Lesson 2: God’s Purpose for Your Life – Living by Heaven’s Design
- Pr Enos Mwakalindile
- Aug 17
- 5 min read
🌱 Introduction
There is a powerful question that shakes every young person’s heart: “Why am I here on earth?” The world loves to measure success by wealth, fame, or pleasure, but God speaks a different voice: “I created you with a purpose, I called you by name before you were born.” A young person who discovers and embraces God’s purpose becomes like a ship with a compass—not drifting aimlessly, but sailing boldly across the seas of life, knowing that their harbor is God’s glory.
Expected Outcomes:Participants will discover that they were not created by accident, but by God’s special plan. They will be guided through practical steps to discover and live out their purpose, even in the face of obstacles and doubt.
📖 Biblical and Christian Foundations on Your Life Purpose
God Has a Plan for Your Life
“For I know the plans I have for you...” (Jer. 29:11).
A Promise of Hope in Hard Times. This verse was spoken to Israel in Babylonian exile—a time of sorrow and confusion. God assures them that His thoughts toward them are good, to give them a hopeful end. This shows that even punishment or challenges do not erase God’s plan; He remains faithful and always has a purpose to restore and uplift His people.
Joseph and God’s Blueprint. Just as a project manager draws a blueprint before construction, God has a “blueprint” for your life even before you are born. Joseph, who faced suffering and betrayal, later realized that all was part of God’s plan to lift him up and bless many (Gen. 50:20). Your challenges are a bridge to a tomorrow filled with life and hope.
You Were Created for God’s Glory
“Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory...” (Isa. 43:7).
Created to Reflect God’s Character. In this context, God reminds Israel that their main purpose is to display the glory of the Creator. A person’s life, gifts, and even difficult experiences are platforms for God to make Himself known in the world. Paul taught that we are made to be “vessels of honor” reflecting God’s grace and truth (2 Tim. 2:21).
Daniel – Shining God’s Glory in Exile. Just as a clean mirror reflects the face of the one looking, so our lives should reflect God’s glory. When Daniel and his friends stood faithful in Babylon, God’s glory was seen by the king and all nations (Dan. 6:25–27). Your victories and gifts are an opportunity for the world to recognize the living God.
You Were Created for Good Works
“We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works...” (Eph. 2:10).
Good Works as the Fruit of New Creation. Paul makes it clear that salvation is a gift of grace and not a result of our works, but adds that we are created for good works. These works are not an attempt to earn salvation, but a result of our new nature in Christ. We do good because of what we have become, not to earn praise.
Dorcas – Love that Touches the Community. Like an artist whose work blesses others, our calling to good works benefits society. Tabitha (Dorcas) made clothes and served widows, becoming an example of living love (Acts 9:36–41). Every act of kindness is a seed that grows and transforms those around us.
Your Purpose Is Within Christ’s Calling
“You are a chosen people... to declare the praises of Him...” (1 Pet. 2:9).
Identity and a Shared Calling. Peter tells believers that they are “a royal priesthood” (see Exod. 19:5–6), connected with Old Testament Israel, but now all are included in Christ. This calling opens the door for every Christian to be part of God’s worldwide purpose—to proclaim Christ’s praises, mercy, and light. No one is left out; everyone has a role.
Timothy – A Young Person Serving Together. Just as an orchestra creates beautiful music through many instruments, so the community of believers works together for God’s glory. Timothy, a young man in a supporting role alongside Paul, became a bridge for the Gospel to the next generation (Acts 16:1–3). Your small act of faithfulness can carry great weight in Christ’s purpose.
Your Purpose Requires Faithfulness and Perseverance
“The good seed... with perseverance produces a crop.” (Luke 8:15).
Purposeful Fruit Needs Endurance. Jesus used the parable of the sower to teach that God’s Word, when growing in the hearts of the faithful, needs patience and faithfulness to bear fruit. Perseverance (hupomone) is the ability to stand firm despite obstacles. True fruits of purpose appear gradually, ripening over time.
Abraham – Patience in Fulfilling the Promise. Just as a farmer waits for the harvest after planting, life’s calling requires patience and faithfulness. Abraham waited many years before seeing God’s promise fulfilled in the birth of Isaac (Gen. 21:1–5). Your perseverance today is the pillar for tomorrow’s great fruits.
🛐 Life Application
Pray: Invite God into your journey, like a young person standing before a new map of life seeking the true way. Pray for courage to take steps even when fear tries to hold you back, knowing that His light never fades and every darkness ends before the Lord’s hope.
Read: Take time each day, sit quietly with your Bible, reflect on Proverbs 3:5–6, and write down the changes you want to see in your path. Like a farmer examining the field before sowing, examine yourself and let God lead you even in life’s hardest areas.
Share: Have deep conversations with a mentor or spiritual friend about your dreams, gifts, and what sets your heart on fire. Like two young people on a park bench sharing secrets, listen and be listened to, and value the power of spiritual counsel.
Do: Draw a map of your dreams and goals, whether it’s a small paper or a large board on the wall. Write down your gifts and opportunities, then honestly ask: “With all I’ve been given, how will I serve God and bring light to my people?”
🤔 Reflection Questions
Have you ever sat quietly and reflected, “What does God want from me?” Picture a young person sitting by a lake at sunset, searching for the Lord’s voice in the breeze. What did your heart experience?
What challenges have kept you from following God’s purpose? Like a mountain blocking your path, sometimes obstacles seem huge, but remember even a desert traveler needs rest and faith to keep going. Have you ever lost hope but found strength to start again?
When have you seen your purpose bring hope to others? Like a small lamp lit in the darkness to help others see the way, has there been a moment where God used you to bring hope to those surrounded by darkness?
What small step can you take this week as the beginning of a new journey? Every long journey begins with a single step—what simple, courageous step can you take now, knowing God walks with you?
🙌 Final Blessing
May the Lord open the eyes of your spirit to see further than the limits of your sight; may He give you the strength not to remain stuck, but to move forward even when the clouds grow dark. May He make you a witness of His love and purpose everywhere you go. Amen.
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