Discovering and Fulfilling Your God-Given Purpose
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the topic of finding and fulfilling your God-given purpose. We began by acknowledging that once you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, your name is written in the Book of Life, securing your eternal future with God. But what do you do next? The answer lies in discovering and living out your purpose. According to Colossians 1:16, everything finds its purpose in God. Your past mistakes or other people's decisions cannot thwart God's plan for you. Psalm 139 reminds us that God knew us even before we were born, and He has a purpose for each of us.
We examined the life of Nehemiah, a man who found his purpose while serving as a cupbearer to the king of Persia. Nehemiah's story teaches us that our purpose isn't always tied to our vocation. Nehemiah had a prestigious job, but his true calling was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. This calling was driven by a deep passion, which is a hallmark of God's purpose for us. When God calls you, He equips you, even if it means using your weakest talents, as He did with me when I was called into ministry despite my fear of public speaking.
Nehemiah's passion led him to pray, fast, and seek God's guidance. His purpose also brought opportunities and favor, as seen when the king granted him the resources and protection needed to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. However, fulfilling your purpose will inevitably face resistance. Nehemiah encountered opposition, but he persisted through prayer and faith. Similarly, you will face challenges, but remember that greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
Finally, your purpose will attract partners. Nehemiah didn't rebuild the walls alone; he inspired others to join him. Likewise, your God-given purpose will draw people with the gifts and talents needed to accomplish the task. As Craig Groeschel said, "As a follower of Jesus, you don't just find purpose; you bring purpose to everything you do." Embrace your purpose, and let it be a blessing to others.
### Key Takeaways
1. Your Purpose is God-Given and Preordained: God knew you before you were born and has a specific purpose for your life. Your past mistakes or other people's decisions cannot derail God's plan for you. Embrace the fact that you are not an accident and that God has a unique purpose for you to fulfill. [01:23]
2. Your Purpose Isn't Always Your Vocation: Nehemiah had a prestigious job as a cupbearer, but his true calling was to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. Similarly, your job might not be your calling. Your purpose is something that will draw you closer to God and help others in the process. Trust that God will equip you for your calling, even if it seems beyond your current abilities. [04:32]
3. Passion is a Hallmark of Your Purpose: When God places a purpose in your heart, it will ignite a passion that you cannot ignore. Nehemiah wept, prayed, and fasted over the broken walls of Jerusalem. This passion will drive you to take action and seek God's guidance continually. If you feel a strong desire to help others or make a difference, that could be a sign of your God-given purpose. [07:42]
4. Opportunities and Favor Will Follow Your Purpose: When you align with God's purpose, He will open doors and provide the resources you need. Nehemiah received favor from the king, who granted him the materials and protection to rebuild the walls. Similarly, God will create opportunities for you to fulfill your purpose, even if it requires bold requests and stepping out of your comfort zone. [15:15]
5. Expect Resistance but Persist in Faith: Fulfilling your purpose will not be without challenges. Nehemiah faced opposition but persisted through prayer and faith. You will encounter resistance, but remember that God is greater than any obstacle. Lift up your shield of faith and continue to trust in God's plan, knowing that He will see you through to your breakthrough. [27:20]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:23] - Understanding Your God-Given Purpose
[02:54] - Introduction to Nehemiah
[04:32] - Purpose vs. Vocation
[06:14] - God Equips the Called
[07:42] - Passion for Your Purpose
[09:23] - Nehemiah's Passion and Prayer
[10:45] - Discovering Your Calling
[12:06] - Stepping Out in Faith
[13:49] - Opportunities in Your Purpose
[15:15] - Nehemiah's Favor with the King
[17:12] - Believing God for the Impossible
[18:43] - Praying for Breakthrough
[20:04] - Bold Requests and God's Provision
[22:16] - Nehemiah's Journey and Protection
[24:02] - Resistance to Your Purpose
[27:20] - Persisting Through Opposition
[30:13] - Personal Testimonies of Resistance
[32:00] - Partners in Your Purpose
[33:26] - Completion of the Wall
[35:02] - Bringing Purpose to Everything You Do
[36:35] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
[38:08] - Offering and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Colossians 1:16 (The Message)
2. Psalm 139:15-17 (NLT)
3. John 15:16 (NIV)
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Colossians 1:16, where does everything find its purpose? How does this verse relate to the idea that your past mistakes cannot thwart God's plan for you? [01:23]
2. In Psalm 139:15-17, what does the passage say about God's knowledge of us before we were born? How does this reinforce the idea that our purpose is preordained? [01:23]
3. How did Nehemiah's position as a cupbearer to the king of Persia contrast with his true calling? What does this teach us about the difference between vocation and purpose? [04:32]
