Finding Purpose That Never Changes

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“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” -- Matthew 5:16

I sat with the 89-year-old saint as she prepared to speak at the morning session at our women’s retreat on living a life of worship. She shared with me that since her husband had passed away the year before she struggled to know her purpose.

I was stunned! How could this godly woman sitting before me, who has influenced global leaders, U.S. legislation, multiple educational institutions, her own local church, and her family wrestle with knowing her purpose?

How often do we equate our purpose with the work we do, titles we hold, careers, family, education or socio-economic status? What happens when the bottom falls out of one of those temporal purposes?

I am a wife and mom, but my kids grew up, left home for college and made their own families. I was a teacher and administrator, and then I wasn’t. I was the leader of our women’s ministry at church, and then I stepped down. I took care of aging parents until they went to be with Jesus, and then that work was done.

All of it was fulfilling work. I believe God enabled me to do “the good things He planned for me long ago.” However, none of it was my “purpose.” In a heartbeat, any job, task, or role can change or vanish, but our purpose remains.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Whether we are cleaning toilets, raising children, quietly serving as a prayer warrior, writing blogs and books, or speaking to thousands, God’s purpose for each of us is the same. It is to glorify Him.

“So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
(I Corinthians 10:31)

That saint shared with me a beautiful model of surrender when she told me of her struggle and her solution. “Every morning when I wake up,” she said, “I say, Okay, Lord, what today?”

I want to be like her when I grow up, completely surrendered, wholly confident in His plans and purpose, and a shining reflection of His glory.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Where do you find your purpose?

2. Do you need to surrender your purpose to the greater glory of God’s plan?

3. How can you reflect God’s glory today?