If there was one thing you could do with your life, what would that one thing be? What is the risk of going through life without knowing your purpose and calling? Is your current life all that God had in mind when He created you? Surveys tell us that tens of millions of people, nearly half of all adults, admit they are still seeking to understand the meaning and ultimate purpose of their lives.
In Chapter 1 of the Blueprint for Life curriculum, "The Meaning of Life” states, “When it comes to determining your purpose in life, there are several clear signals you can consult as you seek God’s plan for your life...":
1. Passion
What makes you passionate? Are there certain things that seem to bring fulfillment, or awaken your ambitions? If money were no object, where would you choose to focus your time and energy? These can be important clues as to where you apply yourself.
2. Giftedness
What special gifts or skills are you equipped with? Is there anything that comes effortlessly for you while others struggle to keep pace? Sometimes God gives us special talents so that we can perform certain skills that support His master plan.
3. Resources
What resources or possessions do you have that can be leveraged? Do you have money, a position of influence, an education, or key relationships that might be useful? God has given you access to resources that will play an important role in unfolding His plan for your life.
4. Opportunities
What opportunities are looming on the horizon? Have new doors opened? Have old ones closed? Might these be an indication of where God is taking you next? God will often use our circumstances to open doors in our life, or to close them.
5. Your Past
How has God used you in the past? Did it seem like His hand was on your efforts? Which ones were successful? You may already be doing what God wants you to do. And even if you aren’t, God almost always gives us a track record that leads logically toward the areas where He will use us in the future. One of the best indicators of the future is often the past.
6. Key Environments
Are there certain environments in which you tend to thrive? Are there particular people or personality types that enhance your productivity? Sometimes our preferred environments can lead us toward God’s plan for our lives.
7. God’s Word
There is no place where God has spoken more directly to the issues in our lives than in Scripture. This is the cornerstone of our search for our purpose. In addition to the obvious dos and don’ts, there are many principles that suggest how life is supposed to work. The more you know and apply Scripture, the easier it will be to discern God’s will.
8. Wise Counsel
If you were to ask the wise counsel in your life, what would they suggest you do? Preferably, you should ask people you trust, people who have already been where you aspire to go, and people who have nothing to gain or lose by your decision. If God is leading you toward something, He will often confirm it through the suggestions of others you trust.
So, what is the risk of going through life without knowing your purpose and calling? If there was one thing you could do with your life, what would that one thing be? What hangs in the balance if you live your entire life and never discover God’s will for your life?
