Understanding Our Purpose Through God's Word

A question that many people may ask themselves is, “What is my purpose on this earth and how can I discover it?” 

In order to answer that question, one may seek and turn to the Word of God to seek guidance and wisdom. On the other hand, many will try to go on with their life and fulfill what they desire on their own such as going after their career, etc. Everything we do on a day to day basis has a purpose, but there are times when we struggle to find what our purpose really is. A good way to understand even the concept of purpose is turning to God and His word. 

Ecclesiastes 3

For instance, if we take a look at Ecclesiastes 3:1, it mentions how there is a time for everything in every season of our lives. Similarly, in the same chapter, the verse continues on saying “I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil– this the gift of God (Ecc 3:12-13).” Therefore, what do we all have in common? It is simply to live and do good while on this earth which God has allowed us to do.

2 Timothy 3

But we can also see that God has also chosen us at these very times to do work and given us scripture to do so. As it says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” That God’s word has teachings and is able to show us how to do good work within the world as a believer.

In short, there is a time for everything and we must cherish every minute of it. By cherishing the time on this earth, we are able to do more than we realize when given the opportunity. With that being said, the time spent can definitely be used to find one’s purpose. This also gives people the ability to seek after something higher such as religion and draw closer to God or whoever they wish to know. With this in mind, people are able to attain the means in understanding their sense of purpose. 

Jeremiah 29

Furthermore, when it comes to understanding our purpose, we can turn to the Bible as it contains many references for us to learn from. Even in Jeremiah 29:11, the verse mentions, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. In other words, when we seek after God with our all heart, we will find him and help give us purpose. This only happens when we have the heart to seek and understand His word and by doing so, we are allowing God to lead us during this time. 

Ecclesiastes 12

In fact, if we also take a look again at Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, it gives us the conclusion of the matter and is said to “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. Therefore, what are we able to take away from these verses is to turn to our heavenly father if we are feeling lost but again turn to His word for comfort.. Even when it comes to learning God’s word in our lives, we may have lots of things that can hinder our ability to do so. Rather than thinking negatively, we must redirect our thoughts and feelings and look towards God and His word. 

Philippians 2

Also, if we look at Philippians 2:12-13, it says, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” That as we have received God’s word, then God’s spirit will work and help us out. Just like a parent, God wants to help His children in their growth and journey as they follow through in their purpose.

Acts 26

It is through God and understanding His word that we are able to see our purpose in life. Looking at what it says in Acts 26:16, “But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you,” God is able to show us our purpose and ask of us to get up and move. Being someone that can know our purpose and do as it says but we first must understand it, ultimately, understand God’s word.

So what can we do? How can one really grow in finding purpose during these times?

 It first starts by having a curious mind and willing heart as well as learning to let go from things that stop us from growing our faith. By doing so, then there is really no excuse on our part and we can follow our words with the proper actions. Following those actions, what comes after is the development of faith and the obedience to God’s word. 

Isaiah 46

In addition, even in Isaiah 46:10, it is also said that God makes known the end from the beginning which goes to show how powerful His word is and how he makes things known to His people. Through this, we are able to see how God works and by making known His plans through the word. The question we often ask ourselves is, what is my purpose and how can I fulfill it? 

Ephesians 2

We are able to find our sense of purpose through the scriptures. More specifically, in Ephesians 2:10, the verse states “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared for us to do.” Even with this in mind, we are able to see and understand that as believers, we have been given a responsibility to carry out God’s work. This even includes being a light to our loved ones such as our families, friends and communities. If we also look at Ephesians 2:8-9, we are those that have also been saved by the grace God has given and in receiving His word we are able to see the purpose within it as well. Knowing that what God wants is for us to have life rather than death..

Philippians 4

It also states in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This being a reminder that we are not alone but that there is God and Jesus with us in spirit. That as God has given His word for us to follow, that He will help in our journey as well.

Now this may sound simple to hear, but this will only happen if actions are put into practice. With that being said, it is important to follow through according to God’s word as He is the one that provides the answers to what we go through. Nonetheless, it is also promised that by taking on this role, we are proving to God that we take His words seriously and will find this pleasing to Him. 

1 Peter 2

For example, in 1 Peter 2:9, the verse mentions,“ But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” In other words, by having these words of promise, this is how one can fulfill their sense of purpose. Rather than doing what most people would do and live on with their lives, they follow after God’s word. By becoming a noble instrument in God’s point of view, this goes to show how faithful his people are as they have the desire to do good works.

Matthew 28

By being a noble instrument, there is something that we must do then. If we look at what it says in Matthew 28:19-20, it says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” Since we have been able to understand our purpose through God’s word, we want someone that can also show that to other people and help them understand God’s word.

Romans 12

Also, by following according to God’s word, we can change to be someone that can be a good example as a believer. As we see in the verse Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Since we have received God’s word, we are able to not just follow the rules of the world but have an understanding as someone who follows in God’s command, becoming a true believer.

Ephesians 4

Another example of actions that someone who understands God’s word is by how we talk. In Ephesians 4:29, the verse says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” It advised to not have corrupted talk but have words that can build up and are useful to others because God’s word is good and does good work.

Thus, there is nothing more rewarding than to be able to fulfill one’s purpose and to do so without feeling lost or alone.