Purpose

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:10 makes it clear that God intends for His people to walk in the good deeds that He has prepared for us to do. But how do we discern God’s specific calling on our lives? As the Body of Christ, we share a common purpose. It is God’s will for all of us to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). It is God’s will that we care for the poor. It is God’s will that we love God and love our neighbor. But how these things play out in our lives will vary from person to person. So how do we discern the specific calling of God on our lives?

I believe the first step to this discernment is being saturated in the Word of God. When we immerse ourselves in the Bible with abandoned hearts, we begin to see things through His eyes and not our own. Our unbelief disappears, our hearts are softened, our minds are renewed and our ears begin to perceive His still, small voice.

It is also necessary to know our gifts, strengths, and weaknesses. It is no accident that we have been given this personality, these experiences, and these talents and abilities. God has purposely given us everything we need to accomplish the good works He has already prepared for us to do. His Spirit brings the supernatural power needed to use our gifts and abilities for His glory and for the good of others.

Lastly, it is important to know what is going on in the world around us. You can be sure that God is always at work – with or without us. He doesn’t need us to accomplish His plan, but He does want us to join joyfully with Him. This is why we exist, to know Him and to make Him known. You live where you live when you live there and with those you live near for a reason. It is not a coincidence. As God’s people, we must open our eyes and see the needs around us – in our congregations, our communities, and beyond.

Are you filling your mind and heart with God’s Word? Have you stopped to consider how and why God made you the way He did? Are you aware of the needs where you live? If you start with these three areas, being led by the Spirit of God and not your own ideas, God will make His calling clear. He may not lay out a five-year plan, but He will guide you through this day and that is enough…after all, today is all we are promised.

Father, thank You for Your Word. Give me the desire and discipline to immerse myself in it each day. Help me to understand it and store it in my heart and mind. Thank You for the way You have made me. Please show me today the good works You have planned for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.