Do you ever Feel Like You’re Just Coasting Through Life?
You ever felt like life was one long episode of a show you didn’t even sign up to binge-watch? Yeah, that was me. I was out there chasing all the wrong things—partying, doing anything to distract myself, and losing hours to Netflix like I was getting paid for it. (Spoiler alert: I wasn’t).
I’d be out all weekend, doing the most—everything from partying to binge-watching entire seasons of shows until the sun came up. But inside? I felt empty, directionless, and just plain… lost. I was always on the streets.
It wasn’t until I finally had a wake up call and life humbled me that I surrendered to God and went through a deliverance and cleansing process till I found my purpose. And let me tell you—it wasn’t a magical “aha” moment where the skies opened up and angels started singing Hallelujah.
It was more like God gently tugging at my heart, showing me that the very things I’d been running from—His plans for me—were exactly what I needed.
So, what about you? my curious, brilliant reader? If you’ve ever wondered, “Why am I here? What’s the point of all this?”—you’re not alone.
The good news is, your purpose is way bigger and more fulfilling than anything the world has to offer. And it all starts with remembering why God Almighty created you.
Purpose is the reason why something exists or is done. It’s the driving force behind your actions, decisions, and direction in life. When we talk about purpose in the Christian sense, it goes beyond personal ambition or success—it has to do with understanding why God created you and how your life fits into His bigger plan.
Your purpose is tied to glorifying God, serving others, and using the gifts and talents He’s placed within you for His Kingdom.
At its core, purpose is about meaning and intention. It's the "why" behind your life—why you’re here, why you were born, and what your life is meant to accomplish.
The Danger of Living Without Purpose
Let me paint a picture for you: I was basically living like my purpose in life was to be a professional partier, scrolling endlessly through social media, and hitting "Next Episode" like I was training for a Netflix marathon Oh, and the casual hook-ups (they are deadly, literally).
The thing is, the more I tried to fill myself up with these distractions, the emptier I felt. I thought, "Hey, maybe this is just how life works—fun on the outside, empty on the inside."
And let’s be real for a second: the world offers plenty of things to keep us busy.
There’s social media, parties, destructive relationships, Netflix, DSTv, TikTok, pre-marital sexual immoral pleasures—so many ways to fill our time, but none of them fill our souls. We might feel good for a little while, but when the party’s over, or the season finale hits, we’re left feeling empty again. Why? Because none of those things are tied to the real reason we were created.
The Challenges of Searching for Purpose
Let’s be honest—finding your purpose isn’t easy either, especially when you’re young and the world is throwing distractions at you from every direction. Here are some challenges I faced (and maybe you do too):
1. Distractions, distractions, distractions.
We’ve all been there—whether it’s scrolling endlessly on Instagram, feeling like you need to keep up with every new trend, or binge-watching every show ever created. The noise of the world makes it so hard to focus on what really matters.
But it's not just social media. Distractions come in all forms:
Comparison on Social Media: You’re scrolling, looking at everyone’s "perfect" lives, and suddenly you’re stuck comparing yourself, feeling like you’re behind.
Chasing Validation: Maybe it’s constantly checking for likes, comments, or approval from people who don’t even know the real you. That quick dopamine hit feels good—for a moment—but it leaves you empty.
Endless Entertainment: Binge-watching series, jumping from one YouTube rabbit hole to the next. It’s like filling time with noise, but inside, you’re still craving something deeper.
Overcommitting: Saying "yes" to everything—social events, work projects, and even good things—leaving no time for rest, reflection, or connection with God.
Mindless Consumption: Whether it’s social media, the latest trends, or even just news headlines, our minds get cluttered with stuff that doesn’t align with what God’s calling us to.
Each one keeps us distracted from hearing God's voice, from reflecting on our purpose, and from investing in things that truly fill us up. When we let go of these distractions, that’s when we make space for what really matters.
2. The Pressure to Fit In
There’s this massive pressure from society to follow certain paths—get the "right" job, have the "right" friends, build the "perfect" life. It’s like there’s an invisible checklist we feel obligated to follow, even if it has nothing to do with who we really are or what God’s calling us to do.
Career Pressure: Society tells us that success means climbing the corporate ladder, making a certain salary, or having a "dream job" that looks impressive to others. (Not that there is anything wrong with success).
But what if God’s plan for you is something different—maybe it’s a calling that doesn’t fit neatly into that mold, like ministry, creative arts, being a homemaker, or serving others in less conventional ways?
Social Pressure: You’re expected to fit in with certain groups, make the "right" friends, and surround yourself with people who will boost your status. But what happens when those friends don’t share your values or faith? It’s easy to feel out of place or like you have to compromise your beliefs just to keep up or belong.
