What is my purpose?
Growing up in a generation that learned “the sky’s the limit”, had its drawbacks. It made all the possibilities endless, which inevitably left many of us feeling overwhelmed.
As a recovering perfectionist, I felt immense pressure to make the best choice, the perfect choice actually.
What should I study?
Where should I go to college?
Whom should I marry?
How many kids should I have?
Should I work outside the home?
Should I homeschool, or choose a private or public school for my children?
What’s the best choice?!?!
All of this narrows down to a burdensome, debilitating feeling from a question that can be difficult to know an answer …
What is God’s will for my life?
And it is here that we can find ourselves stuck, afraid to make a decision or move forward until we know beyond a shadow of a doubt what we are SUPPOSED to do.
Not wanting to miss our purpose, not knowing our calling, can leave us stagnant, waiting for a “burning bush” (Exodus 3) experience to tell us THE perfect path to take.
Isn’t that what we are after? The God-given specific plan just for us? Knowing 100% of what we are meant to do in life? Me, you, every individual…..we all want to know, NEED to know!
The worst possible thing would be to get it wrong. We don’t want to invest 5-10 years in and realize we picked the wrong school, the wrong job, the “wrong” spouse.
Fast forward with me a few years after getting two degrees in education and then deciding to become a stay-at-home mom for our three children, then 15 years later deciding to work in retail, all the while serving in women’s ministry for the last 25 years. Currently, I am serving in ministry by writing (online and for my church), speaking, teaching, and mentoring.
What a hot mess?! Right?
Which of it was I REALLY supposed to do?
All of it.
How can I know God’s will for my life?
I learned from the best example what I was supposed to do in life, the one thing that unified it all.
John 4:31-34,
Meanwhile his disciples urged him, ‘Rabbi, eat something.’ But he said to them, ‘I have food to eat that you know nothing about.’ Then his disciples said to each other, ‘Could someone have brought him food?’ ‘My food,’ said Jesus, ‘is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.’
Here, Jesus is equating “food” with the relevancy of doing God’s will and completing that task. He deemed it that valuable and necessary.
Was Jesus saying that being a carpenter was God’s will? Or a teacher, a preacher, a Savior or a healer?
Jesus was a “jack of all trades” in a way, so what was He supposed to be doing that would be God’s will for Him? Should He be teaching the crowds on the hillside, or preaching in the synagogue, or casting out demons, or feeding the 5,000, or calming the wind and the waves? Maybe raising the dead? Or redeeming the lost?
All of it.
What I have learned from years of hindsight is that God has a universal plan that is adaptable to whatever we are doing. Whether it is in our schools, careers, communities, or families, Jesus knew there was ONE PURPOSE that covered it all.
How can I make a difference?
When I was teaching kindergarten, my purpose was to MAKE A DIFFERENCE! In the lives of my students, their families, my co-workers, I was to make a difference for the kingdom of God.
When I was a stay-at-home-mom, I was to MAKE A DIFFERENCE! In the lives of my children, their friends, their schools, the people at their extracurricular events, other mothers, I was to make a difference for the kingdom of God!
When I was working retail, my purpose was to MAKE A DIFFERENCE! In the lives of my clients and co-workers, I was to impact them for the good of the kingdom of God!
Whether I am speaking, teaching, writing or mentoring, I am to MAKE A DIFFERENCE! In the lives of those I am in community with in my church or those internationally who read my book/website or through missions, I am to serve them for the glory of Christ!
Whether I was loving and serving those inside my home or outside my community, my purpose, the ONE THING that was God’s personal plan for MY life, was to make a difference. No matter what season of life I was in or my sphere of activity at the time, the one purpose remained consistent.
It happens in countless ways every day, much of it unplanned. Often, it comes down to choosing to show Christ to all you encounter.
It comes down to choosing to show Christ to all you encounter. Share on X
How will I know what to do?
I remember one instance when it was so subtle, I could have easily missed it. Or even ignored it on purpose.
