By CLINTON K. POWELL

Special to South Florida Times

Have you ever awakened in the morning, dragged yourself out of bed, splashed water on your face, then, after brushing your teeth, looked in the mirror and asked, “Why am I here?” Do you find yourself at your desk at work pondering life and longing to be a part of something great? You crave to make a difference and to leave a mark on this world, yet you’re stuck on the hamster wheel of life. You look at the lives of your friends and family and you realize they walk to the beat of a different drum. Their lives are filled with joy, careers and direction; they are truly building a legacy that will impact generations to come. If you can relate to either scenario, then you may be in a state of spiritual limbo. You are questioning your existence and ultimately questioning your sense of life’s purpose.

The question of purpose is one of the most elusive notions to grasp and one that has plagued mankind since the inception of time. Would you be surprised if I told you that the question of purpose is one of the most searched questions on Google? Whether you are a Millennial, a part of Generation X or a Baby Boomer, the question of purpose has been contemplated at some point in everyone’s life.

According to Pastor Rick Warren, when dealing with purpose we have two options: “We can make up our own purpose to life, perhaps by throwing ourselves into our work or a hobby. Or we can seek to discover what God created us for. To do so, we must begin with God.” In today’s self-absorbed society, it is rare to believe our purpose is not about us, but is directly connected to someone else. That someone else is God.

Jeremiah 1:5 says, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” These were the words young Jeremiah heard when God was declaring purpose upon his life. His purpose was twofold, he was first set apart; meaning God was calling him out of this world and establishing a relationship with him. In order for our purpose to come to fruition we must first be reconciled to God. We are able to do that today through accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. If we use our relationship with Jesus as our ship and our faith in Him as our compass, we will be able to navigate through the waters of life as we sail to our God-ordained purpose as our destination.

The second part of Jeremiah’s purpose was that of an actual career or function of life. He was called to be a prophet. As a prophet, he would be the mouthpiece to God’s people, instructing them how they should live their lives. Immediately after receiving his purpose from God, out of fear and feeling inadequate Jeremiah quickly denounced it saying, “Lord, I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” Does this sound familiar? How many of us due to our personal insecurities reject the purpose that God has birthed in us? It’s important to understand that God is not a respecter of age or social status. Whether you are young or old, rich or poor, God can and will use you to fulfill His purpose in your life. The Bible is very clear. God will never put more on you than you can bear. That relates not only to your trials in your life, but your purpose as well. If God has given you a vision or you have a calling over your life that means He knows you can achieve it, but you have to be willing. As He told Jeremiah, “Don’t be afraid for I will be with you and will protect you.”

As you continue to contemplate your purpose today, I leave you to ponder these words from Pastor Rick Warren: “When our time on earth is over, God will ask us two questions: “What did you do with my son Jesus Christ?” and “What did you do with your life?” When it’s all said and done, I pray you will be able to exclaim with blessed assurance that Jesus Christ is mine and my life was filled with executing the purpose that God created me for.

Clinton K. Powell is the Student Pastor at Evangel Church International and founder and president of Fuzion Promotions and Fuzion Ministries AD. He can be reached at 305-953- 5433 or info.fuzionminad@gmail.com.