Throughout my life, I’ve always been asking God this specific question: what’s my purpose? What’s the purpose of me going to this school? What’s the purpose of me taking this job? Or even, what’s the purpose of me living in this specific generation?
And what does God say? Nothing. Nada. Zilch.
During college, I wrestled with God because I wanted a specific and direct answer.
I became frustrated because God wasn’t telling me anything. I wanted God to say “Will, take this job,” or “Will, do this mission trip,” or “Will, move to this city.” I would get so frustrated that sometimes I would just turn my back away from Him and try to figure everything out on my own. Why would the maker of Heaven and Earth not give me a direction for my life?
After graduating college, I was still trying to figure what God wanted to do with my life. Do I take this job or do I move to this city? I would ask day in and day out wanting to know the answers to these questions. And still, what does God say? Nothing.
But after much thought, prayer, and listening, I’ve realized that God has already given me the answer to my question. God is not going to tell us what school to go to, what job to take, what city to live in, or what relationships we have. He tells us exactly what to do in Ephesians chapter 5. “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.” WOW. My answer was there all along!
Because we are children of God, His purpose for our lives is to ultimately be like Him. To show love and grace to others just as He shows it to us. To be an example of Christ Jesus and to be a light in this world. That has been God’s plan since the beginning of time. He created you and me to live in this specific generation and to follow his divine purpose.
All God wants us to do is be like him and live like Christ did. He doesn’t care what job we have, as long as we are imitators of Him in whatever we do. He doesn’t care where we live, as long as we exemplify Christ. As a Christ follower, God’s purpose for our lives is simple: Imitate and be an example. As long as we are following that call, God gives us the freedom to make choices in our lives.
I finally don’t have to ask the question of what’s my purpose. I know my purpose. My purpose is to be like Christ and to show Christ to others through me. Whether it be with this job or that job, this place or that place, our main purpose is to be imitators of God.
Now that I know what my purpose in life is, I’ve been able to make a huge decision. That decision is to become a missionary on the World Race. God has provided me this opportunity and I’m finally taking the steps to fully trust Him in this decision. My heart has always been for the mission field and I am so excited to see how God will use me.
So now, it’s my time to jump. To jump into God’s purpose for my life. To jump into the mission field displaying Christ in me. To jump and trust that God will guide me through this life. I don’t know where I’ll end up, but I do know I’ll be following God’s purpose.
“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.” Jeremiah 17:7 NLT
With much Grace,
Will