I was coming through the Walmart checkout line feeling kind of “snazzy” (we sometimes feel this way in the south?). And believe me, I recognize the laugh of feeling snazzy at Walmart ??. I don’t even remember if I was working outside the home or not at the time. But I do remember I was wearing my favorite necklace that absolutely went with everything! I loved fashion so this necklace was versatile and just the perfect finishing piece to so many outfits.
The cashier complimented my necklace which is no big deal. I just said “thank you” and thought nothing more. But then she kept talking about it. (Uh oh!) She asked where I bought it and asked if I thought they had any more of them. I began to get that sinking feeling of knowing where this was leading.
I was trying to hurry up and get out of there because I knew what was coming…….the Holy Spirit began to nudge me to give her my necklace.
What did I do with the necklace?
Well, mind you it wasn’t an expensive necklace at all, but it was valuable because it went perfectly with so much of my wardrobe. But I began to think that it was highly unlikely that this cashier would probably go to the store where I had purchased it and if she did, they would have sold out by now. The necklace wasn’t new.
I really didn’t want to lose my favorite piece of jewelry. But what I wanted more was to MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
So I unhooked the necklace and handed it to her saying, “Because of what Jesus has done for me, I want to do this for you.”
She was floored.
I smiled and walked away, knowing I had made a difference for the kingdom of God as I loved her more than myself in that moment.
As I listened to the leading of the Holy Spirit, I knew in that moment what my purpose was.
To this day, I miss that necklace. I have wished for it many times. I wonder if I could make myself do that again, as silly as that sounds. I’ve even questioned if she used that necklace very long.
But that is what the devil would have me ponder so I wouldn’t be willing to “sacrifice” again, in order to make a difference in someone’s life, for the sake of the kingdom.
My purpose, your purpose, is to do the will of Him who sent us here. Additionally, we are to impact this world whether we are teachers, students, cashiers, or doctors. No matter who we have picked to marry or if we are single, no matter how many kids we have, whether we are young or old, living in the city or country, whether we went to school for one thing but we’re doing a different thing, we are called to the purpose of the will and work of God.
One choice at a time, one person at a time, that is our singular, personal purpose each and every day.
So don’t get caught up with all the options in life and what you should do.
Just go MAKE A DIFFERENCE in whatever you do!
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24
I want to share with you a wonderful ministry and resource for helping Jesus followers make a difference! I am partnering with Wholeheartedquiettime.com regarding their awesome endeavor to place a Quiet Time Companion in the hands of believers needing inspiration and organization for their devotional time. This beautiful planner can help you become more strategic with the moments you steward toward maturing your faith. I love the design and construction of this tool as I know you will too!
It has tabs for spiritual goals, Bible reading plans, prayer lists, prayer and praises, sermon notes, and loads of pages for quiet time reflections! It even helps you structure your quiet time each day with Scripture to study, gratitude journal section, prayer response for the day and the takeaway truth to remember. All in all, I think this Quiet Time Companion will be so beneficial and I want to give one away as proof!
Follow them on FaceBook , Instagram or Pinterest to enter to win and then email me (gretchen@gretchenfleming.com) when you have done so! I will enter your name into the drawing to receive this Quiet Time Companion for your very own! One lucky winner will be chosen in one week’s time!
Investing in your own relationship with the Lord is the first and greatest step for being able to make a difference each and every day. Without consistent devotional time, we are unable to share with others from the overflow of what Jesus is doing in and for us.
Here’s to a great new year for following hard after Christ!
bethany mcilrath says
Gretchen I am SO glad I visited your blog today : ) This is so timely and right on for me- thanking the Lord! I love the necklace story- and especially how you say you still miss it. The enemy doesn’t want us to focus on the sacrifice to keep us from taking the next step of obedience. Also- God’s will- all of it. Yes!! I just attended the LIT event Beth Moore hosted and I loved how she (throughout the Entrusted Bible Study as well) emphasized that our calling, what we are entrusted with, is the Gospel and our individual gifting. We won’t just do one thing. We won’t determine at 20 what we’re doing with all our days. You brought that out and testified to the truth beautifully here! Means so much to my heart today. Thank you!!
