Living Life by Design

For my entire life as a Christian I’ve struggled with the question, “What does God want me to do?” I felt that I needed to do something big, dramatic and special. I worked diligently at my local church, but that didn’t satisfy. I became a locally licensed minister, but that didn’t satisfy. I recorded CD’s and became a touring song evangelist, but that didn’t satisfy either.

I saw people who seemed to have God’s will dialed in while try as I did, I never seemed to be sure. I continued to seek God and my constant prayer was, ‘Your will be done.’ At times I heard a ‘yes’ and it increased my faith. At times the answer the was ‘wait’ because I needed to learn more patience. Then at times the answer was ‘no’, because he had something better in mind. I did my best to trust him, and rely on the promise that his will is ‘good, pleasing and perfect’ (Romans 12:2).

After 40+ years of walking with Christ, I’ve learned that purpose in life is far more important than position, property or possessions. Having more to live with is no substitute for having more to live for. ‘The two greatest days of my life was the day I  were born and the day l found out why’.

God has a specific purpose for you and me. It is no secret. We can see plainly what God wants in Psalm 139:1-10. God’s calling for all of us is to be known by him and to know him. ‘Oh Lord, you have searched me and you know me’ (v.1). It’s as simple as that. 

Perhaps this is David reflecting in his old age on how God has guided him throughout his life. ‘You hem me in – behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me’ (v.5): this speaks of God’s loving and gentle hand pressing him along the path of his choosing.

It wasn’t until I put everything else aside and began focusing on knowing God more that I finally found purpose. It never was about the things i did. It was about the person I became spending time to know God more. When I looked to him for guidance: ‘your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast’ (v.10).

If you struggle with not knowing what to do, it’s time you became passionate about knowing God more. Pray, read, and meditate on his word.

Purpose flows from passion…