If there was one thing you could do with your life, what would that one thing be? Surveys tell us that tens of millions of people–nearly half of all adults–admit they are still seeking to understand the meaning and ultimate purpose of their lives.
Here are 10 things to consider to help determine God’s purpose for your life.
1. Passion
What are you passionate about? What brings you fulfillment or awakens your ambitions? If money were no object, where would you choose to focus your time and energy? Answering these questions can point to your passions which can point to your purpose.
2. Giftedness
What are your special gifts or skills? What can you do effortlessly while others struggle to keep up? Your special gifts, talents, or skills can point to how God wants you to serve Him.
3. Resources
What resources or possessions can you leverage? Do you have money, a position of influence, an education, or key relationships that may be useful? God has given everyone access to resources and possessions that can play an important role in His unfolding plan for our lives.
4. Opportunities
What opportunities are on the horizon? Have new doors recently opened? Have old ones closed? These may be an indication of where God is taking you next. He often uses circumstances to direct us. Make note of your opportunities. This can help you identify your purpose.
5. Your Past
How has God used you in the past? When were you successful? Remember that one of the best indicators of the future is often the past. God often logically leads us step-by-step on similar paths.
6. Key Environments
Do you thrive in particular environments? Do you love it outdoors, indoors, with people, or alone? Do certain personality types enhance your productivity? Sometimes the environments we love can be good clues to God’s leading.
7. God’s Word
God’s Word is the cornerstone for our search for purpose. God speaks directly to the issues in our lives through Scripture more than any other way by teaching us how life is supposed to work. The more you know and apply Scripture, the easier it will be to discern God’s will.
8. Wise Counsel
God will often confirm our direction through the suggestions of others we trust. So, if you were to ask the wisest person you know what you should do with your life, what do you think they would say? You may ask more than one person, but just make sure you ask those who have already been where you want to go, and who have nothing to gain or lose by your decision.
9. Initiative
When you begin to move in the direction you believe could be your purpose, God will often confirm your direction or redirect you. This can help you know the way to take. Simply put, the first thing to do might just be to take a first step.
10. Logical Thinking
The Word says God will give us wisdom when we ask (James 1:5). Sometimes the best way to exercise wisdom is to simply list your options with the benefits—and the drawbacks—of each.
So, if there was one thing you could do with your life, what would that one thing be?
Digging Deeper: Which of the above 10 ways to do God’s will can you put into action today? Which have you already implemented? Take a moment and make two lists: one of the benefits of understanding God’s will for your purpose, and one listing the drawbacks of not understanding it.
Additional Resources
The Blueprint for Life eight week study will help you discover God’s will and purpose for your life! The study contains a workbook and ten audio messages featuring Andy Stanley, Louie Giglio, Tony Evans, John Maxwell and others. Now available for digital download. Click here to check it out!
