How to walk toward your purpose
Back when I was getting ready to graduate from college, my roommate and I had this running joke. We had no idea what we were going to do with our education or who we were supposed to be. We were desperate for a job offer and a word from God. And what we really wanted was well…a burning bush. That’s right — if it was good enough for Moses, then it was good enough for us.
Flash forward decades, and I had some of those same questions for God. What is my purpose? How do I find work I love? How do I make an impact for His kingdom. And if you’ve asked some of those questions recently, I just want you to know that you’re not alone.
The reality is your purpose in life get unfolded as we go. There is not download everything plan in life. For the majority of us, God asks us to be faithful in the next step as he reveals what’s next. And if you have questions about walking in your purpose and hearing from God, I’ve got you covered with a few insights today.
1. Small Steps Are Sacred
I recently was asked to teach at my church on Sunday morning. The passage was in Matthew 13. Jesus is teaching about what the kingdom of God is like. He compares the kingdom to several things in this chapter, but the one that stood out to me was the mustard seed. The mustard seed is the tiniest of seeds, and it can grow into a bush like tree of 10-20 ft. What I learned in preparing for the message was this. The point wasn’t that everything will grow big given a little time + God’s power. The point was the kingdom of God is about small things. Small steps. Small bits of courage. Big callings often begin with small starts.
"Do not despise these small beginnings." — Zechariah 4:10
Here at One Foot Coaching, we encourage transformation through baby steps. We ask what is one baby step you can take today to move toward your goal/purpose/calling. You don't need a master plan. Just obedience in the next right step.
2. God Meets You in Motion
“God can’t steer a parked car.” This was a mantra I picked up from a friend while going to seminary and working a full-time job. The reality is that when I moved to Minnesota and registered for classes, I expected my purpose to be clear. Instead, I felt immobilized waiting for God to reveal my calling. What I’ve learned over the years is simple. God meets us while we’re taking steps of faith. As we move and trust him — he can open doors and close them. He can put people in our lives that we need for the journey. He can give us wisdom from our lived experience. A Biblical example? The Red Sea didn't part until Moses and the Israelites walked toward it. God asked them to trust and step into the water before He parted it. You and I can do the same.
3. Finding purpose in the wait
An unexpected by-product of waiting on God to reveal my purpose and open doors? I learned to be where my feet are. I learned to bloom where I was planted. I learned that finding your purpose and calling is a journey, not just a destination. Yes, those are all cliche. But every one of them is true. While God prepares us for your next purpose, He has provided a purpose right now. In our everyday walking around lives. It may connecting with your neighbor. It may be the relationships you’re cultivating at work that doesn’t bring your joy. It may be serving God at your church. Here’s what I believe…we can find our purpose in the life we’re already living.
Take the Next Step
I don’t know what your next step is. But if you’re finding more confusion then clarity, One Foot can help. You don’t have to map the whole journey—just be faithful to the step in front of you. Let’s move forward, together.
