Created for a Purpose
By Laura Bailey
“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” - Acts 17:26, NIV
“10 Questions to Help You Find Your Purpose!” I couldn’t help but sneak a peek at the magazine that promised that in 10 “simple” questions, one could find their reason for being. While the article didn't say anything discouraging, I found it saddening that a person would turn to a magazine to search for their purpose in life.
But a quick search through social media, google, or the local bookstore shows that humans are searching for their purpose and identity; they want someone or something to tell them they are valuable and essential. There are countless quizzes, questions, and quests to help people find meaning. The truth is, people don’t need another book on purpose; we already have the answers!
If you are wondering why you were here on earth, there it is: to bring God glory, to be in a relationship with Him!
There are many ways we can bring glory to the Lord, and while we were all created for the same purpose, God has unique plans and assignments for each person— but ultimately, living in such a way that God gets the glory.
What a relief to know that we don’t have to strive to make our lives look good but instead let our lives point to a good God.
And for further evidence that your life has a purpose, Acts 17:26 tells us nothing about where we live, our race, or time period, is by chance. God has divinely appointed you for “such a time as this, ( Esther 4:14.)
You don’t have to wonder if your life has meaning, you don’t need to wrestle with discontentment in your current circumstance, and you can stop trying to find your purpose. You have purpose because you were created in the image of God, and He wants to use you for His Glory– to share the Goods News of His love and mercy for sinners.
Our unique story is a special way God equips us to share the bigger, greater story of the gospel. You may not be able to recite the Roman road or ABCs of salvation eloquently, but you can easily recall who you were before Christ, how He rescued you, and what your life is like now for others!
Our family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors need to hear that God loves them and sent His Son, Jesus, to die for their sins so they can have eternal life by believing in Him.
Nothing is by chance; where you live, your job, the people you interact with, God ordains your family all—Each day provides an opportunity to share our eternal hope.
Has a colleague said she feels overwhelmed and grieved by her current circumstances? Invite her for coffee and share where you find hope when life is hard.
Do you have a friend who is wrestling with her faith? Be a safe space for her to talk through her struggles, gently guiding her to seek out our heavenly Father.
Maybe a family member decided that church and God “just isn’t for them.” Prayerfully consider writing them a note of encouragement, letting them know they are always welcome in the Lord’s house.
I admit even the most passionate of Christ-followers can feel overwhelmed at sharing their faith. But, friend, this is a matter of life and death; we could have an eternal impact on those around us and future generations by simply sharing our hope in Christ. Who will you share your story with today?
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us purpose simply by creating us! May we live in a way that brings You glory, honor, and praise. Help us to remember that we don’t have to strive to earn the approval, acceptance, and adoration of others. Help us be bold for the Gospel, freely sharing our eternal hope in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Motortion
Related Resource: Hope, Chronic Illness, and Trusting God with Your Kids
When faced with parenting crises, special-needs challenges, fear, and exhaustion, how do you keep moving forward?
Sarah Walton is an author, wife, and mom of four whose family has faced chronic illness, a son with severe behavioral episodes, and years of uncertainty without answers. In this conversation, Sarah talks about what it looked like to survive the hardest seasons of motherhood and how her faith carried her through.
She shares how she learned to grieve her expectations, hold hope and acceptance together, and find small joys when everything felt dark. She also offers practical words for how to support a friend who is suffering — and what not to say. Her new book is "Jesus Will Meet You There." If you like what you hear, be sure to follow The Happy Home Podcast with Arlene Pellicane on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Tuesday, 22 August 2023.
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