There are numerous transitions we all make in one lifetime, Lord willing. However, each step is not the same for everyone. Here are a few transitions I have experienced in my life:
- The transition to becoming an adult and being responsible for myself.
- Getting married and having a family, raising three children.
- Writing and establishing a career.
- Now, I am watching my three children become young adults and move into that phase of their lives.
Lord willing, I will have several more new roles and experiences. What I have found with each new season of life is the struggle to find the purpose for that season. I am always wondering what God wants me to do with my life. No matter what progress I make, there is always this nagging question in the back of my mind: “Am I doing enough?”
It is perfectly normal to want to find purpose in this life. It is difficult, though, when we go from one season to the next, and our purpose seems to shift and change, too. If you are feeling lost, here are a few reasons to use prayer to find purpose in life.
Why We Struggle To Find A Purpose
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says Yahweh, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11 (WEB)
Self-doubt, fear, and uncertainty can cloud your sense of direction. You may find security in the previous season and be resistant to moving into the next season of life. This is due to fear of the unknown and requires a new level of surrender.
If you have ever put your teen child into a car to learn how to drive or finally drive off on their own, then you know this takes a new level of surrender to God. You have to let go for them to be able to grow into the person God created them to be. Independence is important. As much as you love your kids, you know you won’t be here forever to care for them.
Let Go And Find Your Purpose
Letting go and moving into a new season are the same. You need to put your old life in the car and let it drive away. The only way to do this is to overcome everything holding you back, including fear, self-doubt, and uncertainty about what comes next.
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10 (WEB)
Sometimes, you can hold onto one season longer than you should. This creates a tree that is blooming out of season and not producing any fruit. While fear, doubt, and uncertainty can hold you back from moving forward, so can the distractions of life. These distractions can be anything from social media to dwelling on the past or even living offended.
Maybe you already know your purpose in life, but you are spending your time on something else from your past or something that is out of season in your life. A new season with a new purpose requires new wineskins. New wineskins mean new capacity, the ability to hold the new wine, or a new purpose. It is essential to take the steps you need to take to increase your capacity for your new purpose in the new season.
Prayer Is The Pathway To Purpose
Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6 (WEB)
Using prayer to define your values and boundaries will help you take the next step in discovering your purpose. It is an opportunity to move past the doubts, pain, and roadblocks in your way.
Prayer Can Help You Stay Aligned With Your Purpose
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28 (WEB)
When you pray, you become more sensitive to the promptings of The Holy Spirit.
The promptings can look like this:
- An idea that comes to mind.
- A solution to a problem.
- A clear “NO” or “YES” in your Spirit.
- A scripture that plops into your mind.
This is not an exhaustive list of how The Holy Spirit speaks to you and provides wisdom.
I do also have a few warnings, too:
- Don’t rush into anything, especially if you are unsure.
- Any thought or idea beyond your capabilities or capacity right now might be a goal for the future, not something you should pursue right now.
- There is a difference between being wise and cautious vs. procrastinating and disobedience.
Praying and trusting God to reveal your purpose requires waiting with a good attitude and always acknowledging how He has already moved in your life. If you do not practice gratitude or patience in this new season of looking for purpose, you will struggle with the emotions that will rise up. This is when the enemy will try to get you to believe a lie so he can draw you away from God’s purpose in your life.
Ask God what you should do while waiting, and He will give you the wisdom you need.
Move Forward In Faith: Here Is A Prayer To Help You Find Purpose In Your Life
A man’s steps are established by Yahweh. He delights in his way. Though he stumble, he shall not fall, for Yahweh holds him up with his hand. – Psalm 37:23-24 (WEB)
Dear God, You are the One who will direct me toward a life of holiness and purpose because You are holy and full of purpose. You make all things new and bring healing to the dead areas of my life. The seeds You have planted in my heart and mind for my future are not there by mistake. Lord, please forgive me for doubting You, living in fear, being disobedient, and letting the uncertainty of my life direct my steps instead of my faith in You.
I have been impatient and made mistakes while living out Your purpose. I have moved too fast or not fast enough, have given up, and have failed so many times. But I still believe You have a beautiful purpose for my life, even if it looks differently than I had hoped or wanted. Lord, please open my eyes to where I need to go next. Establish my steps and help me humbly follow The Holy Spirit’s promptings. Hold me up and keep me and my family safe. Thank you for always shining a light into the darkness of my life, where I feel like my purpose has faded into the pit of nothingness. I am so grateful that even in the pain and the trials, all things have a purpose when walking with You, even if I can’t see it. Please continue to open my eyes to this truth, and I ask that You continue to unfold the purpose of everything in its time. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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