer, doctor, police officer, tradesman, counselor, low life, etc., no answer to my inquiries. Since God remains silent, I can’t move forward as God isn’t giving me direction. I pray that God will speak to me, to provide hope, bring joy and peace to my useless existence. I am living in poverty and can’t afford to search for skills/talents as everything costs money. Free online courses, don’t forget the cost of everything needed to take the course, computer, internet service, hydro, printer and paper, computer programs to take the course. Nothing is ever free. How can I know what I am supposed to do if God won’t tell me. I’m 52 years old and running out of time to do something useful. 40+ years of unanswered prayers, complete silence from God means no help from Him. What am I to do?
Thanks and God bless you, in Jesus name. Amen
Hi Kenneth
Please read the message you sent, about not having talents. Did you notice anything? I certainly did, and that is you are a good WRITER.
You also believe that God can bless the writer of the article. Believe it for yourself also. Believe that you have received what you prayed for and it shall be done for you
Thank God I read this. My confusion has been cleared. God bless you.
This is so powerful and inspiring.. thank you very much!
Thank you very much for this article it will help so many people who were lost and find their purpose. God bless you.
I wonder if you belong to a church who can provide support, resources, and help build a relationship with God? The Bible teaches that diving into his Word (the Bible) will help us to know God. Perhaps getting involved in a Bible study will help you get to know the Bible better, gain some Christian friends, and begin to know God better. There are in-house Bible studies and online Bible studies through the internet. Could your purpose right now be to expand your horizons so that you expand the possibility of knowing God? Seems like there has been frustration in trying to know God on your own. I wish you the very best in your journey and will pray for you! God bless you!
I was really blessed and enlightened.. Thank you very much
This article help me ro realize that I’ve been working in my purpose all along. I work in Healthcare and I love working with people. I find myself uplifting them and telling them about the love our father when we are going through hard times and struggles. I’m very good at what I do but I would always find myself asking God what my purpose is in life, but since I have read this article I’ve realized that God can give us a gift but its up to us to recognize it and maximize it with his help. The Maslow hiarchy really help me to realize my purpose. Thank you so much.
Sing Praises to Him
So profound thank you so much this information has been helpful and presented in simplicity.
Thank you very much for this pist,it was really helpful and also an eye opener.God bless you abundantly
Thanks so much for sharing this article has been an inspiration to me. God bless you!
This is so profound. Thanks :))
Good morning.
Well done and I have saved all of them to read it again.
Thank you Sir
Hello there I am going through with my daugther and her. Hunband they will not talk to me her hunband. Said I. Can not. Come to his house. I just come. Home and cryed my sister. Told me I better not. Cry. No. More now when something come up I give God all the praise I put it in God hands I can’t do nonething
Maryke did he respond because I know you won’t pray for a day pls I need a response
Thank you for sharing this God’s driven purpose in life. It helps me to understand things and it’s very uplifting and inspiring since I badly needed to know what’s my purpose in life. God bless you and more power to you!
Thank you very much sir God bless u for making urself available to touch people s life. This what I needed bcoz at a point in my I was confused but thank God I HV gotten what I needed. God bless once again.
Prayers and Blessings to You Ryan.
Divorce is a hard thing, but you will make it. God will take your pain and turn it into purpose
Keep seeking him. New beginnings are good when God is leading.
Prayers and Blessings to You Ryan.
Divorce is a hard thing, but you will make it. God will take your pain and turn it into purpose
Keep seeking him. New beginnings are good when God is leading.
Thank you for the lovely article. I am 55 and due to COVID19 I lost my well paying job working as an assistant at a community college, where I worked for 5 years. Fortunately, doing this work, I finally realized that I need a career where people are directly benefiting from the organization, and working at a college fulfilled that mission! Due to the fact I am immunocompromised, I need to go back to the drawing board and reinvent myself! I pray God has a backup plan for me!
God bless, and stay healthy!
I can’t thank you enough for this article. I’ve been struggling with much anxiety and confusion lately about my God-given purpose, and I’m so glad He led me to read this. I’ve known what my talents are for some time, but I was afraid using them would make me guilty of following the self-centered ambition the Bible warns us of. I now see that these gifts were meant to be used, and that God can use me to reach others with the gifts he’s bestowed upon me. While I don’t know how I’ll accomplish that quite yet, I’m confident that He’ll find a way to send me in the right direction through prayer and His word.
