god's purpose for me

What is it that makes us feel not enough? Our culture is constantly judging, critiquing, comparing, and is so full of opinions we can’t even see straight. If you’re a woman, you’ve been subliminally told all too many times that you’re not skinny enough, not smart enough, and not doing enough. We, as a people, are made to either miniaturize ourselves and what we have done, or arrogantly proclaim our accomplishments. Which camp do you fall into?

If you're in the minimize camp, I know the sentiment. I don't really know where it came from. I have loving parents and family, and had a normal childhood. And yet…when I look back on my life, I have always minimized myself and what I’ve done. I was a teacher for 17 years. What I would say when people asked my profession was, “I’m just a teacher.” I thought other jobs were so much more important- even a high school teacher had more meaning than a little first grade teacher. However, as I've grown in God, I realize just how vital my role was. I taught so many kids how to read, how to write, to have confidence in what they can do, showed them love, and instilled a love of learning within them. When I began to think about being a teacher for God's kingdom, my purpose became even more significant.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

When we shift our thinking from being significant to the world, to being significant for God’s kingdom, our whole perspective changes- for the better.

The enemy wants to keep your significance for the world, a place where you are never enough. God wants to shift your perspective to His kingdom, where you were CREATED to be just what He needs you to do.

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. Proverbs 28:26 ESV

When we tap into God’s wisdom, it not only guides us in our life choices, but also helps us see who we are. We cannot trust our own mind- it fills us with doubt, anxiety, and fear. God instructs us and disciplines us as we grow in our relationship with Him, and we are able to cast away those thoughts that fool us more easily. It is always an ongoing process. When you get in tune with God, however, the peace and acceptance and JOY will fill you to overflowing, and it becomes easier and easier to walk in step with the Father. I know this from personal experience.

When I was working in 2014, I was feeling horrible leaving my kid, felt kind of miserable at work, and was just in a dark place mentally. God got through to me over time, and one day I was walking down the hall at work, and there was a bounce in my step and a smile on my face. It stopped me in my tracks. Nothing had changed on the outside. God had molded me on the inside. Despite our circumstances, God can fulfill us. He will give purpose to where you are right now. Maybe it is to reach those around you. Maybe it is to bless your family financially (with a salary, despite being a job you don’t want right now). I cannot stress this enough. God will meet you where you are right now. He can work through your hardships, your disappointments, your struggles. Don’t minimize where you are right now. God is using it for His purpose and ultimate glory.

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15

It is worth mentioning that if you are unhappy with where you are right now, bring it to God. He can change it, and will start the work right now, with what you are going through. Remember that you are the daughter of the KING. You have VICTORY. Your struggles are used to showcase God’s STRENGTH. And your role in the world is not menial, it is for a PURPOSE.

I have a dear friend that needed more income for her family. She prayed about it, and was able to secure a job at Wal-Mart. Despite having to stand all day, she checks those receipts and sends people off full of love and optimism, even if they are not fully aware of it. Rather than begrudging what she had to do, she was thankful, and let God use her right where she was. She is a role model for us all, on how God can use us Right Now.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

God is committed to you. He wants to fulfill your purpose. The dreams in your heart are there for a reason. He instilled your dreams within your heart, and wants to see them realized.

...A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-8

Seek God. Please Him. In turn, your life will be rewarded.

Put it into practice:

Remove ‘just’ from phrases about yourself. Instead of “I am just a teacher,” change it to,

“I am a teacher.”

Practice saying it out loud. When you are accustomed to that, then add, “for God’s kingdom.”

“I am a teacher for God’s kingdom.”

“I am a mechanic for God’s kingdom.”

“I am a stay at home mom for God’s kingdom.”

“I am a realtor for God’s kingdom.”

“I am a woman for God’s kingdom.”

Write it on a post-it note and put it somewhere you will see it often.

Give thanks to God for what you have to do today. When you feel dread, apathy, or resentment, give them to God, and replace them with a whisper- use me in this place.

Tell yourself this affirmation as well, daily:

"I have a purpose for God's kingdom, despite my circumstances."

Dear God,

Thank you for making me who I am. Thank you for the gifts you have given me for my life’s work. Help me see myself as you see me, a daughter/son for Your Kingdom, a daughter/son of the King! Give me strength to be bold and confident in who you made me to be and the work you want me to do. Let my struggles be a testament to your dedication and love. Help me speak kindly to myself, just as You would to me. In your matchless name, Amen.

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I am not a Bible scholar or preacher, I am a girl who loves Jesus. This is my interpretation of things I have learned. I hope it can encourage you and lead you to the bible to see the truth for yourself. :-)

Access your bible from anywhere. BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages. (n.d.). https://www.biblegateway.com/

Life church scripture art -Resources | Life.Church Open Network. (n.d.). 320 And Up. https://open.life.church/