Journal | Finding Your Purpose

The cold winter months following Christmas have always been the most challenging time of the year for me. It seems that there is not much to look forward to until we get into spring. Although I still have my regular responsibilities at work and at home, I miss having an exciting goal to work toward.

Experiencing a loss of purpose can also be felt on a grander scale. Before I went back to school, I struggled to discover my purpose in life. When that lost feeling descended on me, I knew I could turn to Scripture. Reading God’s Word can help provide confidence that we do have a purpose, regardless of our situation in life. In Philippians 1:21–22, Paul says, “To live is Christ . . . this will mean fruitful labor for me.”

Paul is explaining that, no matter our situation in life, we are called to Christ. Jesus has given us a specific purpose for our lives, and all we need to do is listen. Here are a few suggestions on keeping this higher purpose on your heart and mind:

• First, take time to pray. Even if you feel like you don’t know how, that’s okay! The Holy Spirit promises to be with the believer, to help us when we feel weak (Romans 8:26–27). When we have no words, the Spirit interprets for us, and His intercessions always match God’s will for us. I always feel more at peace when I spend time with God in prayer. 
• Second, look at your God-given gifts. God has a calling for every believer (1 Peter 4:10) and He has given us gifts to help achieve that purpose. We are each uniquely talented, and we all have something we can bring to the world. 
• Third, look to see how you can help those around you. God’s gifts are not for your own gain; we are intended to use them to serve those around us. As Paul says in Philippians 2:3–4, “In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” We all have an opportunity to serve each other, so when in doubt, see if you can help someone out! 

Although there are still days where I struggle to see it, I know God has given all of us a purpose in our lives that we can pursue joyfully. As we move through this winter season, even if you experience some feelings of being lost, know that God will always call you to where you need to be.

In closing, as Paul said in Ephesians 1:18–19, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” 

BY Daniel Hugar

Daniel Hugar is a second-year student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Moody Theological Seminary. Although he is currently a medical device engineer, he has felt God call him to pursue a career as a counselor. He is looking forward to using his skills to help those in need of mental healthcare and support.