WHAT'S MY PURPOSE?
by claribel santiago

Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her." Luke 1:38

That was Mary's reply to the angel that appeared before her, to reveal God's immediate plan for her life. Though her purpose may have seemed clear, upon further study we realize that even Mary was uncertain of what her service entailed.

What would you have me do Lord?

Have you ever asked yourself this question? Have you been still long enough to listen? Or have you decided to take it upon yourself and plan what God wants you to do? For a believer, our areas of greatest giftedness can also be our areas of greatest weakness. It is a constant struggle to follow Gods will, instead of our own.

Ever met someone operating outside of their giftedness? Not successful or convincing are they? Imagine for a moment, that Billy Graham, our century's greatest Evangelist, decided instead that He would be a singer. There would be a void in the area of ministry where He was called to perform. Could Mr. Graham have made a good singer? Perhaps. One thing is certain, we would have missed out on a great Evangelist, and Mr. Graham would have missed out on the awesome work God has accomplished through his life.

How do I know God's will?

Sometimes we know exactly what God's will is, other times, it's not so clear. A good indication we are outside of His will, is a sense of unrest or lack of peace, in what we are doing; even if what are doing is not necessarily "bad."

In 1996, when I first became a believer, I was on fire for the Lord. I wanted to do so much for Him. I decided I would start a website where I could encourage others and share what the Lord had done in my life, through graphic design, art, and writing. Though I was not certain where to start, without consulting God, I just charged in. Several attempts were unsuccessful and left me unfulfilled. I was disappointed at my efforts, and though I decided to quit, the dream always remained. It wasn't until much later that the Lord would allow me to explore the dream once again.

In 2002, after gaining experience and a better understanding, (not complete, but better) of God's Word, the doors to start that website were opened. Everything fell into place. The skills and concept God gave me for the current web site, are even better then what I had initially conceived!

Where are you Adam?

In Genesis 3:9, while in the Garden of Eden, The LORD God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?" God didn't call out to Adam because He didn't know where Adam was, but because He knew fully well where He was spiritually. Adam had acted outside of God's will. God's calling and prompting, is usually a call into accountability and responsibility. His calling means, He knows where we are spiritually at ALL TIMES.

Today, I realize this website, would not have been as rewarding for me, had I not allowed God to do His work. In hindsight, I understand that I was ill equipped. Yet, having had the vision, God allowed the seed of my dream to remain and sprout forth in due time. God's "No" does not necessarily mean never, it could just mean "Not right now."

Where is He leading you today? Many close friends have shared they are uncertain of their "God given purpose". Not until fairly recent was I able to gauge a response, at least one that is true in my life. As a Christian, I don't believe there is one single purpose, because our purpose changes depending on the need, and our stage in our walk with Christ.

When we study the Scriptures, specifically the book of Acts, we see that aside from operating in their main areas of giftedness, believers were also involved in the world around them. Would this not signal that there is an ongoing and unfolding daily purpose? If we view our lives as a purposeful one, then we will take every opportunity that God gives to us, to work out this purpose.

I recently heard an analogy of a purposeful Christian. The speaker concluded, "we are comparable to a handyman and his tool belt. Just as the handyman pulls out the proper tools for each job, so must we pull out the proper tool for the job before us." Practically speaking, this means that if someone needs food, we ought to feed them, if they need clothes, clothe them, if they need prayer, pray for them. It is part of our purpose filled tool belt, supplied by The Father, "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." 2 Cor. 9:8

Does God really have a purpose for me?

Yes, God has a purpose and we can fully rely on it! We don't have to worry that we are going to just feel around the dark, or that He will forget, or that we will miss it. God's promises do not depend on our ability to accomplish them, but on His power. His Word tells us: "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." Phil. 1:6

Seeking the will of the Father

"...I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me." John 5:30

Whether it is making amends, sharing the Gospel, lending a hand, your time, your money, your space, as believers, our purpose is ongoing and constant. Take every opportunity to grow, share, and learn. If it is encouraging, then encourage, if it is listening then listen, if it is crying with someone, then cry, if it is lending your talents, then lend them. That is our purpose. To serve and love God with all our hearts, our minds, our souls. Listen to what the Spirit is saying and act on it.

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"For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NAS)

Unless otherwise indicated, the New King James version of the Bible was used for reference. NAS = New American Standard.