Recently, a good friend of mine, whose husband passed away over a year ago, told me, “I’m going to take a long trip to discern what God wants next for my life.” Discerning our purpose through the seasons of life can be one of the most challenging tasks that we face. But the good news is God has a purpose for each of us.
Practice the following to help discern your own purpose:
1. Engage in different activities, ones that make a difference in your life and in others’ lives, until you discover the one that makes you come alive. This process leads to understanding what truly brings you joy.
2. When in doubt, pray. Prayer provides insight and clarity on what your heart yearns for and the ways you can help others. Prayer opens the way.
3. No matter whether your circumstances are good or bad, continue to search for your purpose. Be assured, knowing many people have found their purpose in times of personal hardship and tragedy.
4. Listen to your heart. When you feel passionate about something and are willing to work hard, you are capable of anything.
We must be prayerful and relentless in our pursuit to discover and live out our purpose in life. The journey is different for everyone, but all of us can make a difference in our own way. What has helped you find your purpose? Please share with us.
Lord, I know that you have a purpose for my life. Help me discern what it is and live it out.