Hello friend; how has your day been going? Hopefully well and the week also leaving you fulfilled and at peace. If this has not been a week in which you’ve had euphoric moments of tranquility–don’t worry neither have I. Solidarity my friend. That is what I want to talk about today–finding our purpose.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.”-Romans 8:28 This verse is my grandmother’s favorite verse. I can recall seeing it in multiple ways within her home growing up. From a small plaque in the kitchen to a needle worked pillow in the guest room. Talk about a woman who knows her Bible verses–she knows many and has the ability to give you some of the best ones when one is in need of any sort of encouragement and reassurance that what you’re feeling or going through is somehow all going to be okay and work out in the end. A delicate woman to look at her, truly; but a fierce warrior lives within that body and I’d not ever dare to cross her.
I love that verse; originally because it is my grandmother’s favorite verse; but now, I find it a means of reassurance. God will work out what He needs to work out and use me/you/us according to his purpose. I was recently gifted a beautiful necklace with two very simple yet powerful words on it “find purpose.” You see this is where I seem to find I am struggling–finding my purpose. I am in awe that God is going to use me for his purpose because I am still trying to figure out what my ultimate purpose is…anyone else? I fully believe each and every one of us is born with gifts or talents that are specific to us (you can believe or not that they came from God–entirely your choice; I’ll choose to believe He gifted them to us). We are to use these gifts and talents to the betterment of those around us and to hopefully make us better people. But what if you’re like me and still trying to figure out the ‘how’ in all of this. Maybe you’ve figured out what your gifts and talents are and have been able to pinpoint exactly how to use them–kudos to you; can you now share with the rest of the class???? OR maybe you’re like me in the fact you have a pretty good idea of what your gifts and talents are yet are somewhat clueless on how to best be using them. Currently, my season of life is an interesting one. My child is in school full-time and while she still needs her mama, she doesn’t need me nearly as much as when she was younger. A blessing and a curse. We love when they become more independent and yet are equally pained because they’re growing up. So this leaves wife and mama to figure out what her new or adjusted role in this life is, essentially…what is my purpose?
According to Google purpose is, “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.” Last night we watched a movie based on the true story of a young impoverished girl living in Uganda. Through the game of chess, she pulled herself and her family out of poverty. She had an incredible gift and was able to use her talents in the game of chess to win countless matches that afforded her opportunities for she and her family. She used her talents. She had her purpose. Additionally her coach and teacher used his talents and gifts to support her throughout her journey. He saw this gift in her and encouraged her to work hard and dreaming big was okay. He used his talents. He had his purpose.
But what if your purpose is not so clearly defined? What if the path or journey you’re on has moments in which you’re unsure if this is the right direction for you? How are you to know exactly? The Sunday school answer is to seek answers from the Bible and Jesus and seek wise council–well, duh. What happens in the moments when you’ve done all of those things BUT, sometimes even the passages aren’t so clear, the Lord seems to be quiet, and the counsel, well didn’t really help. I don’t know about y’all, but when I feel I’m floundering or lacking direction and am asking for guidance, I need it to be clearly defined and outlined. I want it outlined like the index of a book; “for information on purpose turn to page 265”–anyone else??? Please, tell me I’m not alone on this front.
I guess all I am saying for today is, if you’ve ever found yourself in moments where you’re not entirely sure if the path you’re on is the one you’re to be on….well, you’re not alone. If you’ve been a nomad wandering through life or someone simply going through the daily motions AND have discovered a means that helped you–please share it in the comments section. Let us know your ways and what has helped. I don’t know about you, but I definitely don’t think any of us were placed here to simply go through the motions of life. We have been called to do more, be more, give more, etc. We have been given gifts and talents; let’s try and find our purpose.
Until next time….
-E
Romans 8:28
Faith Family Fitness 