Benefits of Discovering God’s Unique Purpose for Your Life

Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time.
–Ephesians 5:15-16

There are at least three benefits of discovering God’s unique purpose for your life. In Ephesians 5:15-17, Paul said, “Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Knowing your specific purpose clarifies three challenges we all face in life.

First of all, knowing your purpose clarifies your priorities in life. When you understand the specific story that God created you to tell, it helps you arrange your priorities in life. When Paul said, “[Make] the most of your time,” he was saying, “Buy up the time.” That is, purchase the very best things you can with your time. He was not talking about choosing between good and evil–we all know we’re supposed to run from evil. But he was saying when you know your purpose, it gives you the ability to choose between the good things in life and the best things in life. When you understand the purpose for which God has created you, it helps you say no to other things that may be good but don’t contribute to your purpose.

Second, knowing your purpose clarifies uncertainties in life. Paul said we ought to be wise when it comes to understanding God’s will for our lives. When you face a difficult decision, knowing your unique purpose is like a beacon that gives you direction in the darkness and even in the fog. For example, maybe your company has offered you a promotion that will take you to a larger city with a larger salary, but it is going to mean more hours at work. Should you take that job or not? Well, it depends. If you have young children still at home and your primary purpose is to raise godly children who will carry on your legacy of faith, that may not be the best thing to do. You may say no to that. If your children are grown, then maybe you can see how taking that position would increase your influence for God. Knowing what your purpose is can help clarify uncertainties in decisions that you make in your life.

Third, knowing your purpose clarifies difficulties in your life. When you understand the specific story that you are created to tell, that gives you a prism through which to view even hard things that come into your life. Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” When you understand the unique purpose for which God has created you, you can see how even the worst experiences in your life provide a way for you to tell your story to even a larger audience.

God created you not just for the general purpose of glorifying and enjoying Him, but for a specific way to tell His story.

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Today’s devotion is excerpted from “Secret #1: Discover Your Unique Purpose” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2017.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.