Humans, as children of God, are created for a deeper meaning beyond ourselves, and that is to be in relationship with God and be a light to the world. Many of us know we are created for a reason, but how do we find our individual calling that aligns with the larger calling of being a light and a mouthpiece?
First, we need to understand that everything in the world has a purpose. The ants serve the hive and reproduce, the clouds water the land and keep it fertile, and the trees turn CO2 into oxygen. Similarly, as believers, we are here for a purpose. If we swing too far to one side, we may believe that we have no individual purpose, and if we look too microscale, we might only focus on our passions and wishes and move away from what God wants us to do.
The key is to find a balance. The Holy Commission of Jesus is to go and make disciples of all the nations, as the light of the earth. At the same time, individuals are called for unique purposes within that larger purpose. For example, John the Baptist, David the King, Gideon the warrior, Joseph the Egyptian official, and Esther the Queen all had different individual purposes that matched uniquely with their situation, gifts, talents, and position.
So, how do we know what our unique purpose is? We need to consider our situation, our workplaces, schools, homes, and environments. Where have we been placed that we can be a light, share God's love, and help share the hope of a better life in Jesus? What are our unique gifts? Are we people lovers, writers, musicians, or actors? How is God using those gifts and opportunities to share His message?
Sometimes, confirmation or a word from God does not always come to us directly. It might come through the people around us. In the book of Esther, Mordecai suggested to Esther that perhaps God's hand was playing a greater role in what she was going through. Similarly, sometimes confirmation or guidance might come from the mouths of those around us.
We also need to consider our passions. Do we have a heart for the lost sheep or the less fortunate? Are we passionate about seeing healthy, thriving relationships and parenting skills in our community? Are we passionate about working with believers, helping them grow and build deeper faith with God?
To find our purpose, we need to keep our ears and hearts open and spend time reading the Scriptures. When we learn what God's voice sounds like through the Scriptures, it becomes easier to recognize His voice when He speaks to us. We can separate it from the voice of the enemy or our own voice, which may have hidden motives leading us down the wrong path.
We should also listen to the trends of what people complement us for. What do they see within us that we may not see in ourselves? Sometimes, fear blinds us from taking that next step in life. Like Gideon, we may need not only an Angel of the Lord but also the encouragement of people around us to take that step.
If you don’t know where to start – Paul says this “ Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him.” (1 Cor 7:17). Start by being the light in the place where you are already. Look for opportunities already around you. When you feel the nudge of God pull you in a different direction, then go. Until then, believe and stand in faith that you are in a unique situation already.