Do you Know God’s Purpose for Your Life?

It starts from the first day of kindergarten. You’ve barely figured out how to tie your shoes, and the teacher asks what you want to be when you grow up. It might have been nice to unpack your crayons first, but the question has been asked. 

As the years go by, the question won’t go away. You’ll be pushed and prodded to consider your future to narrow your educational focus. Especially in Christian circles, the question will be asked innocently, but it will weigh heavily until you find yourself able to provide an adequate answer.

Do you know God’s purpose for your life? 

We believe every word in that question is important. Asked differently, do you believe God has a unique task for you? Let’s break down the question and get to the core of why it’s important to have an answer.

What do you know?

Do you know God’s purpose for your life?

Like every other piece of information in the world, it will not do you any good if you’re unaware of its existence. The importance of information is exponential when it is biblical information. Because life begins here and carries on into eternity, knowing that God has a purpose for your life can feel surreal. 

But this knowledge extends beyond a passing knowledge that God has a purpose for every person in the world. This is the life-altering knowledge that the God of the universe has a specific purpose for you. 

This is not just a feeling, or some gas from that taco you had for lunch. You know at your very core that this is true; there is a particular work for you to accomplish. In your case, it may be that you have been deeply impacted by the words of preachers you have heard. On top of that, you have felt a call to preach the Word like the prophets of old or the disciples who experienced life with Jesus.

You are assured and know this is your calling. But what exactly do you know?

It originates with God.

Do you know God’s purpose for your life?

It is one thing to know what you want to do with the fifty or sixty working years of your life. While it is a wonderful thing to be able to support yourself and a family by doing something that you enjoy, it is humbling to acknowledge that this is how God created you. 

Your purpose and your calling have been assigned to you by the Creator of the Universe, as much as any math homework or writing assignment was given by your teachers. A middle school personality profile test or career-finding survey did not assign this. You believe the God who knit you together in your mother’s womb knows you and created you with a purpose.

Being called to preach the Word, by the Living Word Himself, is an origin story that leaves you assured through all the long days of college and seminary, into the adventurous ups and downs of ministry life. All knowledge begins with God, and in the case of knowing your purpose, it’s a good thing.

So what is God’s purpose?

Your calling happens on purpose.

Do you know God’s purpose for your life?

There are many things in this lifetime that can be done purely because you want to do them. Root for the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Knicks, or the Boston Red Sox. Choose a steady diet of pizza, kale chips, or some combination of the two. Spend your spare time hiking, reading, or playing chess in the park. 

You can do all of those things, or none of them if you so choose. But when you know God has called you to a task, you know that has become your overall purpose. It is way more than a nudge and it cannot be ignored. 

This has to be done!

It is as clear to you as when the Old Testament prophet Ezekiel was called by God to preach the Word. 

“You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious people; open your mouth and eat what I give you.” Ezekiel 2:7-8

Your purpose, while it may have similarities to others, is as unique as you are. This means your path forward will look different from those around you. It is up to you to find your specific niche, wherever God leads you.

This brings us to the last part of this equation. How will this impact your life?

How will you spend your life?

Do you know God’s purpose for your life?

Yeah, there are a lot of things that need to be done in this world. But they don’t all need to be done by you. You are laser-focused on this God-appointed task. If not you, then who?

The calling on your life is as assured as the calling of Timothy from the New Testament. This is why the Apostle Paul was able to be so bold when charging Timothy:

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2

After all, if you’re going to commit to something, anything really, it is of great benefit to everyone that you do so to the glory of God. This means, in part, taking time to receive that careful instruction by those trained to equip men and women for ministry.

Whatever your direction, Grace Theological Seminary has a pathway for you to receive training toward your unique calling. Do you know God’s purpose for your life? Get started by exploring the various programs at Grace, read about our various delivery methods, or reach out with any questions. 

We believe God has a purpose for your life! We will help you discover your next steps.