RECOGNIZING YOUR PURPOSE FOR LIVING
-by Dr. John Tetsola

For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
Ephesians 2:10 AMP

Nothing in life can take the place of knowing your purpose. If you don’t try to discover your purpose, you are likely to spend your life doing the wrong things. I believe that God created every person for a purpose. Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life. Everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can life be repeated.

In recognizing our purpose for living, everyone’s task is as unique as his specific opportunity to implement it. In other words, each of us has a purpose for which we were created, and in order to carry out that purpose, we must first be able to identify it, and then follow the paths that lead to its ongoing discovery. Our responsibility and joy is to recognize and identify our purpose for living. No wonder the Psalmist wrote, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Ps. 90.12). Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you identify your purpose.

• FIRST, for what am I searching? All of us have a strong desire set in our hearts, something that speaks to our deepest thoughts and feelings; something that sets our soul on fire.

• SECOND, why was I created? Think about the unique mix of abilities you have, the resources available to you, your own personal history, and the opportunities around you.

• THIRD, do I believe in my potential? No one can consistently act in a manner inconsistent with the way he sees himself.

• FOURTH, when do I start? The answer to that question is “now.”