Thanks again, and God Bless!
Praise God to meet this family,I was truly need to understand this information,GOD blessed me with a gift of teaching,explain scriptures,I have allways a desire to wrote Christian books,when I look in the world ,the nomber one thing people are suffering for is money,when it came to our God given pourpose,many people they don’t have experience,even Christian their suffering for this ,as Christian you don’t need to work for money but money work for you ,Christian their doing business with the world this bring confusion,exercise you passion is helping you to reach to what God call you to do the bible say in Mathew 6:33 seek first the Kingdom of God all his righteousness and all these things will given to you as well ,pantince is a fruit of the spirit that help other to recover.after they completely you see the results. If you want results follow the footsteps of Jesus from the water to the wildness,fellowship with the holysprit,know him is a person inside of you not by your own strength is through faith,GOD blessed you
I was indeed blessed by reading this article. God bless you.
Thank you so much for the article
And I have a question.
Now what I love doing most is treating people medically but I’ve been failing the entrance exams and still didn’t get what I had passion for. Some people said maybe that’s not God’s purpose for my life. I’m really confused. I prayed and prayed for confirmation but I keep having twists in my revelation. Yes I’ve seen myself being doctor in my dream but what if its just because I’m obsessed with it. Hmmm, now my point is, I think its possible to have passion for something and love it but still not get it. God might have another plan. Is it possible for God not to reveal one’s purpose to the person???
I have read these suggestions before, all the MAGIC ! that is supposed to happen. God loves you, He has plans for your life ! of abundance and purpose ! This is the 2nd night in row, have trouble sleeping. I planned to put it all on God, but there is no rest, nothing around the corner. Entry level jobs, women to date not likely to match with me for a serious relationship, tension in the family, false accusations come my way. My share of sleeping pills a little while ago, eyes still awake ! I am supposed to be in the middle of success ! Joy, abundance ! I have trouble getting taken seriously. I am not supposed to have ”much there”. ALTHOUGH I have a Master’s, a lot of talent, I am artistic. People step around me, although I am not disliked. I pray for guidance and know God’s purpose, no signal.
Glory to the Father for He has helped us and sustained us till now ..
I want to hint into your grievances about self realization….it is not too late for you to realize yourself..
Talents is that one thing you can do with ease therefore you’ve got to think about that one thing you can do…that’s your talents which could be used to glorify God…He didn’t create you empty
.you are unique!!!
Thank God for this wonderful gift, the article is mind blowing, it touched my life with a sense of direction, i am blessed, God bless you has
Thank God for this wonderful gift, the article is mind blowing, it touched my life with a sense of direction, i am blessed, God bless you. i know that many who has no purpose of life will be restored through this article thanks alot.
Thank-you for integrating your Christian perspective to encourage readers. god bless.
May God bless and continue to empower in His Kingdom service. This article truly pointed me to the right direction, thanks and remain blessed.
These are really good, Thanks
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 13:20-21) – the verse should be 1 John 2:16-17
Thank you for this enlightenment. I woke up with a heavy burden on my heart, but reading this blog has lightened them.
Thanks alot
Hi
Great guideline and have a lot to practice and do.
Thanks
regards
This such an Amazing article. I loved it. I am writing a book about identifying and exploiting God-given opportunities and this has been in agreement in every way
Thanks for catching that Whuillete. I’ve already updated it.
I appreciate this very great insight from the one who has made it free for people to gain knowledge from it. I pray that the Lord will replenish your wisdom, and cast not his holy spirit away from you on Jesus name, amen.
Thank you so much it’s such a powerful article and I’m feeling so directed in doing God’s will may our God continue yo give u more wisdom.
Thanks a lot for this guide! It’s really inspiring 🙂
Thank you so much for this article it helped me realize that I can still do things I enjoy and gorlify the lord at the same time its nice to be reminded that you can do something you love and are passionate about so thank you again. I also thank god for allowing me to click on the link that led me to your page
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