During the Thanksgiving season, we’ve paused to count our many blessings. But for some, major unanswered questions can overshadow gratitude: “What does God want me to do with my life?” or “What is my life calling?” Not knowing can lead to frustration, confusion, and feeling “stuck.”
Ask these questions first
It’s important to look at this a different way. Our questions around God’s call on our lives should actually be preceded with:
How did God design me?
What is my unique God-designed purpose?
Once we know our unique design and purpose, our calling will become much clearer. And once we are clear about our purpose and calling, we can also see beautiful alignment in our purpose, passion, and calling as we consider how to live and give generously.
For example, there are some things that we naturally do well and come easily (on purpose) and other things we may force ourselves to do that drain life out of us (off purpose). In my own life, my personal purpose is Inspiring Hope. As I reflect on the times when I have been most on purpose, I see my calling as one of transformation: with lives, organizations, and companies. I am confident I can both be on purpose and in my calling in the work that I do and where I give.
A perfectly ordained purpose and calling
Jesus was very clear about His purpose and His calling. Luke 9:51 says: As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. He was resolute in living out His purpose and calling whether loved or hated by those around Him.
May we gratefully and intentionally spend the time to understand how He designed us. May we be resolute about seeking a deeper knowledge of how He has perfectly ordained our purpose and calling. And as Ephesians 4:1 exhorts us: I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
Want to learn more about discovering your purpose? Attend a Women Doing Well event near you.
