3 Things to Consider When You Want to Walk in Your Purpose
Have you ever felt stuck in a rut?
You are going about life, doing your thing, when all of sudden it all changes. You are overwhelmed by the load you carry and you begin questioning what you should really be doing.
I know that feeling.
Several years ago, my husband and I agreed that I needed a break from homeschooling. With all 5 kids home for 5 years and starting several homeschool campuses, my life was becoming extremely full—bursting at the seams would be more accurate. As much as I enjoyed having my kids at home, exhaustion was setting in. My enthusiasm for homeschooling was waining and so was my patience with my family. As much as I didn’t want to let go, I knew it was time.
And so I did.
The new season, along with an abundance of quiet time, created an anxious feeling in me. I wasn’t exactly sure what I should be doing with my time. Each day progressively grew worse as I sat stagnant waiting to discover what I was “called” to do. I felt empty, alone, and purposeless.
I often wondered why I was created.
What was I born to do? How could I even figure that out?
While gaining extensive training to further his career as an Executive Coach, my husband and I attended an event that lead us to do a life plan retreat as a couple. As we began the process and seeking God, I discovered some core truths about God and myself.
In the process of waiting, I began to realize that God had a purpose in mind for me. (Exodus 9:16)
As I immersed myself in the Word, I found a new love for reading the Bible and sharing what I learned. I also rediscovered my passion for writing. The two together turned into a desire to begin writing Bible Studies. Soon after God opened a door for me to join a writing team for my local church and an open door to start blogging.
Throughout my journey of uncovering what God had for me, I discovered several things about purpose.
Things to Consider When You Want to Walk in Your Purpose
Let go of your plan
I have to be honest, when my husband first spoke to me about quitting homeschooling I was not receptive at all. I had been committed to this thing for 5 years! Letting it go seemed ridiculous.
I had plans.
The campus I started was thriving and I was really enjoying the opportunity to operate in a ministry and business capacity. I felt like I was on my way up the ladder. I even interviewed for a position in a large homeschool organization and I was confident I would get the job.
But none of that would exist if I quit.
We decided to seek counsel on the issue. I got to choose the people we would talk to.
I was confident they would agree with me.
Yet each person came up with the answer to move on. Of course, I didn’t give up right away, giving up is not in my nature! I sought person after person, who continued to give me the same exact answer. I imagine that God was shaking His head at me waiting for me to finally give up.
Eventually, I did.
Ultimately I realized that we can be called to different assignments, depending on the stage of life we’re in. As we enter new seasons, God can have a new purpose for us. But if we don’t let go of our plans, we can miss out on His greater plan!
Be Careful to Separate Identity from Purpose
God has a plan for all of us. His word tells us:
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
But many times we allow our “who” (our identity) to be defined by our “do” (our purpose).
This is something I struggled with for years.
Every time God would place something on my heart to do, I would allow it to become who I was.
When I was assigned the task of homeschooling, it was as if the permanent title came after my name.
Alisa Nicaud, Homeschool Mom.
It was no longer just a position, but part of my identity. And it took center stage in my life.
Because when those things define us, we can tend to place them above everything else, including God.
And when He asks us to let them go, we will want to resist.
Enjoy the Wait While You Discover Your Purpose
Let’s face it, waiting is hard.
Long-suffering (patience) is a fruit of the Spirit for a reason.
It is only by His grace that I can be patient in times of waiting.
My instinct is to do something. Anything. The total opposite of sitting still and waiting.
I think part of my anxiousness after I quit homeschooling was due to the waiting.
I was ready to move forward with the next thing.
But I knew God was telling me to be still.
There were things He wanted to teach me in that season.
[clickToTweet tweet=”In every season, there’s a lesson to be learned.” quote=”In every season, there’s a lesson to be learned.”]
He wanted to bring me out of a position and into a purpose, His purpose.
But finding our purpose takes time and looking in the right place.
Purpose is defined as the reason for which something is created.
God may give us different tasks in life, but they all line up with our purpose.
What is our main purpose? To glorify Him and further His Kingdom.
But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.
Exodus 9:16 NIV
How we walk out that purpose looks different depending on our gifts and abilities.
We all have different passions, spiritual gifts, and natural skills that will aid us in walking out this purpose.
As we begin to discover these things, we will start to see opportunities arise and doors open.
Many times it’s in the waiting that we will discover our next steps!
Are you still looking for your purpose? As you pursue your purpose, keep an open heart and mind to what God is doing. As you spend time with Him in the waiting, let Him speak to truth to your identity and direction for your path. He has a great plan for you!
Thank you for your transparency and honesty in this post Alisa. I love the truths you share on trusting God’s plan. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Prov. 3:5-6. Not only does God state for us to trust Him, but to not lean on our own understanding. Our view is so limited when it comes to our future. However, God has the complete blueprint for our lives. His plan and purpose for us is beyond our comprehension. I will be excited to read how He continues to bless you on your journey. Have an amazing weekend and may God continue to bless you and yours.
