Calling and Purpose 18—Yet More Scriptural Guidance

So much of God’s Word talks to us of purpose—God’s purposes, our reason for being, how this all plays out in God’s Providence.  Here are just a few more snapshots of selected verses that speak to the subject:

 Jesus’ disciple Peter, when speaking of our God-given, God-empowered spiritual gifts says that our gifts are meant for service as we steward God’s grace to others:  “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).

 No matter our purpose, the Apostle Paul reminds us that: “…whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).

 When we are confused as to purpose and calling, Jesus’ brother and follower James reminds us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

 We are not called to live out our God-given purpose in our own strength.  Paul says to the church at Ephesus (and to us) that God’s Spirit, working in and through us, is what accomplishes the seemingly impossible:  “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

 You and I have a purpose here on this earth.  God knows the number of our days, the length of our lives.  And, we are each here to make an impact.  In a sermon Paul gave in Pisidian Antioch, Paul said: “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors” (Acts 13:36).

If you aren’t familiar with your gifts—which help give shape and substance to your purpose and calling, take the free online assessment.

 For more on these subjects, see the Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog.  Check out other resources and a six-week workbook at GodGiftsYou.com.

Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and law enforcement leadership for over 30 years.  Shirley has been EquipConnectServe Director at First Pres Boulder since 1999.  She has worked with leaders and organizations in 47 of the United States as well as having clients outside the U.S.  Contact Shirley.