Find courage and inspiration through these scriptures on purpose. Discover what God has for you in this reflection on faith and calling, and trust His plan for your life.
When God puts a dream on your heart it can be scary. We can immediately start to think of all of the ways we are unqualified to do the work he has given us.
When we find ourselves doubting ourselves and our ability to follow our God-given purpose, meditating on scriptures about purpose can encourage us to step out on faith and trust God’s plan.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
When I was little, my mom made me a white coat that said, Dr. Ashley.
There was something about putting that coat on that just felt, right. My purpose was sealed. I knew that I would work in healthcare.
But that is only one part of my purpose.
I am also called to write.
I love feeling the spirit lead my words to the page and to hear how those words impacted the lives of others. This makes my heart swell, because I have proof that what I am doing is bringing glory to God.
There are times, however, when the immediate feedback isn’t there. There are droughts when it feels like the words aren’t divinely inspired, and the road gets weary. In those times, I question if I am really doing what God called me to do. In those times, I have to see what the bible has to say about purpose.
I wonder if I’m really making a difference.
Ultimately this is something all of us wonder. We want to know if we are doing what we were put on this earth to do. With any question we have, we can always seek God’s word for guidance and encouragement.
This post may contain affiliate links. You can read our entire affiliate disclosure here.
What is the real purpose of life?
Purpose is found in the Old testament 56 times and in the new testament 12 times according to Strong’s concordance. In the old testament its mainly seen as the Hebrew root word machashabah which means “thought, purpose, plan, or invention.” Purpose in the New Testament is translated as the Greek word prothesis which is defined as “intention exposed before God.”
Both of these definitions bring to mind the idea that purpose, specifically speaking about why you were created, was an intention set before God created you, by God. You’re God given purpose is the actualization of this intention. But what exactly does this mean for purpose in life?
Well, finding Gods purpose for your life is quite simple, we just have to look at a few bible verses about living life with purpose. In understanding what the word says we can more accurately get to the point of life. A brief overview of the word of God basically goes like this:
God creates man to fellowship with him. Man falls. God designs and executes a centuries long plan to reconcile humanity back to Him. This plan is finalized with the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Anyone who believes in Jesus and gives their life to him, finds salvation, reconciliation, and ever-lasting life. After this acceptance of this beautiful free gift of life, we should endeavor to share this good news with others.
So there you have it. The brief synopsis of purpose. Fellowship with God, share the good news. Answering the question of WHAT is my purpose is easy, its the HOW that we often have to dig deeper into!
Lessons from Scriptures about purpose
What does the bible say about living with Purpose? Well as mentioned earlier there are over 56 verses about purpose in the bible. From these verses we can gain important truths about stepping out in faith and walking in purpose.
The Lord is so faithful, and he never leaves us to wonder what he expects. He is clear and always speaking, guiding us on the best path for our lives. The following 16 scriptures about purpose will help encourage you to live with purpose.
Lesson #1: You were created by God
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah 1:5
When God created the world, he thought of you. He knew your heart and your dreams. He created you after all. This simple truth is enough to remind us that there has to be purpose if when creating the world God saw need for you in it. Living life with purpose meaning believing wholeheartedly that you are created by God! The following scriptures on purpose are an encouragement that you are a creation of the creator of the universe!
- For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. – Psalm 139:13
- In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will – Ephesians 1:11
- For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:10
God thought of you, from the beginning of time you were on his mind. When you are unsure of your purpose remember first and formost, you are a creation of God!
Lesson #2: You were created to live life with purpose
God created you for a purpose. When he considered the world, his sovereignty saw a place for you to not only thrive but make an impact. He knew the generation you would be born into would need your thoughts, words, and creativity. These scriptures on purpose remind us that we were made with a purpose in mind.
- The Lord of hosts has sworn: “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand, – Isaiah 14:24
- For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11
- Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6
The Lord’s purpose for your life was set from the moment you were thought up in God’s mind.
Lesson #3: You are chosen, so your God-given purpose is secure
Comparison is often the thief of joy and the killer of dreams. Comparison tells us that we are not good enough or we do not match up to the giftings of others. God’s word says that you are chosen and equipped with everything you need to walk in your purpose. Meditate on the following bible verses about purpose as a way to remind yourself that your purpose is secure because God created you with everything you need to do it.