The Pressure to Look Perfect: Social media doesn’t help here—whether it’s the pressure to always look like you have it together, post the perfect photos, or curate a life that seems Instagram-worthy, it’s exhausting. We start living for likes and validation instead of living out God’s purpose for our lives. Most times this pressure comes from us.
Following Society’s Timeline: You’re "supposed" to go to university, get a diploma/degree, land a great job, get married by a certain age, and have a family—all on a strict timeline. But what if God’s timing is different? What if He’s calling you to step off that path and pursue something that doesn’t follow the world’s expectations?
Keeping Up Appearances: We often feel pressure to maintain a certain image—whether that’s material success, social popularity, or lifestyle goals. But chasing these things can pull us away from the purpose God has for us, leaving us feeling more lost than ever.
The reality is, the more we try to fit in with the world, the more we drift away from who God uniquely created us to be. True peace comes when we stop chasing the world’s version of "success" and start walking in God’s purpose, even when it looks different from everyone else’s path. Dare to be unique.
3. The Comparison Trap
This one’s sneaky. You look around at what everyone else is doing—whether it’s traveling the world, starting businesses, or just seemingly "having it all together"—and suddenly, you feel like you’re falling behind. Like maybe God forgot to give you a purpose when He handed them out. But trust me, He didn’t.
Social Media Showreels: Scrolling through Instagram, you see friends on exotic vacations, influencers starting their own brands, people getting married, buying houses, and seemingly living their dream lives. It’s hard not to wonder, "What am I doing wrong? Why isn’t my life this exciting?"
Success Comparisons: Maybe you see someone your age launching a successful business, getting a promotion, or landing their dream job. Suddenly, the job you prayed for doesn’t seem good enough anymore. You start to question your worth and feel like you’re behind in some invisible race.
Relationship Status Pressure: You see friends or influencers posting about their "perfect" relationships—getting engaged, married, or starting a family—and meanwhile, you’re feeling stuck, wondering why you’re still waiting for the right person or struggling in your current relationship. Don't settle for less just because you are lonely. You deserve a healthy, loving, kingdom building relationship.
Spiritual Comparisons: Even in church or faith communities, the comparison trap can creep in. You might see someone who seems to have their faith all figured out, always posting Bible verses or attending every mission trip, and you start to question your own spiritual journey. It makes you feel like you’re somehow "less Christian" or not growing fast enough in your faith.
Achievement Milestones: Society has this unspoken timeline—graduate by this age, land a career by this age, get married, have kids, own a home, etc. When others hit these milestones "on time" and you feel like you’re still figuring things out, comparison makes you feel like you're falling behind in the grand plan.
The problem with comparison is it tricks you into thinking someone else’s success diminishes your own journey. But here’s the truth: God didn’t forget about you. Your timeline, your purpose, and your path are unique. Just because someone else is in their season doesn’t mean you won’t get to yours.
God’s plan for you is so specific, and it might not look like everyone else’s journey—because it’s not supposed to. He has you exactly where He needs you right now. And here’s the thing: often, we are our own worst enemies.
We compare ourselves to others, not realizing that the very doors we’re praying for, we might not yet be ready to walk through. The success, relationships, or opportunities we envy in others might actually overwhelm us if we received them too soon. A blessing received to soon is a curse.
God knows what we can handle, and sometimes He delays certain blessings not to withhold them, but to prepare us to sustain them. Imagine praying for a position of leadership, but lacking the maturity to navigate it—if we were handed that too early, we could crash under the weight. Or maybe you’re asking for a relationship, but God is still working on healing parts of your heart before He brings the right person into your life.
Instead of comparing, trust that God is working behind the scenes, growing you in ways you might not even see. He’s preparing you for the next step in His perfect timing—so that when those doors do open, you’ll be ready not just to step through them, but to thrive.
The Shift: How Surrendering to God Changed Everything
I reached a breaking point—I was done with the temporary thrills, done with feeling like I was running in circles. That’s when I surrendered everything to God, and let me tell you, it wasn’t like some dramatic, lightning-bolt moment where I suddenly had all the answers. Nope, far from it. But it was a start. Slowly, God began to reveal His purpose for me.
It was like He was peeling away layers of distractions to show me the strengths, gifts, and passions He had placed in me all along. I started to remember the dreams I pushed aside. I began to recognize the gifts I had but never valued because I was too busy chasing things that didn’t even matter.
If you’re feeling lost, I promise you—God hasn’t forgotten you. He’s got a purpose for your life, even if you can’t see it yet.
What the Bible Says About Our Purpose
Here’s the thing: the Bible is crystal clear about why we were created. We were made to glorify God and to do good works. I know, it sounds a bit like church-talk, but let’s break it down.
