Created for a Purpose - iBelieve Truth - August 22, 2023

Created for a Purpose
By Laura Bailey

“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.”     - Acts 17:26, NIV

“10 Questions to Help You Find Your Purpose!” I couldn’t help but sneak a peek at the magazine that promised that in 10 “simple” questions, one could find their reason for being. While the article didn't say anything discouraging, I found it saddening that a person would turn to a magazine to search for their purpose in life.

But a quick search through social media, google, or the local bookstore shows that humans are searching for their purpose and identity; they want someone or something to tell them they are valuable and essential. There are countless quizzes, questions, and quests to help people find meaning. The truth is, people don’t need another book on purpose; we already have the answers!

If you are wondering why you were here on earth, there it is: to bring God glory, to be in a relationship with Him!  

There are many ways we can bring glory to the Lord, and while we were all created for the same purpose, God has unique plans and assignments for each person— but ultimately, living in such a way that  God gets the glory. 

What a relief to know that we don’t have to strive to make our lives look good but instead let our lives point to a good God.

And for further evidence that your life has a purpose, Acts 17:26 tells us nothing about where we live, our race, or time period, is by chance. God has divinely appointed you for “such a time as this, ( Esther 4:14.)

You don’t have to wonder if your life has meaning, you don’t need to wrestle with discontentment in your current circumstance, and you can stop trying to find your purpose. You have purpose because you were created in the image of God, and He wants to use you for His Glory– to share the Goods News of His love and mercy for sinners.

 Our unique story is a special way God equips us to share the bigger, greater story of the gospel. You may not be able to recite the Roman road or ABCs of salvation eloquently, but you can easily recall who you were before Christ, how He rescued you, and what your life is like now for others!

Our family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors need to hear that God loves them and sent His Son, Jesus, to die for their sins so they can have eternal life by believing in Him.  

Nothing is by chance; where you live, your job, the people you interact with, God ordains your family all—Each day provides an opportunity to share our eternal hope. 

Has a colleague said she feels overwhelmed and grieved by her current circumstances? Invite her for coffee and share where you find hope when life is hard.

Do you have a friend who is wrestling with her faith? Be a safe space for her to talk through her struggles, gently guiding her to seek out our heavenly Father.

Maybe a family member decided that church and God “just isn’t for them.” Prayerfully consider writing them a note of encouragement, letting them know they are always welcome in the Lord’s house.

I admit even the most passionate of Christ-followers can feel overwhelmed at sharing their faith. But, friend, this is a matter of life and death; we could have an eternal impact on those around us and future generations by simply sharing our hope in Christ. Who will you share your story with today?

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us purpose simply by creating us! May we live in a way that brings You glory, honor, and praise. Help us to remember that we don’t have to strive to earn the approval, acceptance, and adoration of others. Help us be bold for the Gospel, freely sharing our eternal hope in You. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Motortion

Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and plentiful lives today.

She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com connect on Facebook and Instagram. 

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Today we're doing something a little different. Instead of going deep in a passage, we're talking about what to do when deep feels like too much — when you need less, not more. Specifically, I'm walking you through one of my favorite practices for weary seasons: handwriting scripture.

Not typing it. Not scrolling past it. Actually writing it out, slowly, in your own hand — because something happens in your brain when you do that. The words land differently. They go deeper. And over time, they become part of that personal library of God's voice that the Holy Spirit can pull from when you need it most. That's what Psalm 119:11 means when it says I have hidden your word in my heart — it's scripture moving into your long-term memory, where it lives and stays even when you haven't opened your Bible in weeks.

I'm sharing the five verses I wrote out for myself today — and why each one hit me fresh even though I've known some of them for years. This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to follow the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!