4. What actions did Nehemiah take when he felt passionate about rebuilding Jerusalem's walls? How did his passion manifest in his behavior? [07:42]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that our purpose is preordained by God (Psalm 139:15-17) change the way we view our past mistakes and current challenges? [01:23]
2. Nehemiah's story shows that our purpose may not align with our current job or role. How can we discern the difference between our vocation and our God-given purpose? [04:32]
3. Nehemiah faced significant opposition while fulfilling his purpose. What can we learn from his response to resistance, and how can we apply this to our own lives when we face challenges? [27:20]
4. The sermon mentioned that passion is a hallmark of our purpose. How can we identify the passions that God has placed in our hearts, and what steps can we take to pursue them? [07:42]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt passionate about something. How did you respond to that passion? What steps can you take to ensure that your passions align with God's purpose for your life? [07:42]
2. Nehemiah's purpose attracted partners who helped him rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Who are the people in your life that can support you in fulfilling your God-given purpose? How can you engage them in your journey? [32:00]
3. The sermon emphasized that fulfilling your purpose will face resistance. What are some current challenges you are facing in your pursuit of purpose? How can you persist in faith despite these obstacles? [27:20]
4. Nehemiah prayed, fasted, and sought God's guidance when he felt passionate about rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. What spiritual disciplines can you incorporate into your life to seek God's guidance for your purpose? [07:42]
5. The sermon mentioned that opportunities and favor will follow your purpose. Can you identify any opportunities or favor that have come your way as you pursue your purpose? How can you step out of your comfort zone to seize these opportunities? [15:15]
6. Reflect on the quote by Craig Groeschel: "As a follower of Jesus, you don't just find purpose; you bring purpose to everything you do." How can you bring purpose to your daily activities and interactions? [35:02]
7. Nehemiah's story shows that God equips those He calls. What are some areas in your life where you feel unequipped? How can you trust God to equip you for the tasks He has called you to? [06:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Your God-Given Purpose
God knew you before you were born and has a specific purpose for your life. Your past mistakes or other people's decisions cannot derail God's plan for you. Embrace the fact that you are not an accident and that God has a unique purpose for you to fulfill. Understanding this truth can bring immense peace and direction to your life.
When you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, your name is written in the Book of Life, securing your eternal future with God. But what do you do next? The answer lies in discovering and living out your purpose. According to Colossians 1:16, everything finds its purpose in God. Your past mistakes or other people's decisions cannot thwart God's plan for you. Psalm 139 reminds us that God knew us even before we were born, and He has a purpose for each of us. [01:23]
Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt like your past mistakes defined you. How can you embrace the truth that God has a unique purpose for you despite your past?
Day 2: Purpose Beyond Vocation
Your job might not be your calling. Nehemiah had a prestigious job as a cupbearer, but his true calling was to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. Similarly, your purpose is something that will draw you closer to God and help others in the process. Trust that God will equip you for your calling, even if it seems beyond your current abilities.
Nehemiah's story teaches us that our purpose isn't always tied to our vocation. Nehemiah had a prestigious job, but his true calling was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. This calling was driven by a deep passion, which is a hallmark of God's purpose for us. When God calls you, He equips you, even if it means using your weakest talents. [04:32]
1 Corinthians 7:17 (ESV): "Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches."
Reflection: Reflect on your current job or daily activities. How might God be calling you to serve Him in a way that goes beyond your vocation?
Day 3: Passion as a Sign of Purpose
When God places a purpose in your heart, it will ignite a passion that you cannot ignore. Nehemiah wept, prayed, and fasted over the broken walls of Jerusalem. This passion will drive you to take action and seek God's guidance continually. If you feel a strong desire to help others or make a difference, that could be a sign of your God-given purpose.
Nehemiah's passion led him to pray, fast, and seek God's guidance. His purpose also brought opportunities and favor, as seen when the king granted him the resources and protection needed to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. However, fulfilling your purpose will inevitably face resistance. Nehemiah encountered opposition, but he persisted through prayer and faith. [07:42]
Romans 12:11 (ESV): "Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."
Reflection: Identify a passion or burden that you have felt recently. How can you take a step today to seek God's guidance and act on this passion?
