Let’s be real. Life can feel like a whirlwind sometimes. Between family, work, and just trying to keep the laundry under control, it’s easy to wonder, “Is this it?” Deep down, many people long to know why they are here on planet Earth. What is our purpose? What does God want from (and for) us? Finding God’s purpose for your life does not have to be some grand and mysterious thing.
Finding God’s Purpose For Your Life
God has a purpose for your life, and He has no desire to hide it from you. He has a plan for you. Yes, you! And His Word says it is a plan for good!
‘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. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.’ Jeremiah 29:11-13
Having a purpose and a call for your life is not reserved for Bible scholars or people who seem to have it all together. God wants to walk this out with you. Right in the middle of your beautiful, messy, everyday life. So, what’s the secret to finding God’s purpose for your life? Keep reading…
Fix Your Mirror
To discover our purpose, we must first fix our mirror and understand that we are a reflection of the One who created us. So many of us live with broken elections and don’t even realize it. We need to fix our mirror and realize we are meant to live as Godly Reflections. We are all created Imago Dei. “Imago Dei” is a Latin term that means in the “image of God.” In Christian theology, it is the idea that humans are created in God’s likeness and image. It is the summation of Genesis 1:26-27, which in summary says,
“Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us … So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
I left out the part that says we’ll rule over all living things and lists them by their kinds.
These verses mean we possess certain unique qualities that reflect God’s nature. As such, we are created on purpose, with a purpose. I truly believe that every person on this planet is created by God ON purpose WITH a purpose. It’s just up to us to fulfill it.
So the thing that fills my cup is the ability to empower the ones around me to see themselves as the Lord sees them. Because I know what it is to live with a broken reflection, and it’s not fun. Then, when I can, I use my time and talents to equip others to fulfill their God given purpose in life.
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So, what do you do after you’ve fixed your mirror?
Step 1: Start with the Relationship
Before any of us us can jump into finding our purpose, we must first make sure we’re actually connected to the One who created us on purpose for a purpose. We are created to BE before we are created to DO. Who are we created to BE? We are created to BE sons and daughters of the most High God. And when I say relationship, I want to be very clear here, not all roads lead home.
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
So, what does that even mean? How do you have a relationship with Jesus? How do you get saved? Well, once upon a time, a Roman jailer asked Paul and Silas the same question in the ancient city of Philippi.
“What must I do to be saved?”
Paul and Silas gave him this answer: “They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved,” (Acts 16:31).
It’s really that simple. Trust that Jesus is who He said He is (the one and only son of God) and the He did what He said he would do (died for your sins) so that you could be restored to right relationship with the Heavenly Father.
If you’ve never done that before, and would like to do that now, you can simply pray a prayer to do so. It could be as simple as one like this…
Father, I know that it breaks your heart when I sin. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose from the dead so that I could be restored to a relationship with you. I choose to trust in His finished work and ask that you would forgive me and help me to live for you. Thank you for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Talk to God (Yep, That’s Prayer)
All great relationships begin with a conversation. Just like the prayer above, prayer isn’t about fancy words or long-winded speeches. It’s about being real with God. Share your heart with Him. Share your joys, fears, and dreams. All of it. And take time just to listen. Sometimes that means journaling. Sometimes it’s sitting quietly. Sometimes it’s whispering “God, I need You,” while doing dishes. My first audible alarm of the day says, “Maybe today Jesus returns” because it helps remind me to focus on the things that matter.
Build a Daily Devotional Routine That Works for You
God speaks to us through His Word. When we dig into scripture, we learn who He is. As we learn who HE is, we learn who we are because of Him. Look for verses about calling, purpose, and service. Spoiler alert: God loves using ordinary people for extraordinary things.
Worship and Community Matter
Whether it’s Sunday morning worship or a mid-week small group, being around other believers is powerful. It encourages us, challenges us, and reminds us we’re not alone. God often reveals His plans through relationships and community.
Step 2: Get Curious About You
God doesn’t create carbon copies. You are uniquely designed for a reason. Your quirks, passions, and past experiences are not accidents. Nature doesn’t produce identical snowflakes, and there isn’t another you. You are needed. So, what are you here for?
What Are Your Core Values?
What are the things that define you? The ones that you’d stand ten toes down and be willing to go to battle for? The ones that, when they are crossed, it hurts you to the core, but when they are championed, it blesses you to no end? Understanding your core values, and how they drive your bus, is key to understanding your purpose.
What Breaks Your Heart?
Is there something in the world that tugs at your soul? A group of people you feel drawn to help? A cause that fires you up? That could be God giving you a glimpse into where He wants to use you.
What Are You Good At?
Think about the things that come naturally to you. Maybe you’re a problem-solver, a peacemaker, or the one who always knows how to make people feel seen. These gifts aren’t random. They’re tools God can use!
What Has Life Taught You?
Your story, with every twist, turn, triumph, and trial, matters. Often, our biggest struggles prepare us for powerful ministry. Don’t discount your journey. Nothing is wasted in the Kingdom.
