The Purpose

There is a reason why we are here. We were created to contribute, not to take, meaning that our lives should add to (or contribute to the overall meaning for which the earth was created and given to mankind). The quality of life is not measured in how long but in how meaningful one lives. As a result, it is not about how much you can get in life, but rather how much you can give. It's not about how much you can accumulate, but rather how much you can share. Jesus lived for thirty-three years on earth, but his impact has lasted for more than two millennia. Rick Warren would say that what matters is not the duration of your life but the donation of it.

We've established that God created our DNA cocktail with care and purpose, which is why you and I are so different. But what is the point of being one-of-a-kind?

God, who created us, has also equipped us in such a way that we can examine ourselves and gain a better understanding of our purpose. The following are some of the ways God has equipped us:

• Spiritual Equipping:

  When we come to God to trust Him with our lives, we can receive His Spirit to fill the void within. His Spirit filling us is also one way we are equipped. You might wonder how. We can access spiritual gifts – gifts that are supernatural in their manifestation – as we receive God's Spirit to indwell us. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:7, "The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit with all." This is why committing your life to Jesus and asking Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit is so important.  If you want to surrender your life to Jesus and receive His Holy Spirit, click here.

  Prophecy, healing, working of miracles, discernment, wisdom, and faith are just a few of the spiritual gifts available. Healing, miracles, wisdom, and men of faith are all needed in today's world to help many people find hope and joy. Our spiritual gifts can help us figure out what we're supposed to be doing with our lives.

• Equipping of Our Heart: You know that the holy scripture indicates that out of the heart are the issues of life. Examining our hearts can reveal a lot about what God has put in us to pursue purpose. Proverbs 27:19 – As in water face answers to face, so the heart of man to man. When we look into water, we see our own reflection.  Similarly, the scripture admonishes us that if we look into our hearts, we will see ourselves. God has equipped us for purpose deep within our hearts, and if we look closely, we can find the following:
  
  1. The things that irritate you are some of the things God has created you to change.

     As a result, the fact that those things irritate you is due to something within you responding to a desire to see a better version.  Why doesn't it irritate that person, you might wonder.  He appears to be unconcerned about it, but you are not. You were born to alter those circumstances. So, starting today, don't just become irritated. Change those things and have a positive influence on those who irritate you.

  2. Some of the things God has purposed you to do are the things in which you naturally have a strong interest or love (such as helping people, accounting, empowering people, and so on). According to God's word, "Then shall you remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the power (ideas, vehicle, opportunities, network) to create wealth (Deut 8:18)," making money to financially empower others could even be one's purpose. Our hobbies, passions, and interests can reveal a lot about what God wants us to do with our lives.

• Equipped with Talents:
  

  Talents were given to us to guide us purposely. Talents must be nurtured, but they must also be put to good use to honour God and serve humanity. God's way of equipping us to be purposeful is through our ability to sing, play instruments, talk, etc. What talents do you have? They're hints as to what you were meant to do on this planet without having to struggle.

• Equipped By Experience:

  Our life experiences can sometimes provide us with the tools we need to accomplish great things. Moses' personal experiences as a learned prince of Egypt and a shepherd in the land of Midian shaped his purpose, according to the Holy Scriptures. David's shepherding experience prepared him to be a great king. Joseph's family's betrayal set him on the path to his ultimate purpose.

   Fanny Crosby's life experience exemplifies how life experience can aid in the discovery of purpose. She was born in 1820 but lost her eyes at the age of six weeks. At the age of six months, she lost her father and was raised by her grandmother. Fanny learned to play the piano, organ, harp, and guitar despite being blind.  She didn’t see her life circumstances as a tragedy but as a pointer to purpose. Fanny is best known today as an American missionary, poet, lyricist, and composer. Despite her blindness, she became a prolific hymn writer, composing over 8,000 hymns and gospel songs that have sold over 100 million copies. Most of her hymns, including "Blessed Assurance," still provide strength and hope to hurting people and those who are desperate and struggling today.