DOES GOD HAVE A PURPOSE FOR MY LIFE?

Whether you realize it or not, God has a unique purpose and plan for your life. It is not random—it is tailor-made just for you. Even before you were born, God prepared a future that no one else can fulfill quite like you can.

Life is filled with decisions – some small, others life changing. Walking in your God-given destiny requires making wise choices that are aligned with His design for your life. Whether you are looking for direction about where to go to school, what job to take, who to marry, or where to live, nothing matters more than knowing His will. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths”. That is direction with a promise!

Unfortunately, people often rush ahead of God; acting on what they assume is His will without confirming it. The Bible gives us wisdom on this in 2 Corinthians 13:1, where it says, “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.” In other words, it is wise to look for multiple confirmations, especially when making major decisions. God is faithful to lead us, but we need to patiently and intentionally seek Him.

You can think of this like a ship heading into a harbor. A wise captain doesn’t focus on just one buoy at a time. Instead, he lines up several buoys and follows the course they indicate until the ship is safely into the harbor. Similarly, God uses multiple “buoys” or indicators to keep us on course throughout our lives. Let’s take a look at some of the ways God leads you into fulfilling your destiny.

God Leads by His Word

The first and most important way God leads us is through His Word. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). The written Word of God is a steady and unchanging foundation we can always trust.

No matter what we feel—or what others say—God will never lead us to do something that is contrary to His Word. That might seem obvious, but many miss it. 1 Corinthians 10:11 reminds us, “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition.” That word admonition literally means “to warn or slap.” The stories and lessons in the Bible should be like a gentle slap in the face that wakes us up to see God’s will more clearly.

Through the years, I’ve met many people who thought God told them to divorce their spouse and marry someone else even though the Bible clearly states that He hates divorce. The Bible also speaks openly against adultery, but several people have told me that God said it was okay in their case. Still others were certain they were following God’s will, but their actions were in direct opposition to scripture. They all fell short of God’s purposes for their lives because they did not accept His Word as their standard. Remember this: God will never lead you to do anything that is contrary to His Word.

God Leads by His Peace

There are many important decisions to be made in life that are not covered by a specific verse. For example, there are no verses that tell us where to go to school or who we should marry. You won’t find scriptures that specify where you should live. In those types of situations, God often leads you by giving you His peace.

Colossians 3:15 says we should let God’s peace rule in our hearts. Just like an umpire, calling a play safe or out, His peace will tell you whether you are “safe” in His will – or “out” of the will of God. When you sincerely seek Him for guidance, He will often lead you by filling you with His supernatural peace. If God does not give you peace, it is unwise to proceed.

In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you…Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” If you ignore His peace—or the lack of it—you will likely regret the decisions you make.

God Leads by Desire

Another way God leads is by placing desires in your heart that align with His Word and purposes. There is a big difference between God’s desires and the cravings of your flesh. Your flesh will try to pull you toward things that sound or feel good but lead to trouble. Romans 7:23 reminds us that the law of sin abides in our flesh; in other words, our bodies are crazy! If you live by what your flesh dictates, you are headed for trouble.

Acts 7:23 says: “Now when he (Moses) was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel.” In all his previous years, Moses never had such a desire. But when it was the right time, God placed it in his heart. Philippians 2:13 in the Translator’s New Testament says, “God Himself is at work in you inspiring you to want those things which please Him and to work for them.” Just like He led Moses into His destiny, God will lead you by placing His desires in your heart.

I remember a time when Jeanie and I were missionaries in Mexico. We loved it there. But while I was sitting in a session at a conference in St. Louis, God suddenly dropped a new desire into my heart to leave the mission field and pastor a church in Michigan. When I walked into that meeting, leaving Mexico was the furthest thing from my mind, but when I left, it was burning inside me.

Maybe you have felt drawn to missions, youth ministry, or simply to encourage a neighbor. Often, those are God-given desires planted into your heart for His purpose. You will be blessed to see what happens as you identify and follow the desires God puts in your heart.

Other Ways God Leads

God also leads through the inner witness of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:16 says, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” When you prayed to receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit assured you of your salvation. You didn’t have to question it; you just “knew” you were saved. The Holy Spirit doesn’t stop at salvation. His inner witness continues to guide you in other areas. Psalm 18:28 says God will “enlighten your darkness.” He often does this by giving you a quiet assurance that could only come from Him.

God sometimes keeps us on track through the inward voice of your spirit, otherwise known as your conscience… Acts 23:1 tells us that Paul lived by his conscience. As the Holy Spirit speaks to your spirit, your conscience will confirm what is right and what is wrong in specific situations.

Another tool God uses is wise counsel. Proverbs 13:20 says, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Thankfully, God places people in your life — pastors, mentors and friends – so, in humility, you can receive sound advice and avoid painful mistakes that slow down your progress.

God also leads by provision. When God leads, He also provides. Philippians 4:19 promises, “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” If the provision isn’t there, it may be a signal to wait or to reconsider your course.

Your Steps are Ordered

The God who designed your destiny also delights in ordering your steps. As Psalm 37:23 declares: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” Be encouraged that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. As you follow His lead and stay close to Him, you will fulfill the destiny He created you for—and it will be better than anything you could have planned for yourself!

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(All scriptures are from the New King James Bible unless otherwise stated)