Passion Leads to Purpose

There are times when we may question what road to take—not in traveling down specific highways to physical destinations, but which direction to go to find a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Perhaps we’ve become bored—or have been experiencing a little emptiness inside—or maybe we just have a gut feeling that there has to be something more. On the other hand, we could be quite happy, but feel strong tugs on our hearts that it’s time to give back. We want to share the blessings or talents God has given us.

There is a multitude of ways to help people, both financially and with our time. But I can guarantee that volunteering at our churches or in our communities won’t fill that void in our hearts or fix that ache if we’re not using our gifts and aren’t passionate about what we’re doing.

Sometimes we can get pulled into doing something—even for a worthy cause—for the following reasons:

• It will make us look good.
• Our friends are participating.
• There’s an expectation from others to jump in along with them.
• No one else is stepping up.

Okay, if there’s a huge need, and you’re really the only one who can deal with a problem that may be different. Sometimes we need to suck it up and do the job if it’s important that it get done. Sometimes we need to sacrifice our comfort. But, we also need to be careful that we don’t get locked into something indefinitely.

Why?

At some point, we could become bored, frustrated, or burned out. God wants us to serve others, but he wants us to give of our time and talents where we fit best.

I’ve tried to fill a need when I was not only uncertain that I had the ability to pull it off, my heart wasn’t in it. I agreed to do the task for the wrong reasons. The result was that I did a poor job, and I ended up feeling defeated and miserable because I believed I let people down. That didn’t serve them well or God.

Side note! That’s different from knowing our purpose and stepping out regardless of fear, trusting that God will provide the tools to be successful if we do our part.

How do we find our purpose?

I think these quotes give us some great clues …

If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose. —T.D. Jakes

You will recognize your own path when you come upon it, because you will suddenly have all the energy and imagination you will ever need. —Jerry Gillies

Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. —Harold Whitman

So, what are you passionate about?

Dawn

This article was originally posted in November 2015.