Thanks, Horace! I love how you said our view is limited. We only see in part, but God sees from the end to the beginning. He knows what’s best for us. This is a something I constantly need to be reminded of!
I find this reading exactly what I needed . To be completely honest I feel like it was purpose for me to sit and res to comprehend and not rush through take my time to feel the words written . Alisa you really hit home . Thank you for the eye opener to continue to trust god the journey is never easy but when you trust god with everything you are you can not fold .
Thanks, Alisa. Needed to read this today! My main frustration is that I’m a want to see the big picture kind of person and God doesn’t always lay it all out. I like to plan. I try making plans and they don’t happen or God will only give me a step or two ahead. Like you said, we need to lay down our plans. It boils down to trusting Him. Oh, wait, that’s my OneWord this year. Trust. Go figure. 😉
I’m the same way, Kelly!! I want to know the whole process, exactly the way it’s going to work out. But God keeps reminding me that doesn’t take faith. Learning to trust in Him and lay down my plans as well. Praying that God keeps showing us the next steps!! Have a wonderful weekend.
Love this post, Alisa! I never thought about separating identity from purpose, but that is so important!
This is such a great post. I have also found that as soon as I am willing to let go of my own plans, the Lord makes way for a better one. I also really appreciate how you expressed the idea of identity and purpose being different. Our identity as children of God does not waver or change with the seasons of life as can what we are called to do in each season. Thank you for this!
I think that has been the biggest aha moment for me, Marielle. My identity is rooted in Christ, not in what He calls me to do. Everything that furthers His kingdom is important!
I find myself struggling with what God has for me to do for Him in my life, and when I look up and allow Him to pull me from the mire of self pity, I realize that the purpose He has for me is to honor and worship Him with my life, teaching and telling others, everyone, about Him and what Jesus did for us all on the cross. To God be the glory! I am visiting you today from Testimony Tuesday link up
That’s awesome, Jennifer! I always found myself in that same place of looking for my purpose in what I do. That always brought me to frustration. When I finally looked up instead of in, I found my purpose for the season I was in. Thanks for reading today!
Fantastic post! I agree that letting go of our plans is so difficult but essential if we want to walk in a greater purpose. Once we know that purpose however, the wait is well worth it. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Penny! You’re right the wait is always worth it. Have a great week!
Alisa,I love this! And I can just imagine God shaking his head at me doing the same thing you did … running around trying to find others who will validate my opinion. I’m sharing this with all my purpose-seeking friends. Thank you!
Alisa! I love this post, and yes to separating our “who” from our “do.” I also tend to take on my do behind my name: Betsy-WriterMom. You have some great wisdom here!
Blessed and blessed through your words today. Thank you. I have a similar story that God is using to move me from “position to purpose.” Thanks for your encouragement.
Thank you, Cathy! I love when God confirms His word to us through other people! Have a blessed day!
Letting go of MY plans is the hard part, but learning to live with open hands to release and also to receive what God has is much more fulfilling than what I could create myself. Great thoughts! Thank you! <3
Thank you for the encouragement! I struggle with clarity in finding my purpose and this is much needed wisdom to my soul!
Thank you so much for this post. I am in a season where carrying out my purpose is about to change. I am scared, unsure, and tired of the waiting. Thi post so encouraged my heart at this season of my life. Thank you so much. I’m so glad I found you on Facebook. I love how God connects His people!
Transition seasons can be difficult! The waiting and uncertainty can drive us to move forward, rather than wait patiently on the Father’s guidance. But there’s so much that takes place in the waiting! Im praying that during this time, He would speak to your heart and give you the next steps in your journey! I’m grateful to have you visit today, Erika!
Thank you for your transparency, Alisa. It is so hard to let go of something we’ve built for a very long time, so that God can lead us to a new calling and endeavor. My hubby and I are in that stage right now and as excited as we are to go wherever God leads, it’s equally daunting to let go of what is comfortable and familiar. So your words are an encouragement to me! I’ll be pinning this great post!
Alisa, thank you for sharing this great post. I was just having this conversation with my husband a few days ago. We allow our purpose to define who we are and we can get lost in that. I see my husband’s struggle in this area and I was so encouraged by your post. I had the privilege of sharing your post with him. Thank you so much for this!
Uber loved this! God has been really guiding me through my purpose, so this is super timely!
Great reminders on purpose today lady! I think so many seasons of our life have us evaluating our God-given talents and reason for existence. My heart needed this reminder today too! 🙂
Love this post! Thank you for sharing, Alisa.
This is a very timely read for me as I have just stepped out of almost everything that I have been doing for a very long time.
I am excited to see what God reveals in the waiting!
It sure seems like God’s favorite word is WAIT. And there sure is a lot of growth we do while we wait. Thanks for encouragement in this area.