We all have a longing in our hearts to know we have a purpose – that our life matters. We often look for that purpose in the approval of others, in what we do well and in ways that we can make a difference. If you grew up with a lot of negative feedback, feeling insignificant or that you really didn’t have anything to contribute it can be a real blow to your self-esteem and self-confidence. It can be difficult to see the gifts you do have.
For a long time, I saw my purpose from a place of simply surviving. I wanted security and stability, so my whole focus was on working, finding a good-paying career and being self-sufficient. I later realized that having started from a place of mistaken identity, I misplaced my purpose by basing it on what the world seemed to tell me instead of how God designed me. I find it interesting that there are even people who seem to have achieved success struggle with finding their purpose – the area that really lights them up and brings them joy.
In Genesis 1:26, God gave all of us a mandate to “fill the earth and subdue it.” From the very beginning, He wanted us to take what He created and build upon it – to build cities, industries, create art and music, to develop communities and provide services, and so on. No one is excluded from this command. In fact, Romans 12:4-5 tells us “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” We each have a unique part to play, which is why comparing ourselves to others is often misleading. We can learn from one another, but we need to seek God first to discover the unique plan He has designed for us.
Studying the Bible has taught me that God created every one of us with one primary purpose – to enjoy a loving relationship with Him and bring Him glory with the way we live our lives. When we make our relationship with God our first priority, He reveals the plans and purposes He has for us a little at a time. Sometimes He shows up in something we accomplish, then He may bring people or resources across our path to help us develop. Our job is to continue to seek Him, ask Him for direction and take steps of faith in the direction we sense He is leading.
But be assured, you are God’s “workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV). In other words, you matter to God and God has a purpose for you!