Day 4: Divine Opportunities and Favor
When you align with God's purpose, He will open doors and provide the resources you need. Nehemiah received favor from the king, who granted him the materials and protection to rebuild the walls. Similarly, God will create opportunities for you to fulfill your purpose, even if it requires bold requests and stepping out of your comfort zone.
Nehemiah's passion led him to pray, fast, and seek God's guidance. His purpose also brought opportunities and favor, as seen when the king granted him the resources and protection needed to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. However, fulfilling your purpose will inevitably face resistance. Nehemiah encountered opposition, but he persisted through prayer and faith. [15:15]
2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: Think of a bold request or step of faith you need to take to align with God's purpose. What resources or opportunities do you need to ask God for today?
Day 5: Persisting Through Opposition
Fulfilling your purpose will not be without challenges. Nehemiah faced opposition but persisted through prayer and faith. You will encounter resistance, but remember that God is greater than any obstacle. Lift up your shield of faith and continue to trust in God's plan, knowing that He will see you through to your breakthrough.
Nehemiah's passion led him to pray, fast, and seek God's guidance. His purpose also brought opportunities and favor, as seen when the king granted him the resources and protection needed to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. However, fulfilling your purpose will inevitably face resistance. Nehemiah encountered opposition, but he persisted through prayer and faith. [27:20]
James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: Identify a current challenge or opposition you are facing. How can you persist in faith and prayer to overcome this obstacle and fulfill your purpose?
Quotes
1. "Everyone has a purpose. God created us with a purpose. And once you understand that you were created to know God and have a purpose, you're going to have a relationship with Him. It simplifies life tremendously. It makes life much simpler. In Colossians 1.16, the Message Bible says this, For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him. Your past mistakes and other people's decisions can't keep you from God's purpose. He has a purpose. He has a purpose. He has a purpose. He has a purpose. He has a purpose. He has a purpose that He gave you and you're going to walk it out. Don't second guess your purpose because God has a plan for you to make a difference." [01:23] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Your purpose isn't always your vocation. Your purpose is your purpose. Your purpose is your vocation. Your purpose is your vocation. Your purpose isn't always your vocation. Miles Monroe said this, when God looks at you, he sees things that everyone else ignores. Nehemiah had this coveted job, but that wasn't his calling. God was calling him to do something much greater. Your job might be a school teacher, an accountant, a state worker. You could be a construction worker. You could be a clerical person. You could have any of these things. You could be a school teacher, an accountant, a state worker. You could be a different jobs, but that might not be your calling. That might be what you have for a vocation, but God has a purpose for your life. And many times your purpose isn't your vocation. Your calling will help someone else and draw you closer to God in the process. That's what your calling does." [04:32] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If God calls you to do something, he'll equip you. Here's the second point. As you're finding a purpose, your purpose has passion. You're going to be passionate about your purpose. When God puts something in your heart, you can't stop thinking about it until you step out in it. Nehemiah had just gotten a word from his friends. And the word that he got from his friends that came from Jerusalem was that the walls were broken down, the gates had been burned, and the city was in ruins. It had been that way for a while, but he was in captivity. Hadn't got a recent report. So he was overwhelmed with discouragement. So as we look at this next part, as your purpose has passion, we'll see what happened to Nehemiah. And then I want you to relate it to your own life." [07:42] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If God is calling you to do something, he's going to give you a passion for it. He's not going to call you to do something that, that you casually think about. That isn't how it works. That isn't how he works. He'll put it in your heart. There'll be a desire to help people in some way. It's something you're going to enjoy and something you're going to fulfill, be fulfilled as you do it. I remember years ago when we were in youth ministry, we had all these kids that were coming in, they were getting saved. And, and we talk about it sometimes at church and, um, people say, Hey, I think I'll come and help you out. It said, be great. And then I'd ask for volunteers to help out. And, uh, people would come in and they'd help us. And, and, uh, some of them were called. Some of them were really called and were excited. They could, they could see the potential in kids because a lot of these kids had dysfunctional backgrounds and, and the others who weren't called, it was just the opposite. They got on their nerves. They, they, they couldn't even stay focused in the presentation or the message or whatever. God will give you a passion. For what you're doing. And you're going to know if it's your calling, but sometimes you have to just step out in faith and try something to see if that's your calling." [10:45] (81 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Your purpose has opportunities. When you have a passion for something, God will give you an opportunity to use that gift, that talent, that, that thing that he's raising up inside of you. That, what are you passionate about