3 - Know Your Purpose
Everyone has a purpose in life, a unique gift or special talent. When we blend this talent with service to others, we will experience success.
Your life purpose is the big dream in which all your other goals play a supporting part. This is what gets you out of bed in the morning. It is the reason behind your success. But if you do not know where you are going, no road will take you there.
What is your goal? Write it down. Read it before you go to bed. Ask God to bless you and provide you with spiritual purpose. You must write it down and have a clear picture to share it in a concise and meaningful manner.
“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.”
—Habakkuk 2:2 (NKJV)
When I came to America in 1986, my goal was to become a dentist. People laughed at me because they felt it was impossible, but I stayed with it. When my friends frequented nightclubs, I studied or worked. My desire to have good grades in my transcript gave me the drive to move forward.
My goal consumed me! I visited several dentists, shared my goals, and asked for advice. I was confident that I would reach my goal.
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’”
—Mark 9:23 (NKJV)
I was unpopular at the time, but I did not care. Confidence gave me an inner glow and pride. One of my principles at the time was to stay clear of people or things that could pull me away from my goal.
You must have faith in yourself. Too many people give up too soon!
There is a story of a mining company that invested heavily in equipment to mine gold. With no apparent success, they grew tired and frustrated and sold the equipment to a junkyard. The person who bought the equipment went out and studied the abandoned mine, and with persistent digging hit the largest gold discovery in history!
“And let us not grow weary while doing good,
for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all,
especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
—Galatians 6:9–10 (NKJV)
In my opinion, you can be successful if you design the life you want and work at it. Develop the talents you have and dedicate them to the service of others. You will find that God is on your side helping you.
Do you have a dream? Go to our Father in Heaven with your request in prayer. Have faith that it is possible and learn all there is to learn about your plan.
“If God is for us, who can be against us?”
—Romans 8:31 (NIV)
Action Plan #3
For this exercise, pretend you are attending your own funeral. What would people be saying about you? Write down your answers for each group of people that follows.
Friends:
Coworkers:
Family Members:
If you found a difference between what people would say and what you would want them to say about you, identify those areas and write them down. Use this list to make personal goals for growth.