The Simple Truth About Your Powerful Purpose

At some point in our lives, we ponder our purpose; the reason we are here on this planet. We crave a life brimming with meaning – one that makes a significant difference in the lives of those around us.

This desire for impacting others shows up early. Children, have lofty aspirations! They dream big and are excited about the possibilities ahead! Think back – what did you want to be? Perhaps you aspired to being a firefighter, doctor, teacher, or the president?  Whatever you imagined being, it was something heroic and helpful in your eyes!

Sadly, with age comes the realization that there are limitations, sacrifices, and challenges involved in achieving something significant. Bit by bit your dreams dwindle and become more realistic, more inside your comfort zone.

Five Universal Purposes

Rick Warren has identified five universal purposes in his book The Purpose Driven Life. In it he says that we were…

• Planned for God’s PLEASURE – your first purpose is to worship Him
• Formed for God’s FAMILY – your second purpose is to enjoy real fellowship
• Created to become CHRIST-LIKE – your third purpose is to learn real discipleship
• Shaped for SERVING GOD – your fourth purpose is to practice real ministry
• Made for a MISSION – your fifth purpose is to live out real evangelism

Five very powerful purposes indeed! Five purposes that provide direction and meaning for your life, and yet there is still a sense that YOU were created for more: a unique something that YOU alone exist for – a personal purpose.

Examples…

When I think of someone with a powerful purpose, a couple of people from the Bible come to mind.  What about Joseph? After all, he was the reason the Egyptians had food during a famine – even enough for the surrounding nations. Joseph’s own family benefited from his keen leadership – the very ones who sold him into slavery in the first place. In fact, his brothers unknowingly helped to set him up for making a difference. God used what was meant to harm Joseph for good. Joseph’s life continues to serve as an inspiring example of forgiveness long after his death!  (See Genesis 37-50 – his story is quite remarkable!)

Or what about Esther? She saved the Jews from being eliminated. In scripture, her uncle, Mordacai spoke these famous words to Esther: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14) That’s a significant purpose!

Daunting…

Imagining that we have been created for a something as mammoth as protecting a civilization from famine or God’s people from destruction is daunting! However, I doubt that Joseph or Esther understood how they would contribute to such grand purposes either!

What’s interesting about purpose is that from where you are now it’s impossible to see full extent of the impact your life will ultimately have.

Purpose is defined as “a reason one exists” or a “reason for being;” – your why.

Do you believe that your baby steps in the direction that God is leading you today will impact the lives of others in unimaginable ways down the road? That’s just one of the perplexing things about purpose. The simple truth is that purpose is…

1. A Way of Being, Not Doing!

The biggest misconception about purpose is that purpose is a task – some big change-the-world kind of accomplishment that’s hard to overlook. Instead, purpose is about being – a simple way of reflecting God to others that is displayed in your life when you live loved and operate from that place in your life. It’s that way of being – the little by little that adds up to something significant.

For example, I see Joseph as being someone who operated with great integrity while Esther courageously made requests of King Xerxes that preserved the Jews.

Who has God created YOU to BE – a way that reflects Him? Perhaps God has created you to be compassionate, authentic, loving, or generous. Or perhaps someone of integrity like Joseph or someone courageous like Esther. A way of being that’s only possible with God’s help. As you lean into that way of being you naturally make a difference!

Who did God create YOU to BE?

2. Less About “Wow!” & More About Now

We live for the big moments in life. After all, those moments are easy to spot especially in the lives of others. Of course, we aren’t there to see what precedes the big moment. Or the seemingly tragic and hard moments like Joseph or Esther faced.

You see, purpose is less about a destination and more about now. That doesn’t mean that God doesn’t ultimately have something big in mind for you like He did Joseph and Esther. but it begins with being available now.

How will you walk in your purpose today?

3. Is About How

What are you waiting for? Have you gotten lulled into thinking that when your business grows, you get the next promotion, or you have the finances, then you will be able to live out your purpose? Your purpose isn’t about your job. It’s about how you approach whatever you do.

If Joseph had been waiting around for his moment of significance, and not had integrity as a slave or as a prisoner, he and many others would have gone hungry. His time as a slave and a prisoner were a part of his preparation for his future. What you are going through is too! As you navigate life, pay attention to how are going about it. When you faithfully live that way, you can’t help but make a meaningful difference.

How are you approaching life right now?

4. Not About Saving the World

There’s no denying that Joseph and Esther’s lives had a big impact! And your life may too, but purpose isn’t about saving the world, it’s about making a small difference right where you are. That might seem minor to you, but when you serve & bless others it’s contagious. There’s no telling the impact your life will have or what your contributions will ultimately lead to.

How are you making a difference, even if it’s small?

5. About Touching Others

Everything you’ve experienced up to this point in your life – the good, the bad, and the ugly, God intends to use to touch others. Nothing is wasted. That’s not only comforting, but truly exciting!

How are you using your experiences to benefit others?

6. Not A Solo Adventure

It would have been impossible for Joseph or Esther to accomplish their purpose all on their own. That’s what’s fascinating about purpose – it’s not a solo deal. It’s a “you and God adventure” that will intertwine with others and their purposes. And if what God’s urging you towards scares you and feels a bit overwhelming, you are probably on track! And until you take that next brave step, your adventure will be on pause.

What has God put on your heart that feels big, maybe too big?

7. Blocked By…

Lacking purpose? Odds are your negative beliefs are blocking your purpose! Here are a few beliefs to watch out for:

• • • It’s too late to pursue my purpose
    • I’m not a visionary – I don’t have big ambitions
    • I am unworthy
    • I lack resources, training, education, connections, etc.
    • I’m not qualified – the enemy loves to disqualify us!
    • Your Fear Monster!

How will you embrace truth and live in your purpose?

What’s been most perplexing about the concept of purpose for you?

Want to discover who God created YOU to BE? Schedule a power session with me to find out!