The True Price of Living a Purposeful Life

On an overseas speaking engagement several years ago, I walked through a cemetery in Great Britain with my family, reflecting on the lives of those long gone. My daughter’s comment, “I sure hope so because it would be sad to live your life and never know what you were made to do,” led us to ponder the tragedy of an undiscovered life purpose.

In my two decades of public speaking, one question recurs: How do I discover my life purpose? Everyone knows their birth date, but many don't know their reason for being. I found mine at 21 after a failed suicide attempt when I discovered what it meant to have a relationship with Christ. This understanding gave my life meaning, drive, and fulfillment. Knowing your purpose does the same for countless others.

Surrender

Psalms 37:5 says to delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Your inner desires, motivations, and struggles can guide you, but they often remain hidden until you fully surrender to God. While some desires may mislead, complete surrender aligns our desires with God’s plan. I planned to be a businessman but found a new calling in preaching after surrendering to Christ.

Permission

Proverbs 16:3 tells us to commit our actions to the Lord, and He will establish our plans. Surrendering control is challenging but necessary to discover our true calling. It requires trust, submission, and possibly a difficult transition. Fulfillment follows obedience, and God provides peace when we align with His will. Many people hesitate to leave their comfort zones, but it’s better to be in God's will than stuck in a rut.

Years ago, I left ministry for a Fortune 500 company and was miserable. Returning to ministry was hard, especially with a family to support, but God provided. He always does for those who allow Him to rearrange their lives.

Pursuit

God rarely provides immediate, clear directions. Matthew 6:33 promises that if we seek His kingdom first, everything else will follow. Dedication to pursuing Jesus reveals His purpose for us. God speaks through various means, but primarily through Scripture. Studying the Bible is crucial to discerning our path.

Living out God's will starts with a deep relationship with Him. He may need to prepare us before revealing our purpose. God designed you for unique feats and wants you to know your purpose more than you do. But you must be willing to pursue it.

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for more inspiring content.