It has been quite a year. The economic downturn and a global pandemic have sent many people I know in need of a new direction and sense of purpose. But how can you find your purpose in a pandemic? There is a sense of loss when we experience any change, and it does not feel good! If you lose your job, you feel the loss of your paycheck and perhaps the loss of your dignity. Right now, everyone is experiencing the loss of whatever they consider being normalcy. Do not fear— there is a silver lining. Loss leaves a gap that can be filled with a fresh perspective and direction.

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) states that “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”  Did you catch that? God has good works prepared for us! We just have to seek them out and not be afraid to get back in the game after a loss.

Here are 3 practical tips for finding God’s purpose for your life.

1. Get Quiet

Proverbs 20:5 (NIV) reads, “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but the one who has insight draws them out.” When I go fly-fishing on the rivers of Colorado, I like to use a wet fly. I have an indicator that shows me where the nymph is, but the hook goes underwater. The biggest fish are in the deepest waters, so I need equipment that will help me reach the depths. 

The purposes of God are the same way. They’re not going to come from listening to all of the surface noise around you— the media, friends, etc. They’re going to come from inside of your heart. It takes times of solitude and silence to draw purpose out. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your purpose and listen to anything He might whisper to you. It probably won’t happen immediately, but as you begin to create a rhythm of praying this way and learn how to tune out other voices, the purposes of God will become clearer.  Read the Scriptures and pay attention to what jumps out at you. Tell God about your dreams, and don’t be afraid to ask Him for what you want. The opportunities He presents might not look like what you had in mind, but they will be exactly what you need.

2. Listen

As you start to take steps toward the purposes God has revealed to you, listen for verification from people you trust. These steps can look many different ways, because everyone has a different purpose: stepping into a conversation, posting a blog on the internet, or even starting a new business. When you’re walking in your gifting and calling, people will recognize it. It may be as simple as someone saying, “Hey, you’re really good at that!” Treasure those moments. God is speaking through them.

3. Watch

Watch for fruit. Remember, the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, kindness, faithfulness, and self-control. When your efforts start producing fruit in yourself and others, you’ll have even more confidence that you are following the purposes of God. Romans 8:28 (ESV) promises that “for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Remember that your ultimate purpose is to have a relationship with God and bring Him glory— everything else is a means to achieve that!

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Isn’t it funny that all of those ‘action’ steps required more waiting than doing? Sure, you have to do your part, but God wants us to walk in our purpose with peace and direction, not anxious, unplanned movement. That comes from being still and knowing that He is God. Don’t let 2020 pass you by without evaluating the purposes God might have for you in this opportune time. You can certainly find your purpose in a pandemic!

This is only the beginning. If you want more wisdom and tips on finding your purpose (especially in difficult, changing times), we recommend WealthBuilders University! WBU is an online learning platform with multiple subscription levels to choose from. It provides access to WealthBuilders courses and training from our team of experts 24/7. The teachings combine principles from the Word of God with practical knowledge in the marketplace. Becky and I have wanted to provide a service like this for a long time, and we’re delighted to be able to do so now! Follow the link to learn more: https://wbuniversity.online/