Gretchen Fleming says
Thank you so much for your encouragement today Bethany! I needed it I must admit. I am so glad it was useful for you and please share it for me:) Blessings my friend!
Rosanna says
I was your neighbor at Women of Intention yesterday and I’m so glad I was! This is exactly what I needed to read today. I’ve been praying to know what my calling was for the last three months and have gotten really frustrated because I haven’t received what I feel is a proper answer. Reading this was a moment of clarity for me. I am to make a difference! I am to show Christ’s love to everyone I meet, in everything that I do. This is so freeing.
Gretchen Fleming says
Rosanna, I am so glad you were served by this post! It encourages me to hear how you feel less burdened by your looming question about your calling. I know how complicated life and faith can become and I get so excited when Jesus shows me His simplicity with which to view my burdens and circumstances. He is freeing indeed:) Bless you friend!
Debbie Kitterman says
Gretchen – I think this message is so important for many to hear. I sure hear a lot of people asking me what is my purpose? What does God have for me. I like how you boiled it down simply to we are here to do the will and work of the one who sent us. Thanks so much for linking up to #TuneInThursday today!
Gretchen Fleming says
My pleasure Debbie! Glad to join you there. I agree that it is a concern or question on many people’s mind.Thanks for stopping by!
Dolly at Soulstops says
Gretchen,
Love how you followed the Holy Spirit’s lead and gave the cashier your necklace 🙂 though it was hard…I’ve always been grateful in the long run when I’ve followed the Spirit’s lead …Great post 🙂
Gretchen Fleming says
You are so right Dolly. Following the lead of the Spirit is the best choice;)
Meagan Needham says
I love how simplified this makes our purpose as Christians. I often struggle with feeling like I’m not doing “big enough” things for the kingdom. Your post has reminded me that God uses us right where we are, in the big moments and the seemingly mundane everyday moments as well.
Gretchen Fleming says
Amen Meagan. The freedom and ease to focus on the present moment and how God directs our faithfulness is life changing! Thanks for stopping by,
Cheryl Gerou says
Visiting from Fresh-Market-Friday. This is such an encouraging post. How beautiful it is that it all comes down to making a difference. You have had so many experiences and opportunities to touch lives with Christ’s love. It is faith-building to have you share this. God is at work through us, He uses it for His glory, He just wants us to be available. May your soul be refreshed as you make a difference for His glory.
Gretchen Fleming says
What an encouraging reply! Thank you Cheryl:)
Tiffany Parry says
It sounds so cliche, but bloom where you’re planted, right? I recently had a conversation with a pastor about my concern that I missed that one BIG thing I was “supposed” to do and what if I said “no” when I was supposed to say “yes.” He asked me who I say God is – sovereign, mighty, holy, loving, just – just to name a few. He said, “Don’t you think that God is big enough to redeem your mistake, if you did make one?” Why yes, yes I think He is. We can spend so much time worrying over what’s coming, that we forget to live right where we are. You reaffirmed that for me today, Gretchen. Thank you. So glad to be your neighbor at #thoughtprovokingthursday.
Gretchen Fleming says
You summed it up well Tiffany! Thanks for sharing that conversation you had with your pastor. Blessings my friend!
Marva | SunSparkleShine says
Gretchen, this is such a beautifully freeing post. I can relate to so much of what you shared and I think I spent much of my life wondering if I missed my calling. Now I’m learning that my calling first and foremost is to know God and make Him known wherever he puts me at any particular moment. Your post really speaks this truth in a beautiful way and I’m happy to include it on my pinterest boards Pursuing Purpose as well as Empowering Women. Plus I’m sharing it on my FB blog page next week. I pray that many other women will find hope here.
Thank you and blessings!
Gretchen Fleming says
What a dear you are Marva to share my post! Thank you friend for doing so and for your encouragement! I’m so glad your were served here today and I value you stopping by;)
debbie wilson says
Gretchen, I love your unifying purpose to make a difference wherever you are. I think that fits in with being His ambassador and representing Him to the world. I love the simplicity that brings!
