How to Live a Life of Purpose

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” Jeremiah 29:11.

I want a life filled with meaning.

We all do. We all want to be great, with spiritual wisdom and direction. We want to be able to express our gifts and talents in God’s service. So how do we do it?

I was a very demanding determined child. I wanted to be entertained 24/7. I loved playing with my dolls and stuffed animals, coloring pictures, or torturing my little brother. (Grin!) You could often find me playing board games or cards, riding my bike, or reading books. But I almost always could be found expressing myself through music: practicing piano or standing on the hearth, singing and dancing my heart out. Even at the earliest age, God was developing in me a strength He would later use in my ministry.

Around eight years old I fell in love with the written word. Do y’all remember The Babysitters Club and Nancy Drew? I devoured those series as soon as I got my hands on them. One of my favorite pastimes was going to the library or a used bookstore with my Mom. I LOVED the smell. (You bibliophiles know what I’m talking about!) Even those moments, as silly or small as they may be, were God’s way of preparing me to be a writer and speaker. Writers are first good readers. You can check out my Book List page for more recommended reading.

What about you? What are your interests? Do you find that God began developing them in you at early age, too? God’s purpose for your life is found in the passions and dreams He gave you. It is there we find the fullness of joy by giving our time and energy to the things we love. Things He planned for us from the beginning.

Write down your gifts and talents. Then meditate on ways you can perform them to God’s glory in your daily life.

*In the comments, tell me how you use your talents to God’s glory!