Understanding Your PurposeNäide

As a father of two daughters, I get excited when I see them. Whether it’s in the morning when I wake them up or when I pick them up from school, I feel an overflowing joy because I love them. They are both warm, loving, smart and affectionate girls, but they also differ in many ways. One is very spontaneous and creative while the other is much more methodical and practical. I know these things about them because I observe them. I’ve paid attention and noticed their unique combination of traits. Even though I see some of myself in them, I can’t take credit for who they are. I didn’t make them, God did.

I agree with Psalm 139:14, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. I believe our heavenly Father takes great joy in each of us and proudly reflects on how he has made us, just as He did when He created all living things, including Adam and Eve, and saw that it was “very good”.

It is important that we understand how deeply our Father loves us. Many people have trouble looking at the good within them, yet long to be seen as special, important, worthy of love, or simply “good enough”. When we feel unimportant and insignificant, we try to make ourselves “better”. Acknowledging what our Father loves about us, doesn’t make us better than others. It helps us see the value He invested in each of us.

Quite often our search for purpose involves comparison and longing for things we were never meant to have. When we realize that we are loved by God for who we are, there is no need to be jealous, compare or compete with others. We are one of a kind by His design. You were created to be you and are loved by your Father, as you are! Our purpose is woven into who we are, each one uniquely designed and completely loved. It is both flattering and humbling.

Take a moment to acknowledge what God loves about you. If you’re having trouble, ask Him what He loves about you and listen for what He says.