Gretchen Fleming says
Amen Debbie! I am continually learning His ways are more simple than I first imagine. I am the one who complicates life and faith. ??
Melissa Wentzel Horan says
I’ve often wondered if our interpretation of the call stories in scripture give us an unrealistic unexpectation of how God will reveal our purpose to us. I’m thinking of Isaiah’s vision of hot coal; and the Lord’s patient conversation with Jeremiah. Thank you for sharing your own story and encouraging us all to look for our purpose in our everyday encounters. #graceandtruth
Gretchen Fleming says
My pleasure Melissa and thanks for stopping by!
Dawn Boyer says
Immediate obedience, Gretchen. It is the right thing and often we second guess ourselves every single time. I love that you gave your necklace to her. I think it is our every day encounters that are probably the most pivotal and purposeful meetings. Lately I have been asking the Lord to let me see others through His eyes. Thank you for inspiring us to serve others well.
Blessings,
Dawn
Gretchen Fleming says
Glad you visited Dawn! I also pray to have His eyes to see because it is easy to get caught up in such a temporal, limited perspective. Blessings to you!
Sue Tell says
You know, Gretchen, I think a lot about my purpose; pray about it almost every day. The most encouraging thing for me is that God’s purpose for me is wrapped up in his love … tightly … intertwined. I love both Ephesians 1:5 and Psalm 138:8.
Thank you for writing about that which is so important for us as women!
And thank you too for sharing your necklace example. Especially the part about you still miss it. We are human and it’s encouraging to know those we look up to are human as well.
Bless you my new friend.
Gretchen Fleming says
Thanks so much Sue! I felt silly admitting it but I’m glad it was of use:) Grateful for your visit!
Julie says
Great post! I’ve asked myself these questions so many times. My past is all over the place too, I hope I showed Jesus in each of those places.
The necklace story was a great addition to this post! Lovely sacrifice Gretchen!
#TellHisStory
Gretchen Fleming says
So glad you came by Julie! Yes our seasons can be quite varied can’t they? ?
Aimee Imbeau says
Gretchen…this is such a wonderful post. So often we get stuck in the cycle of ‘did I make the right decision?’ – and it stops us from fulfilling God’s work. And I think that is what our enemy wants! He plants those seeds of doubt. And we certainly help that seed grow when we don’t take those thoughts captive! Thanks for sharing on Grace ad Truth. Whatever we do, we ought to do it for God’s glory.
Gretchen Fleming says
So well said Aimee! Amen to that!
Liz says
OH, wow! Yes, our purpose is quite simple. It’s us that make it so hard usually. And the enemy just lets us wring our hands in frustration trying to make a decision because the longer that goes on, the longer reprieve he gets from using more evasive measures to keep us from loving others. Great job on the necklace. I don’t know if I could have done it. Blessings!
Gretchen Fleming says
Thanks Liz! I wholeheartedly agree, we are the ones who make it difficult. lol Examining how Jesus was obedient to each moment given Him by the Father showed me how that should be my purpose as well. Engage in the moment and trust God to direct our path. Thanks for stopping by!
Ruth @ plantedbylivingwater says
This is the greatest advice on this topic I think I have ever heard! Well said!
Thank you for making a difference in my life today.
May the Lord continue to bless and help you as you daily strive “to make a difference for the kingdom of God.” 🙂
Gretchen Fleming says
Thank you so much Ruth! Your kind words are an encouragement and I am grateful the Lord allowed you to be served here today!
Amy Elaine Martinez says
Oh Gretchen! You made it so simple…next time I’m wondering if I’m doing what I should be doing to fulfill my purpose in the Kingdom, I’m going to come back and read this again….and most likely again, and again. I loved this! Thanks for sharing!
Gretchen Fleming says
My pleasure Amy! Thanks for visiting with me today:) Aren’t we glad knowing our purpose doesn’t have to be so complicated?! Blessings my friend!
Christy Mobley says
This was right on the mark Gretchen. We don’t have to think so hard about our purpose, just listen to the next thing God calls us to do. Even if it means giving up a beloved necklace.