Give Thanks for God’s Purpose
by Annie Yorty ©2021
Mark Twain once said, “The two most important days in life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” In this final week of Thanksgiving, let’s explore how to give thanks for God’s purpose in our lives.
Drew’s example
At age seventy-five, Drew has lived through a few seasons. In the spring of his years, he faithfully served his country in the military and later moved into a job as an engineer in civilian life. He met and married his love, Linda. They faithfully raised three children throughout the summer season of life together. Years passed. Drew and Linda eagerly anticipated their next season together as Drew retired from full-time work. But life threw a curve ball and Linda was diagnosed with a degenerative disease. The autumn of life stretched on for years as Drew faithfully cared for Linda, patiently tending to her every need. When winter finally came, Linda moved to her heavenly home, leaving Drew to bear the elements alone. Drew carries on to this day, faithfully serving as a church elder and volunteering his services.
What is Drew’s purpose? Did his purpose change from job to job or from season to season?
The reason for our existence
Purpose. The instinctive quest of every human. Some journey through entire lives without it. Others pursue false purposes and, in the end, find it to be what Ecclesiastes 1:2 says is meaningless.
From poets to pastors to politicians, everyone has something to say about life’s purpose. Pundits across the ages since time immemorial have opined. Obviously, it’s an important topic.
But our purpose is not a mystery. The Bible makes it clear through Jesus’ words to His disciples.
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work (John 4:34 NASB).
“My food,” referred to Jesus’ purpose. Matthew Henry Commentary explains John 4:34 this way: “Christ was sent into the world on this errand, to bring people to God, to know him and to be happy in him.”
Follow Christ’s Purpose
As imitators of Christ, we have the same purpose. Both old and new testaments of the Bible confirm this truth.
Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 NLT).
The conclusion, when everything has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person (Ecclesiastes 12:13 NASB).
Keeping God’s commands—doing good deeds, as Matthew puts it—will glorify God. That is our purpose.
That means the following statements are true:
There is lasting purpose in our existence. God designed each individual for specific and good purposes.
There is lasting purpose in our circumstances. Nothing happens randomly.
There is lasting purpose in our relationships. Even when they don’t go as we hope.
There is lasting purpose in our work. From the lowest level unpaid work to the highest corridors of power.
Warning: These truths are conditional.
_________________
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
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These words penned long ago by C. T. Studd in his poem, Only One Life, point out that true meaning and significance only come through Christ Jesus. Pursuing purpose without God is like grasping at vapor with your hand. Impossible!
Drew’s life has passed through varied activities and seasons, but one word crops up over and over.
Faithful
Whatever Drew does, he does it for the Lord. Drew’s life challenges me to grow in faithfulness and to give thanks for God’s purpose no matter the season or circumstances.
Our Challenge
So how will we be faithful? How can we delight in and give thanks for God’s purpose for our own lives?
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them (Ephesians 2:10 NASB).
To discover and give thanks for God’s purpose for your life, I suggest completing the free online S.H.A.P.E. Assessment by Gary Smalley. Use it to mesh your general purpose of glorifying God with the individuality of purpose God gives you.
Pray over the results of the S.H.A.P.E. Assessment and commit to acting on what you learn. As you faithfully enter into your God-ordained purpose, life will take on wonderful new significance and satisfaction.
Join the conversation:
What difference did it make in your life when you discovered God’s purpose?
Will you share one way that God helps you light up the world for Him?
I welcome your comments!
If you missed out on the other blogs in this Thanksgiving series, check them out below:
Give Thanks for God’s Presence
Give Thanks for God’s Provision
18 Comments
Wendy
Inspiring post, Annie! I especially love the four “lasting purpose” statements, and Drew’s testimony and example. Discovering God’s purpose for me has been, as you say, a wonderful satisfaction–but only as I am faithfully engaged in living it out! The daily challenge ~
Annie Yorty
I’m glad we can encourage one another with God’s truth. Thank you!
Jen
God is so good. No matter what stage or season of life we are in He still had a purpose for us. He will never leave us or forsake us. So different from what the world teaches. Thank you for sharing.
Annie Yorty
Even the fact that it is a challenge is part of the purpose, driving us to more fully rely on God. Thanks for sharing!
Katherine Pasour
You have posed some challenging questions, Annie. What is my purpose? Of course I know it is to serve my Lord; however, I admit that I struggle with discerning exactly how that looks. There’s a song, “He’s Still Working on Me” that sums it up. Even as I creep down the backside of middle age, He is still shaping and molding me into His servant. Then you ask, “How have I shone a light for Jesus?” As a teacher, I know I have been a bright spot (most of the time) for my students. Being a parent and grandparent also offers many opportunities to be a Light for Jesus. Those are ongoing, but probably the aspect that needs a boost is–how to be a Light each day in all interactions. Praying to be a light.
Annie Yorty
Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply, Katherine. Shining for Jesus is a daily decision, isn’t it?
Nancy E. Head
Some moments feel so meaningless. Some moments are more profound than we know. I love your discussion of faithfulness through the seasons. It’s the faithfulness in what feels meaningless that makes the “meaningless” profound.
Annie Yorty
So true, Nancy. And God often graciously shows us later how He used those situations. Thanks for your comments!
Debbie Wilson
Annie, I think Paul is a perfect example. His purpose didn’t change whether he was chained to guards or speaking before crowds. May we be as consistent in serving and knowing our Lord.
Annie Yorty
Paul said we should follow him as he follows Christ. I’m glad for examples, both in the Bible and in my community, to spur me to run the race well. Thank you!
Barbara Latta
We all have the same purpose and it is to do God’s will and glorify Him. The methods we use to do that are different for each of us. Thanks for sharing and bringing these thoughts to light.
Annie Yorty
Praise the Lord, Barbara! It’s amazing how God perfectly orchestrates all of our unique features for His will to be done.
Jeannie Waters
Annie, I’m thankful God allows us to participate in His kingdom’s work, but I don’t remember thanking Him for my purpose. I appreciate your post so much. Instead of constantly looking for ways to serve, I realize my gift is encouragement. Whether I’m writing or having conversation, He equips me to encourage those I meet and thus let His light shine.
Annie Yorty
I most definitely see that in you, Jeannie. Shine on!
sylvia schroeder
Thanks Annie. Purpose was a word I considered often this year. I appreciate your thoughts and encouragement. Ephesians 2:10 is always a good reminder!
Annie Yorty
Thank you for visiting, Sylvia.
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