Purpose is simply the reason something is created, done, or exists. Have you ever wondered, “What is my purpose? Why was I created? Why do I exist?” Before birth, God had a plan for our lives, yet we often live a meandering, wondering, self-focused existence. His purpose is rarely front and center. A sense of purpose guides your decisions toward achieving a particular goal—hopefully, the objective God has planned.
Living out your purpose is not a “one shot at it” achievement. Life is primarily the process of taking small steps that accumulate over time. The process starts and stops and starts again, enabling you to look back on your life and say, “Yes, I lived out my God-given purpose.”
When I was a little girl, I loved to play school. I had a vivid imagination and turned the bedroom I shared with my sister into my classroom, with the closet door as my chalkboard. I wanted to be a teacher. It started with what I knew and grew from there. I would have been terrified and confused if someone had told me later in life I would be a professor of practical theology in my denomination’s seminary and spend twenty-plus years training ministry in pastoral care and counseling. Growing in purpose is a process you spend a lifetime uncovering as you develop and live it out.
Sometimes it isn’t easy to figure out the spiritual component within the natural. We separate it as if one is spiritual and one is not. We know God created humans to work (to eat and live) and be in relationships (to marry and have families). He gave us the ability to laugh and instilled in us playfulness. He gave humanity different gifts and talents for help and balance in daily living. Living out God’s purpose includes the natural elements of life as well as the spiritual. We are spiritual beings living in a realistic world. By committing to God, you can enjoy life while fulfilling God’s purpose.
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.”
(Psalm 138:8, ESV)
My interview with Dr. Janet Trout highlights her diverse experiences of a life well lived. She is a minister, pastor, educator, businesswoman, mom, and grandmom. Join the conversation as we talk about the difference between seasonal accomplishment and life-span fulfillment. It’s a reminder that completing projects is not the same as living a purpose-filled life.
