HOW TO DETERMINE GOD’S PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE

PSALM 57:2 “I will cry out to God Most High, To God who performs all things for me.”

By Althea M. Richardson, MA

Do you know what your calling is for God? A lot of people think they have a handle on it. Some people say things like, “I’ve been called to preach the gospel” or “I’ve been called to be a missionary”. How do know the difference between your calling and God’s purpose for your life? Let’s see what the bible has to say about it!

The difference between your calling and your purpose

Let’s look at Jesus’ parable about the wedding feast found in Matthew 22:1-14. To summarize, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a wedding arranged for the son of a king. The invitations were sent out and on the day of the wedding the king summoned his servants to gather all those who were invited. Those who were invited came up with excuses, and some treated the servants horribly, even killing them! Long story short, the king instructs his servants to invite as many people as they can, both good and bad to the wedding feast. During the festivities, the king notices one guest who is out of place since the stranger was the only one without a wedding garment. Once the stranger realized he’s been discovered, the king orders his servants to bound the stranger hand and foot and tossed into “outer darkness; where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (v.13). Basically, he was thrown in hell! The moral of the story, there were many called, but few chosen (verse 14). This scripture is not about your own calling but God’s call for salvation. The call was the decision to accept Jesus as your personal Savior! If you have accepted the invitation, you have fulfilled your calling! If Jesus is not in your life, now is your time to accept the invitation.

Your purpose, however, is what God places in you to fulfill. According to Dictionary.com (2020), the definition of purpose is, “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists”. Everyone in this world was born for a purpose. To determine your purpose, you must seek the One who knows you the best. In fact, He knew you before you were formed in your mother’s womb! (Jeremiah 1:5). When you seek God, spend time with Him, and get to know Him, He will give you the desires of your heart according to Psalms 37:4. Now, let’s read this scripture again. Psalms 37:4 “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart” When you read it again focus on “He shall give you”. Read this from the prospective of what God desires to give you and not what you desire. Essentially, your desire to be an evangelist, missionary or whatever you want to be may not be what God desires for you!

There are 5 things to consider doing when determining God’s purpose for your life:

1. Look for signs from God. You may love serving people and for you it isn’t a burden. That’s your purpose! If you are unhappy at your job and you have a sudden desire to go back to school, God is moving you towards fulfilling your true purpose. People constantly suggest you starting a business in something you consider a hobby. God is showing you this has the potential to be something great and it’s a part of His purpose! You may not believe what you’re doing will amount to anything; nevertheless, God is up to something and it’s a good idea for you follow His lead.
2. Consider your answer when opportunities present themselves. There was a quote my late husband used to say to his congregation, “Your response is so important it could save a life” This statement holds true for you and anyone you meet. Responding or reacting to opportunities can mean the difference between making an emotional decision now and later having regrets or making a well, thought-out decision with the result being according to God’s purpose. So, what does it mean to react vs respond? To react means to immediately and emotionally answer with the possibly of a negative outcome. To respond is a slow, thought-out answer while considering the “bigger picture” of the situation. For example, a friend mentions you to their women’s conference coordinator you are a survivor of domestic violence. The coordinator happens to need an extra guest speaker to share their story. You have never spoken before an audience, what do you do? Do you react with panic or do your respond by praying about it and then accepting it because this may be the start of your ministry? God may be moving you to do something that makes you uncomfortable; rest assured, He’s moving you on purpose towards purpose!
3. Be led by Holy Spirit. If you are a Believer, you are equipped with the best GPS in the world! When you allow yourself to be led by Holy Spirit, the chances of you going in the wrong direction is slim to none. Galatians 5:16 tells us to“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Being led by Holy Spirit, you will be sent to do things that, to the world, will be out of the ordinary. Don’t forget, you were transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2) when Jesus came into your life. Everyone won’t be excited about your purpose. Just remember to listen to that still, small voice and allow Holy Spirit to direct and guide you in the way you should go (Psalms 32:8).
4. Don’t lose hope in times of trouble – Even though you are being led by Holy Spirit in this journey towards purpose, you are not exempt from trials or tribulations. You are still in this world, but you are not of this world (John 15:19). There are people who do not want to see you succeed in your purpose; however, Isaiah 41:10 tells us to“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” God has your best interest at heart and He wants nothing more than to see you excel. You were predestined for greatness! When obstacles come across your path God is right there to help you keep moving forward! He placed the desire in your heart to help others, go back to school, or start a business or ministry, He will have your back every step of the way!
5. Believe the impossible is possible. Sometimes the task in front of you can seem overwhelming. When your vision is bigger than the amount of money needed, you’re on the right track towards purpose because God must be the one to provide! No one said fulfilling your purpose would be easy; however, since God knows the plans He has for you in your current situation, Luke 18:27 reassures us“…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” It only takes faith the size of a mustard seed for God to not only reveal His purpose for your life, but also provide the ability to achieve that which He placed in your heart to accomplish.

In conclusion, God’s purpose for your life is easier to find when you seek the Source. God provided us an instruction manual, the Bible, which tells you everything about who you are and what your main purpose is. As a Believer, your main purpose is to spread the Gospel, so God may be glorified. The reward will be God saying to you “Well done, my good and faithful servant”