Once we understand that God “saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (2 Tim. 1:9) and really believe that we are “the called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28), the next logical question is, How do I know God’s purpose for me? Let’s answer that question today.

How Do I Know God’s Purpose For Me?

God Reveals His Purpose

Since it is God’s purpose, not ours, God is the one who knows it. He alone can reveal to us His specific intention and calling for our lives. As we seek and serve Him, God lets us know the work and assignment He has in mind for us. There are many examples of this in scripture:

• The LORD said to Moses at the burning bush, “Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt” (Exo. 3:10).
• He told Gideon as he hid from the enemy, “The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour… Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?” (Jdg. 6:12, 14).
• God said to Ananias regarding Saul (who was later known as Paul), “He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15).
• Before Samson was born, the angel of the LORD told his mother, “For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines” (Judges 13:5).
• Hezekiah told the Levites, “My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense” (2 Chr. 29:11).
• Jesus told Peter and Andrew, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:18-19). Later He told Peter to “Feed my sheep” (John 21:16-17).

If we stay in a position to hear from Him, God has a way of making sure when it’s time we know what He requires, purposed, and is calling us to do next.

Whatever Your Hand Finds To Do

If God has not yet given a specific word or shared His purpose, we should be busy diligently doing what is in front of us to do. In our homes and families, churches and communities, jobs and schools, we should be obeying His Word and doing our best as unto the Lord. For the scripture says,

Real-Life Example: David

David is a great example of this (1 Sam. 16:1-13). He faithfully kept the sheep, even fighting off a lion and a bear (1 Sam. 17:34) in order to do his job well. When God sent Samuel to Jesse’s house to anoint the king, David was overlooked and left in the fields. No matter who forgot him, though, God had already chosen him to be king.

After all of the other seven brothers passed before Samuel, Jesse said, “There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep” (1 Sam. 16:11). Once Samuel saw him, the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him: for this is he” (1 Sam. 16:12). The Bible records, “Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward” (1 Sam. 16:13). He kept the sheep and did his part with his might, until it was time to do His next assignment.

Conclusion

As we are faithful where we are, God, in His own timing and wisdom, will reveal more, show us our part, exhibit gifts He put in us, or give us the next thing to do so we can accomplish His purpose for our lives.

Do you know God’s purpose for you? How did you find out? If you don’t know, what are you going to put your hand to do now? Share your comments below!