Most of us are constantly looking for fulfilment... a sense of ownership over our own successes, a sense of pride over our achievement. Do you find yourself wondering what you are put on this earth to do. How do you know what is your destiny? This article highlights some points to get us started on the journey to finding out.
by Joshua Devaratnam
1. What is purpose?
I believe God has a plan for all of us. He has ordained a path and destiny for us. How do I know this? Because it is written in Psalm 139:16 - Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
There is a destiny for all of us which is our purpose. All the days ordained and fashioned for you have already been mapped out. This is your destiny! And your destiny is the purpose God puts you on the earth for.
2. How do you discover your purpose?
I have divided this process of discovering your purpose into three stages
A. EGYPT
The people of God were in slavery in Egypt. God sent Moses to deliver them from Egypt and usher them into the Promised Land.
Many of us have been in a slave mindset due to how we have been trained to think or how the world has shaped us to think.
When we encounter Jesus, we are set free, but though we have been set free our minds may still seek and return to the old ways of doing things.
Before the children of God could enter the Promised Land, they were led into the wilderness so their minds could be renewed and prepared for their destiny.
Remember, we can never enter the Promised Land with the mindset of a slave.
A mindset of a slave is a mindset that is dependent on the world and the resources it has to offer. Even though bound, we don’t mind having a victim mindset because there are resources provided to us and as long as our bills are paid we don’t mind just surviving, just existing through life.
But what if God has more for you? Many are not able to progress from Egypt to their Promised Land (their destiny) because they find security in the world and not in God.
God's way would include supernatural provision, and unmerited favor upon our life. So long as we place our trust and faith in Him, He protects us. This was exactly what God wanted from the children of Israel when He led them into the wilderness. Similarly, The Holy Spirit wants us to break free from our current mindset and be fully dependent on God.
B. WILDERNESS PERIOD
Firstly, do you know who you are in Christ? Because if you don't, then finding your purpose may be difficult or take a long time. See, God's people took 40 years to enter the promised Land because their identity was not firmly rooted in God.
In my opinion, they only knew Him superficially, never intimately as their Father. That is why they could not fully commit their all to Him. God wanted their dependence on Him and that is why He used their time in the wilderness to shape and renew their minds. But they, so fixated on the problems they were facing, never had the conviction that God could lead them into the Promised Land. They liked the idea of a Promised Land but were not willing to fully submit to the authority of God. Similarly, many never find their purpose in life because like God's people, they were stuck in the wilderness period of their lives.
We are meant to graduate and transition from the wilderness period into the Promised Land.
Once you are aware of who you are in Christ, the next step is to discover God's purpose for your life. I struggled a lot to find my purpose. On one hand, people told me I was going to be a pastor, prophet and preacher, so I began nurturing a mindset that when you say you are “called”, it means a full-time ministry. As I sought the Lord deeper, I understood, through the revelations of the Holy Spirit, that we are ALL called into full-time ministry.
The marketplace is as significant as serving God in church. We are the church and we carry the presence of God into the marketplace. We carry the light of Christ into these spheres of influence God has called us into.
In Proverbs 25:2 it says - It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. There will be certain aspects of your life where it will be hidden. From my experience these are aspects that God will want you to seek Him diligently until He reveals it to you. Remember that Revelation awaits its appointed time! (Habakkuk 2:3). So when asking the Lord on what you are called to do, you must diligently ask, seek and knock until you hear from HIm!
I feel many are impatient to wait on the Lord to know what they are called to do so they take the easy way out by giving up!
Here are some of the guiding principles that have helped me discover God's purpose for my life :-
C. PROMISED LAND
1. Do you feel fulfilled at where you are at?
If you are, then chances are you may be where God wants you to be. Also, at times you may not feel like you like your job or business but emotions are rarely a good way of determining whether the path you are on is the right one.
Previously I was at a job that didn't really suit me but God was polishing certain aspects that I use in my business today like administration, accountability, and even character development.
Most often the jobs that we dislike the most, God uses to refine our character so we are able to handle the assignment and calling God has destined for our future.
However, if you are constantly unhappy and unfulfilled at where you are at, seek God and ask Him for clear direction. You will eventually discover whether the place you are at is meant for you.
Psalm 119:105 - The word of God is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path.
2. What are your giftings?
Most often your purpose and calling will be tied to your gifting. For example, mine is in the area of music, speaking and encouraging people. Therefore, naturally God led me into becoming a music teacher and starting my own music school.
The Courage Catalogue was birthed to encourage and, of course, speak on matters with truth in mind. So, delve deep and try determining in which areas your giftings are strong and ask the Lord for direction. He always answers, folks. If He is being silent, Wait. Always wait on the Lord before making major decisions.
3. Do you consider what you do as a ministry?
For example, when I teach a student, I'm always trying to encourage, motivate them to be the best they can be. God has worked in my heart to a point that making money is secondary to me.
Important to note, that money should never be your motivating factor. Snoop Dogg once said never pursue what you love with money as your sole focus. (im paraphrasing this of course). When you pursue something you love with passion and with heart, the money will start coming in.
Are you running your ministry whether in church or the market place with God as your CEO? Are you conducting yourself with integrity, honor, and with the Fear of God?
Remember that you are serving Him in everything you do. When you prioritise God in everything that you do, He will lead you in everything, help you navigate through rough patches and provide the resources and ideas you need to thrive!
4. When you are going through difficulties, do you find yourself giving up easily and quitting?
You may always be changing jobs because you are trying to find fulfillment, or the moment there is a dip in business, you would want to quit, thinking that it's not the right path for you.
I just want to assure you that just because you are pursuing the purpose God has for you, it doesn't mean it is going to be an easy ride. Purpose comes with problems. And problems make us stronger, as the Word of God says. It builds character.
When you are on the right path, God will always be your anchor. No matter what goes wrong, you will be assured through the peace of God that you are on the right path.
James 1:2-4 : My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
5. Are you passionate about what you do?
If you are not, then best you ask the Lord whether you are in the right place. Joy and excitement will not leave you when you do what you are called to do, even if you are earning less or facing challenges.
Remember that God will always provide for you, He knows what you need before you even ask it of Him.
Many people are afraid to pursue what they are called to do because their security is not fully in God but in finances and worldly materials..
So when you seek God first, God will supply your needs. Seek Ye First the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)
I can assure you that it will be a bumpy road. I started out teaching music during the pandemic with only two students. Many doubted me and thought I was crazy doing music during a time when people may have assumed it did not give much earnings. But the opposite happened.
People were free during the pandemic and I got most of my business then.. Clients had free time and some took the opportunity to learn music, so the business thrived. But there have been moments where I've lost business and questioned whether I was on the right path.
Always, God has been my anchor and tells me to keep going. “Let go and let God” has been the theme for me this season.
So, passion for what you do is really important.
If your passion is running out and money is the sole factor you are doing what you are doing, then it's time to realign your heart to what is your priority again.
That said, at times you may be at a place where you do not thoroughly enjoy yourself but you know you have to be there cause God is pruning you. Fear not, there will be Grace for you to complete your time there. That is why it is pivotal that you seek God for every decision that you make, be it big or small.
Stay tuned for part 2 folks! If you have enjoyed this article and it has helped you, please do share this article with someone that needs help to find their purpose!
God bless you!
Joshua Devaratnam THE COURAGE CATALOGUE
Comments