Purpose Will Find You

Over the years I’ve learned that we all long for belonging, relationship, and purpose. We all seem to be in search for who we are. I know I am.
We try to find ourselves through personality tests, strength finders, horoscopes, and other various sources. This is normal. We want to know who we are and what our purpose is because we are an invention. Every invention serves a purpose or else it would not have been invented.
There is a reason why we are all here but what is that? The most common answer would be we are here to love God and to love our neighbor but where do we fit in the body of Christ? I guess that is the better question.

Most of us want to know this information so bad that we end up making our own purpose. Some have given up on their search and have begun to rely on others to tell them who they are. Don’t get me wrong, some people know their purpose but for most people my age, we are just not there yet. Being in this position is not a bad thing in fact it is a beautiful time.

This is the time to explore, to search, and to make mistakes. I realize I am at a point in my life where it is more acceptable to make mistakes. That being said, I am not looking for ways to intentionally mess up, but when I do make a mistake, I understand it is not the end of the world. This is a time to listen to my heart.

Dr. Luther Smith said, “the heart was given to us by God as a gift to feel and give compassion and to face those realities that are good and bad for us.” Have a listening heart, learn what it hears, and understand that it is your decision to decide who you are. Don’t let anyone tell you who you are or who you ought to be. It is your responsibility to figure that out. This is the time for your heart to listen to what is true. Your calling can come from anywhere so don’t dismiss any incidences in your life. I met a pastor who found his calling through another man with down syndrome, so don’t deny those moments.

This can be a beautiful time but also understand that to pursue your purpose takes a lot of risks. There will be temptations and distractions that will try to stop your search. There will be heartbreaks and pains but know that pain serves a purpose. Best put by Dr. Smith, “don’t deny those choices that bring you joy and life, instead of asking yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive?”

Finally the journey is the destination and to be on the journey is where we are called to be. The longer we stay on this journey, the more we learn about ourselves and the closer we come to our calling. Eventually it is not you who will find purpose but purpose will find you.