The One Thing You Need to Fulfill Your Purpose

I have to admit some days I just want to give up. Between the mundane chores that must be done and my lack of discipline to pursue my goals, I often feel like I’m not making any headway in the purpose God has put on my life.

In fact, sometimes it seems like that purpose (helping women through life coaching and time management consulting) is so overwhelming and I’m so under qualified to fulfill that purpose.

It is not out of the ordinary to feel like I don’t know enough or feel smart enough to help women. Sometimes I think I need much more training before I can even begin.

However, I read something in my study of the book of Acts the other day that makes me re-think my need for greater knowledge before I can move forward in living out this purpose.

Acts 4:13 says this about Peter and John:

When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus.

This is Peter and John we are talking about. You know, two of Jesus’ disciples.

You would think Jesus would choose educated men to help Him spread the Gospel. However, that’s not true. He used ordinary men who were willing to follow, obey, and spend time with Him.

Here is the amazing thing about Peter and John:

The people recognized that they had been with Jesus.

That was all they needed to proclaim the Gospel boldly. Being with Jesus.

Not a seminary degree, not even a high school diploma. Just being with Jesus.

I wonder how often people can tell I’ve been with Jesus. Not nearly enough I’m sure.

Reading about Peter and John made me realize that when God revealed this purpose for my life during this season, He already equipped me. Sure, having coaching certifications and knowledge of effective time management systems are important. However, to just get started, all I need is to be with Jesus.

Really, being with Jesus is the one thing we need to get started fulfilling the purposes God has placed on our lives.

What does that look like?

Well, for me, it includes these things:

Making quiet time a priority.

If I don’t spend time in God’s Word, studying it and praying over what I’ve learned, I’ll never be able to discern what God would have me to do. Sadly I’ve neglected this time too much lately. I’ve definitely been inconsistent at best.

I’ve now set up a good place to spend time alone with Jesus through the renovation of our home. I have an area in my new office/craft room that is inviting and has all of my quiet time resources.

Now for the determination and discipline to go there first thing each morning. I’m praying for God to draw me there every morning.

Listing out the ways I feel God is calling me to live out my purpose.

There are so many ways that I can live out my purpose. It really is mind boggling how many avenues I can take to help women.

Making a list of the ways I feel God leading me to take helps me narrow them down and focus on just the important ones. I can use this list to think through the possibilities and see the bigger picture of how things could work out.

Turning that list over to God.

Once I have my list made, I turn it over to God. I let Him begin to reveal to me the opportunities and paths I should take.

After all, I’m not fulfilling the purpose He has given me if I do it only on my own terms instead of listening to Him.

What does being with Jesus look like for you?