“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
When I was younger, probably in high school or so, this little book came out titled “The Purpose Driven Life.” It was all the rage as I’m sure some of you remember it. I think I was actually gifted it a few times before I went to college.
The popularity of this little book proved to the world we are all searching for purpose and meaning in our life, whether we are believers or not. There is no doubt that twenty years later, our country is still in search of that purpose as evidenced by the devastating suicide rate.
Of course, there is a mental health crisis, but could it also be that there is a crisis for purpose?
What I find so ironic about the "search for purpose" is that we were actually born with one. All of us - regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, ability or disability. We were created in the image of God for His glory. Can you even wrap your head around that?
There have been so many times throughout the years when I have questioned what I'm doing here. This week even, I had to dig myself out of a pit of doubt, where I found myself asking (again) if I'm even walking in God's will instead of my own.
Have you been there? Have you questioned what you are doing, who you are or where you're going? Without a doubt, for most of us the answer is a resounding YES!!
I don't know what you find yourself doubting today. Maybe you're questioning your job or your community. Maybe you're comparing yourself to someone else and feeling a lack of importance. Perhaps you feel like you are barely functioning, simply going through the motions - but friend, you can stop today!
I want to let you in on a not-so-secret secret : You already HAVE a purpose you can be confident in!
When we doubt and question who we are, we need to be reminded of the Truth that we are HIS daughters, created for good works that God has gone before us and prepared for us! All we need to do is show up and walk in them! Isn't that the best news ever?
You don't have to create the good works, you don't have to dream up a new career or a different identity to find a purpose! All you have to do is show up with hands open and say, "Okay, God. I'm holding onto You. Let's walk together."
Is it easy? Nope, friend, I wish it were. It's never fun to walk blindly into the future, not exactly knowing what is up ahead. But you know what IS fun? What's fun is watching our faithful God set out a path that is uniquely your own. Orchestrating a pathway that only YOU could walk in and only in this moment!! There is nothing that will deepen your faith quicker than diving into His will head first!
Just show up today - don't complicate it or even over-simplify it, just let it be God's glory and good works you walk in today.
Show up and love on someone that crosses your path.
Show up and feed someone a meal.
Show up and give to the homeless man on the corner.
Show up and serve your spouse.
Show up and call your discouraged friend.
Show up and walk in the good works that God has prepared before you today.
Purpose isn't complicated, we complicate it. It's just that no matter what season of life you are in, you do have one to walk in. So, friend. Walk.