The topic of purpose can be consuming as most of us spend our lives trying to discover and live out our purpose. We all have a natural longing to live fulfilled, leave an impact, and to “make our mark” on the world with the limited time we have. As a result, we can quickly and easily fall into patterns of striving to establish our own plan and stick with it to accomplish our goals. We feel most safe when we feel in control of our purpose, but the truth is we will only be fulfilled when we exchange our plan for His plan. 

The word is full of promises about purpose, but these promises require complete surrender. They require that we live in awareness that He is in control and has the ultimate authority over our lives and our purpose. We have to trust that what He has in store for us will be far greater than any dream or desire we have in mind because He created us and He sees the full picture when we have a limited view. 

Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE + A FUTURE.”

Isn’t that a relief? He knows His plans for us and His plans are good. They are to prosper us, not to harm or disappoint us. That doesn’t mean it always looks or feels good, or even that we will always understand what He is doing, but that He is always with us and for us. His goodness is not based on what we see or feel, but who He is. Since He can be nothing less than good, any and every plan He establishes can be nothing less than good. 

Our confidence can be placed in the promise that His way leads to a hopeful future for His people, even when it feels uncertain at times. We don’t have to live fearful, overwhelmed, or discouraged about our purpose because He assures us that He will direct us and protect us every step of the way as He uses us for His glory. He follows through with every word He speaks. Spending our lives trying to make and live out our own plans will leave us empty and disappointed. If we lay down our plan to His way which ultimately prevails, we will be satisfied. 

Proverbs 16:9 says, “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.”

Our ultimate purpose is to know Him and to fulfill His plan for us. When we walk along the path that He establishes, we leave an impact far greater than our own plan would have ever allowed. It will far outlive our days on this earth. As citizens of Heaven, we are a part of something far greater than ourselves. We were created to grow the Kingdom during our time on earth. Through His truth and His spirit, He strengthens and empowers us to do what He has called us to do as we use the gifts He has given us.

I think we have to understand that purpose is really less about the what and more about the why. Don’t get caught up in comparison when it comes to purpose, focus on continually growing in relationship with your Creator and using what He has given you to advance His plan. He will guide you in what to do as long as you commit to living for Him. He is perfect in all of His ways and He made us each uniquely for the advancement of His Kingdom. That is a gift, not something to be distracted, defeated, or discouraged by.

You are loved, chosen, and full of purpose, friend. You carry the hope of the world within you. Use this one life you have been given to know Him, to be who He has called you to be and to do what He has called you to do, but ALWAYS for His glory. 

Happy May!

For Deeper Study:

Here are some questions and/or journal prompts on the topic of purpose:

-Am I using what God has given me for His glory? 

-Does the life I am living reflect the plans I have made or am I surrendered to the plans He has for my life? Am I striving or surrendered? 

-What is one simple step of obedience I can take in moving forward in the purpose God has for me to grow His Kingdom? 

 Key Verses:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE + A FUTURE.” Jeremiah 29:11

“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9 

Verse of the Month Details: 

This month’s bundle includes a comfort colors tee with "Hope + a Future" on the front and Jeremiah 29:11 on the back, Purpose necklace from our spoken collection, + a Jesus loves you sticker.