On Facebook, I’m bombarded with statuses that say, “Don’t reach for the sky, aim for the stars” and “Never regret your past because your future is much brighter.” As I live on this earth, each day I hope that my day is better and brighter than the day before. However, as the day begins to wind down and as I reflect on what happened, I realize that my day’s activity wasn’t much different than the day before, week before, or even month before. I want to live my life to the fullest, but in reality my life is mundane, repetitious, and dare I say, boring.
What is this bright future that people are always conveying on their Facebook statuses? Why don’t I have a clue what my future holds or know my God-given purpose? Why do I feel as though life is passing me by? Like me, many people ask these same questions. Why was I born and what do I have to offer?
(Rom 8:28, NIV) tells us that, “…in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Purpose, Purpose, Purpose, here is that word again! I know you’re asking, I love the Lord, and I’m willing to do God’s purpose so why aren’t I moving forward? While everyone’s purpose is different, the way we can find our sole mission in life is universal. Together we will explore, in the wisest book in the Bible, Proverbs, four ways to revealing one’s purpose.
- Pray – (Pro 4:7, NIV) ― “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
Prayer is the number one key to unlocking your destiny. Ask God to open your eyes and ears to help follow his leading. God is faithful to answer all prayers when we ask. Remember to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all these things (your dreams) will be given to you as well.
- Write – (Pro 7:3, NIV) ― “…write them on the tablets of your heart.”
Get a tablet and a pen and find a place free from all disturbances, clear your mind, and honestly write in your journal what makes you tick. What makes you happy, upset, nonchalant, excited and grown with disgust? Also, write down what you love to do in your pastime. In fact, writing things down will ignite your creative juices and may reveal your underlying passion.
- Talk to people – (Pro 12:15, NIV) ― “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
Ask people who know your true character, not your façade, what they think your strengths and weaknesses are. This information will help you narrow down the path you should follow and ought to avoid. Moreover, the information can help you understand your temperament and see how others (who love you), view you.
- Get connected – (Pro 18:16, NIV) ― “A gift opens the way for the giver and usher him into the presence of the great.”
Join a church, a ministry, and volunteer in areas in which you find interesting. As you work in your interest, God will open doors to other opportunities. Plus, being connected to others keeps you accountable to fulfilling your goals in life.
Prayer for you: Dear Lord, I come before you and I thank you for all you have done in our lives. I thank you that you are faithful to answer us when we ask for help. We come before You now, submitting our lives totally to You. Lord, lead us in the directions that you want us to go. Lord, we want to do Your will and we forsake our own. We love and adore You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Lenesha L. Shack lives in Upper Marlboro, MD. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling. Currently, she is pursuing a second Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from The Catholic University of America.
