Created for a Purpose…

Is there any purpose in my life? People everywhere long to know the purpose for their lives. Yet for many, that sense of purpose seems elusive. As is true to life, one of Shakespeare’s tragic characters sought his purpose through power. Macbeth murders the King of Scotland, seizes the throne, but swiftly descends to his doom. While ghosts from the past haunt him, civil war rages and his wife dies of insanity. In despair, Macbeth utters these dark thoughts about the lack of purpose in life:

“Out, out, brief candle!
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.”
(Macbeth , Act 5, Scene 5)

Life, however, is not a Shakespearean play . . . an hour on the stages and then heard no more. God created your life to have a supernatural purpose. As amazing as it may sound, you were created to reflect the Lord. . . . If you are a true Christian, you will increasingly be transformed to be like Christ.

“We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” -2 Corinthians 3:18

Q: “I don’t feel like my life has any purpose. Is there any hope for me?”

Yes. You have hope—you were created by the God of hope. In the Bible, God says that He created you with a specific plan for your life. Your life can be filled with hope and purpose when you choose to follow God’s will.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” -Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Q: “Do I have only one purpose in life?”

No. You will have several purposes, depending on the major roles in your life.

For example, a teenager’s purpose may be:

  • To grow in Christlike character

“Those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” -Romans 8:29

  • To bring honor to his parents

“Honor your father and your mother.” -Exodus 20:12

  • To be the best student he can possibly be in order to bring glory to God

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” -Colossians 3:23

Key Verse to Memorize

“We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” -Romans 8:28

Key Passage to Read and Reread

The Book of Ecclesiastes

Click here for the PDF version of the complete Purpose in Life Resource Guide provided by Hope for the Heart.