Ask Others
Sometimes our loved ones see things in us that we don’t. Ask a few trusted friends or mentors, “What gifts do you see in me?” You might be surprised at what they say. Let me say this, as well, though. Sometimes we have dreams that others don’t see… yet. Joseph (Old Testament) had dreams that his brothers didn’t see yet. Don’t let the fact that those around you can’t see it YET dissuade you from pursuing a dream IF you know that God has given it to you. This is where wise counsel comes in.
‘Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.’ Proverbs 15:22
Step 3: Take a Step
You don’t have to figure it all out today. But purpose doesn’t happen without movement. You’ve got to step out in faith, even if it’s a baby step.
Start Serving
Look around. Is there a need you can meet right now. In this moment, the where doesn’t matter. See a need, meet a need. Serve in your church, your neighborhood, or online. Serving others is one of the fastest ways to find fulfillment and direction. As you start serving, pay attention to how serving impacts you. Are there specific areas of service that compel you more than others?
Try New Things
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Maybe you try leading a Bible study, volunteering at a shelter, or mentoring a teen. You won’t know what lights you up until you try.
Don’t Wait for “Big”
God loves to work in the small things. Show up where you are. Be faithful with what’s in your hand. Often, purpose is revealed in the daily obedience.
Keep Growing
Read. Learn. Stretch your faith. Whether it’s a podcast, Bible course, or good ol’ YouTube tutorial, keep investing in yourself so you’re ready when God says, “Go!”
Step 4: When It’s Hard (Because It Will Be)
Let’s be honest. Walking in purpose doesn’t mean smooth sailing. There will be doubts, delays, and maybe even a few faceplants. But hang in there. I’ve faceplanted more times than I care to admit. And faceplanting hurts. Mostly faceplanting hurts your pride (now might be a good time to learn that Proverbs 16:18 says, Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall), but it just plain hurts everywhere, too. The important thing is that you get back up.
My friend and mentor, Dr Marion Ingegneri, wrote in her book Choose Life, “When life circumstances feel like a storm of pain and confusion, our first reaction should be to remind ourselves of the love relationship we have with God. This is choosing life!” If you haven’t read the book, I highly recommend it.
Be Patient
God’s timing is rarely our timing. Just because you don’t see the whole picture now doesn’t mean He’s not working behind the scenes. Hannah prayed for several years before God gave her a child. Abraham waited 25 years for Isaac after God promised him a son. Caleb had to wander in the wilderness for 40 years before he received the promise. Joseph had to wait 22 years for this dream to come to fruition.
Trust the Process
God is good. Period. That’s one of the things that I’ve learned through the seasons of my life is that even when life looks like chaos, I just have to stand firm in the knowledge that God is good. Periodt. Life make not make sense. It doesn’t change the goodness of God. He’s still writing your story. He sees the big picture, and he’s got you.
Real life story break… on July 16, 2024 as I was driving I was caught in flash flooding, a half mile from home. My van stalled out as the storm drains on either side of the street failed and water from the nearby rapidly rose around all four tires and pushed my van into the middle of the street. Multiple vehicles approached from either side, saw me stalled out, turned, and went the other way without stopping to offer aid. Only mailman Joe slogged through the water to offer comfort and aide while I was mid-panicked phone call with my husband, just in time to hear me shouting “When I pass through the waters, He IS WITH ME; and through the rivers, they shall NOT overwhelm me.” In twenty years in our subdivision, this area had never flooded. My van was totaled because the water caused the engine to seize up.
Did it stink to be stuck in flash flooding less than a mile from home? Yep. Was it disheartening that multiple people drove away and didn’t even bother to offer to help? Sure was. Did it fit with our plan that our van was totaled? Not even remotely. Did it really stink to be without a van for two months? Yes!!!
BUT.
The evening of the flash flooding, I was scheduled to leave town and drive south to my Dad’s. The route I *would* have been passing through just happened to have massive flooding occur… at the time I would have passed through. My kids need their Mom. God is good. Periodt.
Learn from Failure
Have you messed up? Lost momentum? Welcome to the club. God doesn’t require perfection. He just a willing heart. Learn and grow. Put one foot in front of the other and keep going.
Seek Wise Counsel
Feeling stuck? God may want you to slow down, get quiet, and listen for Him. Then reach out to a pastor, mentor, or counselor. A fresh perspective can bring clarity and peace. It can help you see things that you couldn’t see before.
Stay Rooted
Return to your quiet time. Remember God’s faithfulness. Let Him remind you who you are, and whose you are. God doesn’t want you to fail, but if you aren’t rooted in Him, you will. We must remain connected to the Vine if we wish to produce fruit.
Step 5: Purpose is a Journey, Not a Destination
You don’t just “arrive” at a purpose. It’s something you live out. Day by day, choice by choice. Your life matters, and it’s not just about what you do. It’s about who you ARE and who you are becoming. At the end of the day, our greatest purpose is to love God, love others, and bring Him glory. How that looks will be beautifully different for each of us. So go ahead. Pray boldly, show up faithfully, and trust God completely. The world needs your voice, your hands, and your heart. You were made for this.
Remember this… You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just be willing to say “yes” to the next step. God will take care of the rest.
Speaking of journeys… if you’re in leadership, prayerfully consider a cohort. I participated in a WIML Cohort. It’s an 8-month ministry leadership intensive. It included coaching, counseling, and mentoring and it was invaluable.
