“I ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally (knowing God), your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do (discover purpose), grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers [making a difference].
- Ephesians 1:17-18 MSG
God made us on purpose for a purpose.
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
- Psalm 139:13-14 ESV
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
- Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV
God has given us unique gifts and abilities to fulfill our purpose.
"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."
- Romans 12:6-8 ESV
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 ESV
God uses our life experiences, the good and the bad, to prepare us for the “good work” that He prepared for us.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose…”
- Romans 8:28 ESV
Our individual purpose must align with God’s ultimate purpose of making a difference in the lives of others.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
- 1 Peter 4:10 ESV
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- Matthew 28:18–20 ESV