Recognize Your Purpose
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May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose.
-- Psalm 20:4 (NKJV)
The new year often brings with it a bit of optimism and a fresh opportunity to pursue dreams and cast aside regret. Even those of us who don’t commit to resolutions may choose one or two things that we would like to accomplish. Still, what we are called to do isn’t always easy to identify. However, life’s trials often reveal our purpose, and I’ve subsequently learned that purpose changes over time.
As a newlywed, I desired to be a good wife. Then kids came along and parental duties were the priority. There was still a need to be a dutiful daughter and a dependable friend, but I finally realized that it is difficult to fulfill all of our purpose simultaneously. One thing inevitably succumbs to the demands of another.
We should never expect to excel in everything all the time. That is a burden we place on ourselves. Instead, God’s purpose for us varies from day to day and often season to season. Purpose evolves as we do. There were periods in life when raising a son with autism consumed my time and energy. Years later, I sat for months with my mother in ICU. At other times, I was called to listen with compassion. And then there were years I worked diligently to build a business.
My experiences taught me that fulfilling our purpose will probably require things we never imagine. Yet, our Father, Counselor, and Savior is with us through it all. We don’t always recognize our purpose in the midst of life’s difficulties but neither did Jonah, Moses, Abraham, or Esther. With time, they eventually recognized their calling, and we can too.
Our creative ideas and impossible dreams can come to fruition when inspired by our Father. God uses the least likely people to do amazing things. He does what we cannot when we avail ourselves to Him in spite of our doubts. Whatever awaits us in 2026, we are up to the challenge. A reward of peace and contentment awaits when we recognize God’s call and accept it.
May we move confidently with purpose in this new year and fulfill our Father’s will.
Question for Reflection:
How can you help someone else fulfill their purpose?