- You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you – John 15:16
- Thus says the Lord who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, Jeshurun whom I have chosen. – Isaiah 44:2
- “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay. – Habukkuk 2:3
- But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. – 1 Peter 2:9
- The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! Psalm 33:11-12
Lesson #4: Your purpose will bear fruit
But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you.
Acts 26:16
When you are sure of the truths that you were created by God and that he created you with purpose, you can be confident in the belief that your purpose will bear fruit. This confidence allows you to step out boldly in your dreams and walk in your god given purpose. Knowing that failure is not an option because with God anything is possible should be enough to help encourage you to press on in your dreams.
- And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
- But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth. – Exodus 9:16
- And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” – Genesis 1:28
- The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. – Deuteronomy 28:12
- Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19
The works of your hands will bear much fruit, and ultimately that fruit will be souls to Jesus. Everything thing you do should point to Jesus, and thus bring more hearts to know the goodness of the Lord!
Lesson #5: Living life with purpose will glorify God
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Proverbs 19:21
In the end, everything that we do should point others to Jesus and be for the glory of the Lord. When you have a dream that seems God sized, knowing that you will only be able to do it in God’s strength should be an encouraging reminder that the true purpose of your dreams will be actualized.
Studying these scripture references on purpose encourage us to dream big and step out on faith. If your dream brings God glory, then your purpose is fulfilled.
- The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. – Proverbs 16:9
- Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. – Proverbs 16:3
- So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31
- “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:14-16
When we walk in our own will or seek only to do good things becuase we think they are what we are supposed to do, our focus is misguided! Our purpose will bring focus to the kingdom of God and god’s will for humanity!
How do I find God’s purpose for my life?
Living life with purpose starts with the belief that you do have purpose. This is a fundamental belief that you have to accept before you can truly begin living the life of purpose that God created you for. After you have accepted this truth, then you can truly begin walking in that purpose. But how? Well it really takes basic steps to live life with purpose.
Be still
The what of purpose is easy, the how is harder. In order to better understand how you will walk out your purpose of fellowshipping with God and spreading he good news, you have to be still and get quiet before the Lord. You have to seek out his voice daily for your next steps. The direction he will give you about the purpose that he has for you isn’t going to be an extensive roadmap. It will instead be a step that you will take alongside him!
Also Read: Top 10 FREE Printable Prayer Journal Ideas
Be mindful
Its also good to note that the how of purpose will not take away the fellowship of God. They are not mutually exclusive, instead they work in line with one another. When living life with purpose we should not get so caught up in the success of the how that we miss the most important part of living with purpose and that is to walk through this life with God.
Be intentional
The choice to live with purpose is an intentional one. It is a declaration that life is not a happenstance thing, but instead well thought out and structured. As a child of the God who planned out the creation of the universe and was intentional about every move he made, it is only right that as his child you would model this behavior.
Being intentional means being deliberate about decisions you make that may negatively impact the what of purpose!
Be present
Living life with purpose means being in the present moment and knowing that nothing is by chance. Every moment is a chance to make a difference. Being present in each moment and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit are key steps to a life of purpose. So many times when we understand a bit about the how of our purpose, we can get anxious and want to run ahead. But remember, God’s timing is perfect, so be patient and live in this moment, and see the beauty that God can do in the here and now.
Study bible verses on purpose for courage to step out on faith
When we feel lost, scared or in need of direction during hard times, knowing what the word of God says on a subject gives us peace and understanding. When we meditate on his word we allow room for the holy spirit to minister to our hearts and encourage us. We were created for purpose and on purpose! I pray that your heart is encouraged and inspired to seek the Lord Jesus deeper, and to know that your purpose is in him alone!
Do you have a favorite scripture that’s not on the list? Share it and your God-sized dreams in the comments below!
I feel the same way as you. I know I’ve been called to write for one thing. But at times it feels dry or like its not going anywhere. But then God moves in such a way that lets me know I’m right smack in the middle of HIs will. Which is the safest place for me to be. I do my best to be obedient and leave the results up to Him. ❤
You addressed so many things here that I am also addressing this month. 🙂 When the church is proclaiming the same message, we know the message is needed.
So true!! I cant wait to read your post!
This is beautiful ❤️
I don’t take it lightly what my daughter says about herself and what i say about her. These confessionals go along way in influencing their path.
Thankful for you.
Hugs Sister
Pingback: How to Do a Topical Bible Study - Kingdom Bloggers