I like Diondra Ross’ admonition that it is important for each of us to know our purpose and manifest it in such a way that not even our own doubts and thoughts can get rid of it.
Writing at Unwritten.com, she said knowing your purpose is essential to knowing who you are. When people don’t know what their purpose is, then they tend to give up on themselves by believing they have nothing to offer.
Believing they have nothing to contribute to the world, their community or family is one of the most damaging examples of negative self-talk people can entertain. Once people step onto that slippery slope, it’s not long before depression turns to despair.
While depression is often temporary, despair is not. It’s a one-way street to checking out on life and simply waiting to die. That’s why identifying a purpose is so important for people over 50. Folks who tell themselves they do not have a purpose simply haven’t given much thought to how they can use their skills, talent and, more importantly, life experiences to help others.
Diondra is correct that way too many people approach discovering their purpose like a game of hide-and-seek. “We look high, we look low, and even to our peers just to find it, but you’ll never be successful going that route,” she explained.
However, I strongly disagree with her premise, and the title of the article, that your purpose is hidden inside you and you must “dig deep” to find it.
That is not true at all!
Think about it. God created you for a specific reason and bestowed upon you a natural ability to do something better than most other people in at least one skill. Do you really think he wants to toy with you in a game of cat-and-mouse as you mindlessly seek to uncover that purpose?
No way! He loves you far more than that. It serves nobody — God, you or others he intended you to help — if you don’t know what he wants you to do.
Consequently, God wants you to discover the purpose for your life. My guess is that he has been hinting at it by nudging your spirit for quite some time. He’s just waiting for you to agree with his still, small voice and take that first step of faith toward accomplishing the assignment he gives you.
All you need to do is ask, “God, what is it you want me to do at this stage in my life? Who can I serve today in a way that will be a blessing on their lives so you get all the glory?”
Then shut out distractions and listen. Write down everything you hear or all the ideas that come into your mind. That’s likely your spirit downloading answers. God may not be revealing his entire plan for you at that moment, but he’s certainly outlining the next best step.
Trust me, someone you either already know or are about to meet has been praying to God for the very miracle you’re going to deliver. If you don’t believe me, read Bruce Wilkinson’s book “You Were Born For This: Seven Keys to a Life of Predictable Miracles.”
I found the book to be fascinating. Bruce’s premise is that everyone at all times is in need of a miracle and God is ready to meet those needs supernaturally through ordinary people who are willing to learn the “protocol of heaven.”
If you don’t know what your ultimate purpose is, you can still make a difference in the lives of others. Simply ask God for an opportunity to partner with him in delivering a miracle to someone else — today. He will appoint you to be the “delivery guy” in meeting an urgent need in a significant area of that person’s life, whether it is finances, practical help, relationships, spiritual growth or some other purpose.
Do enough of those errands for God and I suspect you’ll quickly uncover a life-altering purpose specifically designed for your unique skills, talent and experiences.
Granted, some times we can be so wrapped up in our situation that it’s hard for us to see or think straight. That’s when it’s helpful to seek the advice of a trusted friend who will be completely honest with you rather than just telling you what you want to hear.
That happened to me in 2021. You can read that story in the Meet Greg Gerber section of the Forward From 50 website.
So, bottom line, be confident that Diondra is correct in that you need to know your purpose and manifest it in such a way that not even your own doubts and thoughts can get rid of it.
But understand with every fiber of your being that you do not have to dig hard or deep to find that purpose. Just ask God for your next best step to take on the course he has already laid out for you. Then trust him that he’s not going to steer you wrong.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11
After closing his business and enduring several painful years of uncertainty regarding what to do with his life, Greg founded Forward From 50 to help men and women over 50 to live more purposeful lives by pursuing things they are passionate about. A Wisconsin native, Greg currently lives in Arizona.