December 2020

Did you know that everyone’s life has a purpose? You may not know your purpose, but you have one that is designed by God to address a specific problem or need. Webster defines the word purpose as:

A noun: 1. the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

God does not make decisions about your purpose on-the-fly or wait for your character to develop before deciding what you can do. God is the creator and supreme authority for your life. Jeremiah 1:5 says, "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart for my holy purpose. I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations." Imagine that! God had plans for you even before you were a bun in the oven.

Many years ago, our women’s ministry studied The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. During the study, each member was asked to pick one chapter in the book that captured them the most. I chose chapter two entitled, You Were Not an Accident.

I remember really enjoying the chapter. Not that I thought I was an accident, but I often questioned my purpose. Through the study I learned my life was perfectly planned and perfectly executed. God was not surprised by how things turned out in my life. He planned my life long before I was created. God also knew the paths I would take throughout my life. God not only created me, He also gave me a certain personality and physical traits.

I often questioned why my life did not go as I planned and why I had to go through certain trials! But through this study I learned that nothing happened accidentally, and God was revealing my purpose the entire time. I understood more through continuing to study God’s word and praying for God to show me His plan for my life. Allowing God to take control and submitting to His will, instead of mine, has been challenging. Also, it has taken time for me to get comfortable trusting God’s plan for my life.

In Jeremiah 29:11 God says, “For I know the plans I have for you, ‘declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This is God’s message for you. If you look back over your life, you can see God’s purpose for you. Learn to trust the process and stop getting in God’s way. This will reduce your stress. I was once told that your place of discomfort is your growing place as well as your place of provision.

The pandemic provides an opportunity to get closer to God and to learn more about your purpose and the plan God has for your life. Take some time to pray and ask God to reveal how your life experiences fit into the bigger picture. Living your purpose will bless others and ultimately show God’s glory to the world.