Find and know the purpose of your life

If finding the purpose of your life seems an elusive undertaking, don't panic! You are not alone. In this devotional by Karen Wolff of Christian-Books-for-Women.com, you will find reassurance and practical support to find and know the purpose of your life.

What is the purpose of your life?
While it is true that some people seem to find their life purpose easier than others, it is also true that God really has a plan for every single person, even if it takes some time to see what it is.

Many people think that finding the purpose of your life means doing something you really love. It's an area that seems natural to you and things seem to fall into place. What if things weren't so clear to you? What if you're not sure what your gifts are? What if you hadn't discovered particular talents that make you think it could be your true calling in life? Or if you work somewhere and are good at it, but don't you feel satisfied? Is that all there is to you?

Do not panic. You are not alone. There are many people in the same boat. Take a look at the disciples. Now, there is a diverse group. Before Jesus came on the scene, they were fishermen, tax collectors, farmers, etc. They must have been good at what they were doing because they fed their families and made a living.

But then they met Jesus and their true vocation was brought into focus very quickly. What the disciples didn't know is that God wanted them to be happy, even more than them. And following God's plan for their lives has made them happy inside, where it really matters. What a concept, huh?

Do you think it could be true for you too? That God wants you to be truly happy and fulfilled even more than you?

Your next step
The next step to finding the purpose of your life is right in the Book. All you have to do is read it. The Bible says that Jesus told his disciples that they should love one another as he loved them. And he wasn't kidding. Being really good at this part of the process is like building the basement of your home.

You wouldn't dream of moving forward without a solid foundation. Finding out God's purpose for your life is exactly the same. The foundation of the process means becoming truly good at being Christian. Yes, this means being kind to people even when you don't feel like it, forgiving people and oh yes, loving the unloving people of the world.

So, what does all that stuff have to do with what I should be when I grow up? Everything. When you become good at being a Christian, you also become good at listening to God. It is able to use you. He can work with you. And it is through that process that you will discover your true purpose in life.

But what about me and my life?
So, if you become really good at being a Christian, or at least you think you are, and you still haven't found that real purpose, then?

Being really good at being a Christian means stopping thinking about you all the time. Turn your attention away and look for ways to be a blessing to someone else.

There is no better way to get help and guidance in your life than to focus on someone else. It seems completely opposite to what the world tells you. After all, if you're not looking for yourself, then who will do it? Well, that would be God.

When you focus on someone else's business, God will focus on yours. It means planting seeds in a large ground and then simply waiting for God to bring a crop into your life. And in the meantime …

Go out and try it
Working with God to find the purpose of your life means working in a group. When you step, God takes a step.

Be willing to try some things that interest you. You will know very quickly if you have found the right thing for you. The doors will open or slam. Either way, you will know where you are.
Be patient. Wanting to know everything well in this second is quite common these days. Learning to trust that God will show you when he is ready, now it takes patience. God won't show you all the puzzle pieces at once. If it did, you would look like that "deer in the headlights", because you would be so overwhelmed by everything. Not to mention the fact that you would be too tempted to come up with a backup plan "in case" things didn't work out.
Don't waste time with things you know don't come from God. "Get Rich Quick" schemes never work. Finding a Christian husband or wife won't happen if you focus on activities and events that don't involve Christians. And participating in things you know are wrong - well, you're simply prolonging your answers.
Don't let the people around you talk to you about things. Just because it seems like a good idea from a world perspective doesn't mean it's God's plan for you. Following God's direction sometimes means that you have to say no to many well-meaning family members or friends. It depends on the decision to follow, regardless of where it leads.
Finally, never give up. You cannot know your specific purpose today or tomorrow, but as long as you are truly great in being a Christian, and your heart is open, it will be finding God and he will be found.