Born with a Purpose

“I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart.” (Psalm 40:8, ESV)

I think most of us would quickly agree that God has a plan for each of our lives. We are born with a purpose. In Jeremiah 1:5, the Lord told the prophet, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations” (ESV). What an awesome thought that God loves us so much He creates a plan for our lives even before our conception.

While we know God has a purpose for our lives, sometimes we fear we cannot discern His divine plan for us. But God will not hide His purpose or make it a mystery. His plan for us is not a guessing game that He uses to confuse us. He expects us to know His will and will make it clear.

“Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:17, NKJV)

Here are definite things we know about God’s will.

• It is God’s will for us to be saved and to know truth (I Timothy 2:3-4).
• It is God’s will for us to obey His Word (John 14:15).
• God created us for good works (Ephesians 2:10).
• God calls us and then equips us for that calling (Hebrews 13:21).
• God will never lead us to do something that His Word forbids (Colossians 3:6).
• God places us under spiritual leaders to teach us and to guide us (Jeremiah 3:15).

You may feel uncertain of where God is leading and feel you have no clear direction. What do you do now? This is not the time to jump ahead of God, but it is time to prepare. What steps can you take now to deepen your relationship so you will hear His voice and understand how He is equipping you and leading you?

If you feel God’s nudge in a certain direction, even though there may be no clear open door at this time, what can you do to cultivate those areas of your life? What talents and abilities has God placed within you that can be further developed? Remember, time spent in preparation is never wasted. In fact, God may be using this waiting period to see how you will apply yourself in consecration and preparation.

God leads us one step at a time. He does not unfold His complete plan to us at once. It would overwhelm us and perhaps even frighten us. Learn to patiently wait for His plan to be revealed. James 1:4 tells us, “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (NKJV). When the time is right, you will be prepared to step out in faith.

We are a few days into a new year. What can you do in the coming months to prepare yourself for greater service to God? Whether fairly new in your walk with the Lord or a veteran of many years of living for Him, He desires to entrust you with even greater things in the days ahead. It’s time to fulfill His divine purpose in your life.

“Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:5, NKJV)

Lord, open my eyes to the plan You created for my life even before I was born. Help me to wisely use my time to prepare myself to fulfill that purpose. Whatever Your plan, use me to reach others with the truth of the gospel.