(“Living with Purpose” is a new series that we’ll be delving into over the next few weeks. Please join in the conversation. Many are searching for purpose. Your thoughtful comments are welcomed)
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. - (Jeremiah 29:11)
Our lives are not random. God created each of us for a specific and glorious purpose. As Christians, we are all members of the body of Christ, and each of us has a unique calling that is to work in conjunction with the other members to make the body complete. Just as our own human bodies get out of balance when something is not working as it should, the effectiveness of the body of Christ is sorely affected when members 
decide to operate in a function that is not uniquely their own.
A lot of valuable time and energy is wasted when we try to do things that God didn’t specifically call us to do, but by taking the focus off of our own desires and redirecting them toward God’s purpose for our lives, we permit Him to take control of our circumstances and work everything out for our greater good!
So, how do we find our purpose? Well, that part is easy. We simply ask God, and He’ll give us the answer (see Matthew 7:7). The difficult part is listening because we have to consciously turn off the volume to our own thoughts and allow God to fill in the blanks. It’s great to have goals in life, but it’s important for us to make sure that those goals are in alignment with what God has ordained. It is possible to excel in areas that are not divinely designed for us; but after we have reached our self-appointed goal, we’re still left with a void and begin searching again for that next “thing” to make us feel complete. Only God can fill the void in our lives because He’s the only one who knows what’s missing.
Some are blessed early on to know exactly what God has called them to do. For others of us, it takes a period of trial and error until we find that glove like fit. The search is not always easy, but thankfully, God is always by our side to let us know when we’re not on the right track. Just as a growing child goes through emotional and physical growing pains before reaching adulthood, a growing child of God must also experience the pains that accompany spiritual transformation. But despite the inherent difficulties in this process, it’s all worth it when we find our purpose and begin living it.
Are you living out your divine purpose? If so, what words can you share with someone else trying to find their way?
Shannon Clark is the owner and Editor-in-Chief of Jebaire Publishing. She is also a wife, mother, and friend. She believes that fulfilling your life’s purpose is integral to spiritual success in God’s Kingdom and encourages others to fulfill their destiny in Christ. You can follow her blog at CalandraClark.com.
