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!