right now? Think about what you're passionate about. You know, it could be you're passionate about being a good mom and dad. Well, I'll tell you what, that is very important. That is a purpose. Uh, you're passionate about helping people in need. That, that is important. That is a purpose. You're passionate about just doing something for people that can't do it themselves. That is a purpose. You're passionate about helping kids teach a class. That's important. That's part of your purpose. But you need to know if God gives you something, it's to be a blessing to others. If it's only about you, then you need to broaden your borders because God, God wants to use you to bless others. That's how he works. We're not an island. We're not on our own. God uses us to be a blessing to others." [13:49] (74 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "So many times in our when things get difficult, just like with Nehemiah, we stop on this side of our breakthrough. We're getting so close, but we can't see the future. God sees our future, and we stop right here, right on the verge of our breakthrough, and what we need to do is just raise up that faith again and take another step. Are you with me? You got to take another step. It's not a comfortable step. It's an awkward step. It might be a painful step, but it's a step in trusting God. Thank you, God. You're my source. You're my supply. You meet my needs. I can't do everything, but you can. So I ask for your grace, your mercy, and your help right now in Jesus' name." [20:04] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Your purpose is going to have resistance. If you don't have any resistance in following after God and doing what he wants you to do, you have to question if it's really from God, because you have an enemy that wants to see you fail. And you have a God that says he's more than enough when you don't have enough. I remember years ago when Roseanne and I came to know the Lord, we were visiting different churches and visited this one church here in town. It was a larger church, but we liked the message. It's a very inspiring message. And we said, oh gosh, we're going to go back there next week. It's pretty good. It was a lot for Roseanne because it wasn't a Catholic background. They had music that was pretty loud and stuff, but we're going to go back the next week. She had one neighbor she walked with almost every day and they'd be out walking and she came back in and I said, well, what's wrong? Because normally she feels a little more refreshed and good mood and everything. We're not going back to that church again. What do you mean? Well, I walked with my neighbor and she said that church is full of crazy people. You know, we didn't know, but what really happened is someone from that church witnessed her. But so she went from one thing to the next thing to the next. Oh, that guy takes four offerings every Sunday. You know, it's just craziest church you're ever going to be going to. And she said, I'm never going back to that church again. And we didn't for two weeks. And I kept saying, man, there was just something about that church. I saw the joy on the people's faces. The message was good. I just don't understand. We didn't have this understanding yet that the enemy wants to come against you. We did later, but it kept us almost from walking into our breakthrough. It kept us holding us back. There was a resistance." [25:49] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Your passion and your purpose will attract others that have gifts and talents that you need to walk out your destiny. You have purpose. You have purpose in your life. God has a plan for your life. And it might not be the vocation you're in right now. And that doesn't mean you're to quit your job. You're to quit your job. You're to quit your job tomorrow. I want to get it clear. I had a few friends that got ahead of God. You have purpose where you are and what you're doing. And God is going to make that purpose clearer and clearer and clearer. And that purpose will be a blessing to somebody else. Craig Rochelle said this. just saw this quote this week. I thought it was so good. As a follower of Jesus, you don't just find purpose. You bring purpose to everything you do. I just want to read it one more time because I just get this down on the inside of you. As a follower of Jesus, you don't just find purpose. You bring purpose to everything you do. You have purpose for everything you do. You have purpose when you walk in the room. You have purpose when you're raising your family because you're raising them to know God. And the next generation and the generation after that and the generation after that is going to be affected by the purpose you have in your life. You have purpose when you go to work and they see a man or woman of integrity and honesty that is true and faithful to their God. You have purpose and that's going to influence them because they see the way you interact with other people. Help me preach, please." [35:02] (99 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The Lord chose you to know him, to be blessed by him, and become a blessing to others so that they could know him too. I'm going to ask the worship team to come on up. Hallelujah. Let's give the Lord a hand clap. Isn't that an inspiring message about Nehemiah, what he could do? You know, these are written so that we can be inspired, we can be encouraged. And I want to see you see yourself doing things that you didn't think you could do because this seemed like an impossible task. But what did Nehemiah do? He prayed, he cried, he fasted, he heard from God, and God was moving on his heart, and God moved on the heart of the king of Persia. And then pretty soon, doors began to open up, and he began to walk through those doors and was obedient, and the impossible became possible because he trusted God. It's the same with you. You have a God-ordained purpose for your life." [36:35] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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