Do you believe you have a specific life purpose? If you do, how would you define it?
Some people believe that God has given us certain gifts and talents to steward, but He does not have a specific direction for us. Others believe that God has a detailed plan for every aspect of our life. Whether it is a general call or more specific in nature, God clearly states that He has a purpose for our lives. (See Compelling Truth for what the Bible says about life purpose.)
Where I once thought that our purpose was specific and unchanging, life experience has taught me it’s fluid and flexible.
Do you “flow” or are you resistant?
What do I mean by fluid? The definition of fluid is a person, thing, or situation that moves or changes easily. As one who resists the unexpected, fluidity can be difficult. I enjoy planned adventures, but I don’t like sudden life changes. If life was like a river, I ‘d be happy in the slow, calm waters while my husband rafts the white waters with delight!
My sweet 18-month old granddaughter demonstrates my reaction to change sometimes. When something she desires is withheld, she screams and makes her displeasure known. When life throws me a curveball, I am tempted to do the same! That, my friends, is resistance rather than being fluid and trusting God’s outcome.
How to Understand and Flow in Life Purpose
When I began exploring my life purpose, I was seeking that ONE thing God was calling me to do. I wanted to know my unique identity and how to fulfill God’s purpose for me. Through programs such as Identity and Destiny: 7 Steps to a Purpose-Filled Life, I developed greater understanding of my:
- personality style
- strengths
- values
- deep desires that only Jesus can answer
Interestingly enough, in Identity and Destiny, life purpose is both general and specific. Purpose is comprised of three separate elements: identity, destiny, and assignment.
- Identity is who God created you to be. It’s a “being” statement, such as “I am a seeker and source of enduring relationships.”
- Destiny is what you do in all your activities as the Holy Spirit moves through you. For example, my destiny is to help people develop and grow spiritually throughout life.
- Assignment is a specific project or task God has called you to, such as being a writer or a life coach. I express my identity and destiny through my assignment.
Armed with these new insights and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, I found my purpose in corporate prayer at a local prayer center. Then, I discovered purpose in coaching and teaching women as I sought God together with friends and clients. Intertwined in these activities was growing and maintaining relationships with my children as they left home and began families of their own.
I unexpectedly found another purpose as God gave me the vision for Dining in the Desert with God, my newest book. Today, I am writing books, leading a writer’s group, and interacting with all types of Christian writers.
Although my life purpose feels like it is fluid and ever-changing, it really is my current assignment that ebbs and flows. My identity and destiny remains rooted in developing relationships with God and people, no matter my life circumstances or my assignment.
God’s purpose for your life is similar. Recognize who you are in Him (identity) and how He uniquely created you (destiny), while also “flowing” with the perpetual changes in life (assignment). Purpose is not stagnant; it is fluid and ever-changing. You and I just have to say “yes” to wherever He leads us.
