Searching For Purpose?
The New Year often prompts us to reassess ourselves and our goals. Resolutions are made, themes assigned, and ideas flow with a promise to make this year better than the last. We can find ourselves with a renewed commitment to God and eager to fulfill His will.
Part of that renewal involves considering our purpose. For some people, this is incredibly easy. They are talented, have a heart to serve, and a sharp vision of God’s assignment for their lives. Yet not all of us live with such clarity. Thankfully, we aren’t required to discover our purpose—God allows our calling to eventually find us.
It is often painful things that push us into our purpose. Countless ministries began with a singular loss that transformed something tragic into something positive. Empathy and compassion are gained through experience. The mistakes we make and losses we endure qualify us to bless others. Our disappointments teach us, strengthen us, and forge us into resourceful, resilient workers for an appointed time.
Though purpose may be discovered among pain, it is also a choice. We choose what to do with the lessons we learn. We can wallow in guilt or regret. Or we can allow our experiences to positively impact others. We should also recognize that our purpose may change daily. When we choose to pray for people, serve them, or extend a kind word we have fulfilled our purpose for that day.
Years ago, I found an ornament in my mother’s home after she passed away. It was never hung with the others. Sealed in its original box, the year 1996 was etched into the tarnished finish. It had been misplaced for decades on a shelf in her office. I was still struggling after her unexpected death. However, when I found and polished the silver bell, it ministered to me. Its restoration inspired my own. Twenty years after the ornament was gifted to her, it fulfilled its true purpose. With grace and mercy, we can too. Do not allow the years that appear wasted to discourage you from completing whatever God calls you to do.
If you are pondering your purpose in 2025, ask God. He may reply by encouraging you to donate, serve, or learn something new. Our Father can even restore dreams dismissed years ago. We don’t have to fixate on finding our purpose.
Obedience and a heart for God allows purpose to reveal itself at the appointed time.
Questions for Reflection:
1. Can you identify a purpose that God has revealed to you?
2. Has your purpose changed over time?
3. Is there a new thing that God is prompting you to do?
