What is My Purpose?

I recently began discipling a young woman and it has truly been a highlight of my life in this season. Walking in purpose has that effect—it makes you feel alive and fulfilled. So I wasn’t surprised when she told me this week that she’s been really seeking God to find her purpose. I remember when I started my own faith journey, how important it was for me to answer that question: What am I here to do? What is my purpose in life?

I asked her a few questions to help point her in the right direction. What do you love to do? What are you good at? What do your family and friends say you are good at? If money wasn’t a factor, what would you do?

I believe that purpose is found at the intersection of passion, strengths, skills, and talents. However, reflecting on my own journey, I think I would give my younger self different advice. Over ten years later, I would tell myself that you can easily find your purpose in the Scriptures

Your purpose is to be in a relationship with Jesus. (Ephesians 1:4-5, Matthew 22:37-38)

Your purpose is to glorify God. (1 Corinthians 10:31, John 15:16)

Your purpose is to make disciples. (Matthew 28:19)

Your purpose is to serve the Kingdom. (Matthew 6:33, Ephesians 2:10, Colossians 1:16, Colossians 3:23-24)

I would seek a broader understanding of my purpose as a believer over a more specific, personal purpose. This is because our specific purpose is ever-changing and evolving. What we do for the Kingdom changes from season to season—we move, change jobs, switch careers, attend different churches, our passions shift, and we develop new skills and desires.

But who we are to God, and who He has called us to be in His Kingdom, remains constant.

Had I properly prioritized my purpose, removing it from the pedestal I placed it on and keeping Jesus on that throne, I believe I would have avoided the disappointment, pain and disillusionment that comes with improperly placing your identity in what you do, instead of who you are.

For example, before I was the founder of Raphah Candle co, spending my weekends at markets and having late night candle making sessions. I was hoping to be a judge by 45, I was writing briefs instead of blogs. And While that could still happen I’ve loosen the grip on my expectations and began allowing God to be God in my life again. Relinquishing over full authority and control.

This week, I revisited the story of Joseph in Genesis. If you haven’t read it before, here’s a quick recap: Joseph was one of Jacob’s twelve sons and one of Rachel’s two sons. He was a dreamer, and God gave him extraordinary dreams about his future. His brothers, already envious because Joseph was their father’s favorite, with special privileges and a special coat, became even more jealous. In their jealousy, they sold him into slavery in Egypt, thinking they were preventing his dreams from coming true. Instead, they unknowingly set them in motion. Joseph’s journey took him from a pit to a palace, to a prison, and finally to second in command to Pharaoh. 

What God showed me is that while Joseph’s location and circumstances changed, who he was never did. He was always a dreamer, always destined to be second in command—whether in his father’s house, in Potiphar’s palace, or in the prison.

I’ve seen this in my own life and I am sure it is true for yours as well.

Life looks different in different seasons, different locations, vocations, but at the core I am still the same.

I am still a leader, a writer, creator, servant, teacher, and Christ follower. It just looks a little different this season.

Remember, your purpose is not defined by your job title, location, or current season. It’s defined by your relationship with Jesus and your commitment to glorifying God in all that you do. No matter where life takes you, your purpose remains constant—rooted in Him. 

Reflection Questions:

1. Are there areas in your life where you’ve placed your identity in what you do rather than in who you are in Christ?

2. How can you realign your understanding of purpose with the truths found in Scripture?

3. In what ways has your purpose as a believer remained constant, even as your life circumstances have changed?

 

Comment below and let me know your thoughts.