Module 8: Finding Purpose for Your Life According to God’s Plan

Introduction

Purpose is a critical aspect of life that remains elusive to many people, including believers.
In various areas of life, many feel lost, as evidenced by the increasing number of people experiencing anxiety, confusion, depression, and conflict.

Even those who appear to have figured life out are often just one step or one bottle away from drowning in despair.

Purpose is the only thing that brings meaning to a seemingly meaningless life.
You may think you have it all—family, the dream job, a successful business, or ministry—but these can still feel unfulfilling without discovering your purpose in Christ.

In this module, we explore God’s plan and will for all humanity and how He has meticulously designed your life to fulfill a specific purpose. As you align with His plan, all things begin to work in your favor.

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Man’s Plan

God has not designed man to direct his own path.
This is why the Word of God emphasizes trusting and committing all our dealings to Him, as He alone can make our paths straight.

Scriptural References:

• Jeremiah 10:23: “I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.”
• Psalms 37:23: “The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way.”
• Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
• Proverbs 3:6: “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Man’s plans often lead to conflicted life paths, frustration, and confusion.
Those who trust only in their own plans often feel they are not living up to the full potential God has ordained for them.

Real-Life Examples:

• Starting and running a business that fails to meet expectations.
• Being in a marriage where you still long for something more.
• Choosing a career path that leaves you dissatisfied in the workplace.
• Feeling out of place when with colleagues or friends.
• Experiencing loneliness, sadness, or a void that cannot be filled by worldly things such as money, power, sex, drugs, or vacations.

Such experiences are clear indicators that something bigger and greater is calling out to you—this is God’s plan and purpose for your life.

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God’s Plan

Before you were born, God knew you and had a predestined plan for your life. His plan is specific to each of us, especially once we find ourselves in Christ.

Scriptural Reference:

• Jeremiah 29:11: “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.”

As you were formed in your mother’s womb, God consecrated you and ordained you to fulfill His purpose on earth.

Scriptural References:

• Jeremiah 1:5: “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.”
• Psalms 139:16: “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”

Whether in the corporate world, political arena, health sector, business, or ministry, God has consecrated you for a specific assignment. When you were still an embryo, God saw all the days of your life and who you were meant to become before you became.

The Psalmist recognized this truth and declared his desire to do God’s will.

Scriptural Reference:

• Psalms 40:7-8: “Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.’”

Make this your prayer—to tell God you are here to do His will, as all the days of your life are written in His book.

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Understanding the Will of God

To know God’s purpose for your life, you must understand His will.
The person who does God’s will loves Him and will see the Kingdom of God.

Scriptural Reference:

• Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

The will of God enables man to separate from and die to the things of this world.

The pleasures of this world feed the flesh, including fleeting things like status, accolades, and worldly importance.

Scriptural References:

• 1 John 2:16: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
• 1 John 2:17: “And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God abides forever.”

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Examples of Carnal Life Decisions

Many people make decisions based on worldly wisdom rather than God’s will. Examples include:

• Striving for jobs solely for financial freedom and security.
• Choosing careers because they are trendy or prestigious.
• Entering marriages due to family or societal pressure without proper teaching or preparation.
• Pursuing science, technology, or corporate achievements at the expense of ministerial callings.

The systems of this world are constantly changing, but the one who commits to doing God’s will abides forever and experiences fulfillment.

To align with God’s plan, you must die to the things of the world and let go of selfish ambition.

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What is the Will of God?

Jesus Christ gave us a clear answer regarding the will of God: it is to save humanity.

Scriptural References:

• John 6:39: “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me.”
• John 6:40: “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

The will of God primarily revolves around the salvation of mankind. As you seek God to reveal your purpose, know that His plans for your life are deeply rooted in benefiting humanity. Whether it’s through the money, job, career, business, expertise, skills, gifts, or ministry that He gives you, God’s ultimate purpose is tied to His mission of saving others.

The will of God calls us to a greater responsibility. It transcends carnal and selfish desires to gratify the flesh, leading us to align our lives with His divine purpose and eternal plans.

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How Do You Find Your Purpose?

Finding your purpose in life involves taking deliberate steps guided by God. Below are six key steps to discovering your purpose:

1. Learn to Hear the Voice of God
   The voice of God will be your guiding light in finding the life path that fulfills His purposes for you. Use the Word of God to learn and understand His will for your life. Grow in His wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.
   Scriptural Reference:
   • Ephesians 1:17
2. Understand the Love of God Over Your Life
   Walk this journey with the consciousness that God loves you. His love does not prepare you for failures and ensures that everything works for your good. The love of God transcends human understanding, providing a peace that nothing in this world can offer.
   • Scriptural Reference:
     • Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
     • Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
3. Commit Your Plans to the Lord
   • Many people fail because they trust solely in their own plans. You must commit all your plans to God and trust Him to align them with His will.
   • Scriptural References:
     • Proverbs 16:9: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”
     • Proverbs 16:3: “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
4. Find and Submit to Godly Counsel
   • God has appointed spiritual leaders—teachers, pastors, apostles, and elders—to guide us. Finding and submitting to Godly counsel is essential for avoiding errors and staying on the right path.
   • Scriptural References:
     • Hebrews 13:17: “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.”
     • Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
5. Discern Your Times and Seasons in the Spirit Realm
   • God has created opportunities for everyone. No one is more favored than another. You don’t need to come from a rich background or possess multiple accolades to fulfill God’s purpose.
   • Scriptural Reference:
     • Ecclesiastes 9:11: “The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong… but time and chance happen to them all.”
6. Position Yourself—Prepare and Cultivate a Pure Heart
   • God chooses individuals based on the purity of their hearts and their availability. Allow God to refine and humble you. Yield to the Holy Spirit as He helps you die to the flesh and worldly desires.
   • Scriptural Reference:
     • 1 Samuel 16:4: “… The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
     • Romans 8:13: “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”

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Confirmation of God’s Calling and Purpose Over Your Life

Certain signs will confirm God’s purpose or calling in your life:

1. Affirmations of God’s Voice – Through scripture, Godly counsel, dreams, visions, signs, and wonders.
2. Provision – God will provide for every place He has called you to.
   Scriptural Reference:
   • Psalms 37:25: “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.”
3. Manifestation of Gifts – Your gifts will operate and manifest in the area of your calling.
   Scriptural Reference:
   • Colossians 4:4: “That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”
4. Experience of Peace – You will experience peace when you are aligned with God’s purpose.
   Scriptural References:
   • Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything… And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
5. Capacity to Stand – God will give you strength to stand firm against opposition and challenges.
   Scriptural Reference:
   • Ecclesiastes 10:4: “If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest.”

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Digest Questions