Thanks for joining today’s study about an important topic. Every thinking person, with or without faith, wrestles with the questions “Why am I here?” or “What does God want me to do with my life?” Some people are obsessed with discovering the answers.
Those who instinctively understand God’s direction at a young age are truly blessed. However, I was not one of them, though I still felt blessed and knew that He was guiding my life. (Especially after being born Jewish, and Christ came to me at age 20.) Still, God took His time revealing the answers after wrestling with those questions for decades.
Since we live in a time of chaos, finding answers to this study’s questions is even more urgent. Based on my experience, I recommend patience and the verse, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). He will provide the answers when you are ready to act on them. In the meantime, trust Him, pray to Him, glorify Him, and eventually, the answers will become clear.
Along the way, even asking the questions involves introspection and practical application if your life feels empty and misdirected. If you know you have so much more to give or achieve, but the opportunities aren’t there, keep praying, asking, trusting, and loving Him, then take a chill pill (figuratively). God knows you’re not ready, but when the time comes, you’ll understand what had to transpire first—both good and bad. God was preparing the way. He was waiting for you just as you were waiting for Him.
Along the journey, there’s lots of heartache and doubt. You might feel like your talents are being wasted or that God has forgotten you. That is not true. Since He knows your past, present, and future, what God has planned for you is perfect in His eyes for His kingdom—not necessarily what you think is ideal for yourself.
This is a complicated issue since He is God, and you are not. If you are in an achievement lull, never forget that He wants to use your God-given gifts and talents for His glory. Meanwhile, the bread is baking in the oven. When ready, it will be presented, and then you can share it with the world in His name.
If you are struggling with these questions and feeling underutilized, pray about who God wants you to be. “Purpose” is not just about doing something you think is meaningful—it’s about doing what you were meant to do, in alignment with God’s design. Often, there is a vast canyon between the two before you see God’s wisdom.
Now, let’s read some relevant verses starting with the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible). Next week, we will discuss the New Testament.
God told Moses His purpose was to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage in a way that would have freaked out any normal person:
“But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth” (Exodus 9:16).
God chose Joshua to succeed Moses after his death. Then, God gave Joshua guidance to fulfill his mission of leading the Israelites back to the Promised Land:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
King David often gives better advice than any therapist:
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act” (Psalm 37:5).
“I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me” (Psalm 57:2).
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands” (Psalm 138:8).
King Solomon wrote a famous verse that is worth committing to memory:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
The next verse, which is often difficult to accept, coincides with my introduction:
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand” (Proverbs 19:21).
The Hebrew prophet Jeremiah wrote this very popular, optimistic verse:
“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” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Part of trusting God is a willingness to surrender your own plans when He makes it known that His path for your life differs from what you had in mind. That brings me to my favorite saying, “How do you make God laugh? Tell Him your plans.”
Although Job was tested and experienced great tragedy, in the end, he said to God:
“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2).
That’s all for today. Next week, we will discuss the New Testament verses about finding God’s purpose in your life with a thread that runs through it: God’s primary purpose for every person is to do His will through a relationship with Him.
Lastly, I close with the Old Testament verse taped to my laptop, which I glance at every few seconds because it helps me fulfill my purpose when circumstances do not align with my will:
“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). Amen to that!
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer. Her book “Bible Study For Those Who Don’t Read The Bible” reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. “Part 2,” reprints Vols. 57 –113. Order it here.
She is also the Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. You can join our new effort in Orlando, Florida. Contact: Myraadams01@gmail.com
This article is reproduced from Townhall.com.
