Many emails I have been receiving as of lately seem to have a common theme, or should I say, question – “What is my purpose?” Read these verses:
For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible…everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. – Colossians 1:16 (MSG)
But with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do. – Psalm 139:16 (CEV)
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; – Psalm 138:8 (NIV)
Each of these verses is proof that you have a purpose. You are no accident. The last verse, Psalm 138:8, proclaims that God will fulfill His purpose for you. You do have a purpose. It’s a God-given purpose. And God wants to help you fulfill it. But while you’re waiting for your “big purpose,” you also have a purpose that’s constant, from the moment you accept Christ until the day you go to live with Him in heaven—witnessing to others. I’ve said it again and again on stages all across America: Your greatest privilege—and your greatest responsibility—is to be God’s mirror in your world. This is a purpose you don’t have to wait for God to reveal to you.
I LOVE THIS VERSE: Everything was created through him; nothing—not one thing! —came into being without him. What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by. The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn’t put it out. – John 3:5 (MSG)
God planned all of creation before time on Earth began. Before there was light, animals, food, mountains, oceans, or deserts, God had it all planned out in His heart. When He dreamed the idea of creation, you were a part of that dream. He dreamed you. So no matter how insecure you feel, no matter how unworthy you feel, no matter how afraid you feel, you can’t let that stop you from pursuing God’s purpose for you. When you’re asking and He’s not answering, you have to trust He will answer some day. And until then you have to do all you can for Him.
I’m headed to a camp this Friday that I frequently speak at – Camp Berea in New Hampshire. I am going to be speaking about this idea of purpose and how we are called to live-it out daily – to GO! – to hold nothing back as we shine like the stars in the heavens, as Philippians 2 talks about. As I will tell those teens at Camp Berea this weekend, I too want you to know – You can’t sit back and think, “When I lose 20 pounds, then I’ll feel better about myself and I’ll be able to talk to people about God.” Or, “I don’t know enough about the Bible yet to do anything for God. Once I know more, then I’ll do what He wants.” Or, “When I feel more significant, or popular, or smart, or __________ (fill in blank) then I will live for God.”
You’re who He made you to be RIGHT NOW, and He has things for you to do right now. Don’t let anything hold you back. Know that you are here for a most amazing purpose. Don’t wait around until you have all the answers to embrace your purpose. Your purpose is happening everyday, in every relationship, in every struggle, and in every facet of your life! So move forward knowing that you have today – no guarantee of tomorrow – today…to live out your purpose.
Dear Jeffrey Dean,
I was at Camp Berea (in NH) with my youth group last weekend-where you spoke-and had an amazing time. while I was there I listened to your “speeches” and really enjoyed them so I decided to buy your book (This is Me). over the past few days I’ve been reading it, its really inspired me! so much so, I decided to invite my friend to church so she can know Jesus better (and as I made this decision I kept replaying your words in my head: it doesnt matter if your friend never speaks to you again. as long as they come to know the lord, you’ve done all you can. [something like that...]). so I invited her. the only thing is-her dads jewish. you may be thinking “oh my goodness, why did you do that???” the thing is, she’s not that serious about being a jew. she barely celebrates hannakuah, and did not have a bat-mitzfah when she turned 13. im just thinking, what should I do? I want her to stay my friend because she and I are pretty close, but I also defintely want her to know the lord (which i now know is top priority). do I keep inviting her and persisting her to come, or not take the risk of making it awkward for her family (especially her dad, who claims to be jewish). I would love your words of advice, and will continue to read your book. Thanks,
Alex.