It can take many years of exploration, experimentation and intentionality to discover your purpose and what your divine purpose could be. No matter where you are or where you're coming from, discovering your purpose and finding your place in the world, is a constant desire and longing we all have. There is a space deep in our hearts, God has placed purposefully, for you and I to acknowledge and respond to as it's filled with purpose, promises and positioning . When we discover our true purpose, we not only get to experience personal joy but we get to experience what our purpose and call bring to this world in a positive and impactful way.
I know what it's like to be on a journey of discovering your purpose. I've found myself working in fields I didn't enjoy; doing work I didn't love and saying "yes" to things that didn't connect to who I was authentically. In the midst of my personal searching, I spent countless times in the presence of God, asking and seeking my purpose and where he equipped me to be. The greatest part of my journey, despite how long it felt it took, God pointed me time and time again, back to the person I already was and what I already gravitated towards naturally. To help you along your journey of discovering your purpose , here are the top 5 steps I use to encourage my coaching clients when helping them find their purpose and God's direction for their life.
1. Reflect on Your Passions and Gifts
This is one of the easiest things to do when discovering your purpose. Grab a journal or a notepad, a pen and find a relaxing spot that allows you to think. Write down as many things as you can that bring absolute joy and excitement to your heart. Don't let that pen drop until you've come up with at least 10 things no matter how big or small they may feel or be! Don't be shy here. Allow yourself to soar, dream, think and write down whatever comes to mind. For some, this part may take time as fear, doubt and confusion may enter in. This will pass the more you write as the excitement and joy will begin to flow through you momentarily. I encourage you to allow yourself to sit for at least 10 minutes even if you feel uncomfortable. Give yourself permission to let go in this journey of discovering your purpose. It's going to be incredible!
2. Seek Guidance through Prayer and Meditation
I heard someone say that there's a big difference between praying and meditating. Praying is the intentional act of talking to God while meditation is the intentional act of listening to God. Many of us think that simply praying to God is a sufficient form of communication with him but, like any loving and intentional relationship in our lives, active listening is an essential part in growing closer. When we pray to our One, true God, we are praying to someone who knows us well and knows exactly what we need to press forward. He is the one who placed purpose in us and discovering our purpose, is connected to him. In this journey of discovering your purpose, I encourage you to take at least 5 minutes to carefully listen and write down everything you hear even if you aren't sure if it's God. He will direct your steps and, what is from him, will be clearer in many confirming ways. Pay attention to the clarity and peace of God here as he remains clear, calm and without confusion.
The Bible is such an incredible place to get wisdom, insight, truth as you take time to discover your purpose. It holds this never-ending examples of what aligning ourselves with the heart and purpose of Christ, looks like. Each recorded book displays great faith through unlikely people, (people that aren't perfect yet perfectly loved by God). Discovering your purpose can be found in scripture and can be found in the lives that walked before you. As you read, pay close attention to their faith, their situations, their giants, their opposition and their victories. Like you and I, they were called to something great! They weren't called to sit on the sidelines, procrastinate or shrink back. They were called to change the world around them whether big or small in capacity. There is no question if God has called you- you know there is more for you and I believe it will remain in your heart until it is fulfilled. You are called, you are equipped, you are meant to authentically show up where God is calling you despite the failures or defeats you've faced in the past. Read, search, ask and repeat- it will all come together.
This may sound intimidating if you aren't comfortable with asking others to tell you about what they see in you. I've been there and I've tried skipping this part myself plenty of times but, it's crucial and it's life-changing as I believe it breaks fear of judgment in the simplest way. As you courageously take this step into discovering your purpose, I want to encourage you to purposefully step out even afraid, and ask as many people as possible that you trust. I challenge you to list three people ( friends, family, counselors or others ) who know you well, want the best for you and happen to be encouragers who are like-minded and see your potential. When you list them, be brave enough to ask them these questions: What am I good at? What do you see I do easily? What do you think I'm passionate about? What do I do exceptionally well? You may be surprised by their responses or you may find that it connects perfectly well with what's already in your heart. Discovering your purpose can be found in others observations of you and it's an incredible thing to hear what they have to say!
5. Take Action with Faith and Courage
Oh how much I love to say this to my clients and others I talk to that know what they are meant to do but find themselves stagnant, afraid and worried. Here's the thing; No matter how much you know about yourself and how much others tell you, you will not see the harvest you are meant to experience if you do not put action to what it is you are called to do. God simply can't move a parked car- meaning, he can't move you if you are making any actionable steps forward. God will be faithful and do his part for you but you have to do your part as well. This step is incredibly important as your confirmation increases the more you seek and move forward. I encourage you to experiment with action steps to see if you truly are standing in what you are called to do. For example, If you feel you are called to work with kids, find places that allow you to work with kids and see if you're heart fills up; If you think you are called to be a chef, enroll in cooking classes and see if you can't help but take another class or, If you believe you are meant to start a business, research the business you want to create, visit a like-minded establishment and see what God shows you. These may not seem like huge steps but they are in fact, putting you in action mode or motion mode- you are no longer just a parked car! You are walking into new territory.
I pray this has blessed you and this helps you reach your next steps in discovering your purpose. It may not come to you easily and it may take you a few times around but it's worth it- you are worth it! I am here to walk with you and support you in your journey to discovering your purpose. If you are looking for more resources here, coaching and support, take a look around on my blog and download my free worksheet "Divine Purpose Discovery Calling in 5 Steps". It walks you through the 5 steps in a one-page format and helps you get clear on discovering your purpose.
Praying for you, agreeing with you and always here to remind you that you are Painted On Purpose!
Your coach and friend,
Zenobia
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