Isaiah 43:7 says we were created for God’s glory. That means our lives are meant to reflect who He is. Glorifying God doesn’t just mean singing worship songs on Sunday (though that’s great and highly recommended!). It means living in a way that points others to Him—how you love, how you treat people, how you handle challenges.
Ephesians 2:10 says we are God’s handiwork, created to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. So, not only were we created for His glory, but God has also uniquely equipped each of us with gifts and passions to serve others.
Think about that—before you were even born, God had already prepared things for you to do. That’s not some random “find your purpose” quiz on the internet. That’s divine, intentional planning from the Creator of the universe.
Practical Ways to Discover Your Purpose
So, how do you actually start living out the purpose God has for you? It’s not as complicated as it might seem. Hear me out, okay.
Here are some practical steps you can take:
1. Prayer and Reflection
Prayer is more than just speaking to God—it’s about creating space to listen as well. It’s a two-way conversation where you not only share your heart with God but also open yourself up to hear His guidance. When you’re seeking purpose, prayer is like a compass—it helps point you toward God’s will for your life.
Think of prayer as a conversation with your Creator. Just like you’d sit down with a close friend to share your thoughts, dreams, or struggles, God invites you to do the same with Him.
You don’t need fancy words or long speeches—just be real, honest, and open. It’s in these moments of being vulnerable that God can begin to reveal more of His plan for you.
Here are some practical tips for prayer when discovering your purpose:
Be specific: Ask God to reveal what He has created you for. Instead of only focusing on what you want, ask Him to show you what He wants for you.
Be patient: God may not reveal everything all at once. Often, He shows us glimpses of our purpose over time, especially as we step out in faith. Trust that He is guiding you, even if the answers don’t come immediately.
Listen in silence: After praying, spend time in silence, allowing God to speak. You might not hear an audible voice, but He can nudge your heart through thoughts, feelings, or even opportunities that arise. Ask for divine strategies.
Journal your prayers: Writing down your prayers and any impressions you get can help you track God’s answers over time. You’ll be amazed at how He connects the dots in your life when you reflect back.
Example Prayer: "God, help me see what You’ve created me for. I want to live in a way that glorifies You and serves others. Show me the gifts and passions You’ve already placed inside of me. Help me to trust Your timing and Your plans, even when I can’t see the full picture. Open my heart and my eyes to Your guidance, and give me the courage to step into the purpose You’ve designed for me, In Jesus mighty name, Amen."
Prayer Points to Help Guide You:
Ask for Clarity:
"Lord, reveal the areas of my life where You’ve already planted seeds of purpose. Help me to recognize the gifts and passions You’ve given me."
Seek Alignment with God’s Will:
"God, align my heart with Your will. Help me to desire what You desire for me, not what the world says I should pursue."
Ask for Wisdom and Discernment:
"Father, give me wisdom to make decisions that align with Your purpose for my life. Help me discern the right opportunities from distractions."
Pray for Courage:
"God, give me the courage to step out in faith. Even when I feel uncertain or unqualified, remind me that You equip me for what You’ve called me to do."
Be Open to God’s Timing:
"Lord, help me to trust in Your timing. I may not see everything clearly now, but I trust that You are working all things for my good and for Your glory."
2. Identify Your Strengths and Passions
Take a moment to think about what you’re naturally good at or what you feel drawn to. These aren’t just random quirks—they could be clues to the unique purpose God has for your life. When you align your strengths and passions with God’s plan, it’s like putting together pieces of a puzzle that reveal a bigger picture.
So, ask yourself: What lights me up? What makes me lose track of time? What activities or situations make me feel alive and fulfilled?
Here’s a more exhaustive list of strengths and passions for you to reflect on. As you read through these, think about how God might want to use these in your life: I pray they spark a light in you and bring you into remembrance of what your gifts are.
1. People & Communication Skills
Are you someone who’s naturally drawn to people? Do you find it easy to connect with others, or do you enjoy building relationships? God can use your interpersonal skills in powerful ways.
Encouragement & Uplifting Others:
Do people often come to you when they’re feeling down or need advice? Maybe you have a gift for offering encouragement and hope, reminding others of God’s promises when they need it most. Perhaps you are a spiritual/emotional healer.
Purpose idea: Consider starting a small group, a support ministry, or even writing devotionals or social media posts that lift others up.
Listening & Being Empathetic:
Are you the friend who everyone turns to when they need someone to listen without judgment? Your ability to listen and empathize is a gift from God, allowing you to offer comfort and understanding in times of need.
Purpose idea: You could serve in a ministry that offers counseling or support to those going through tough times, or even be a mentor for younger Christians.
Public Speaking or Teaching:
Do you find joy in speaking in front of others or explaining things in a way that people understand? Teaching is a powerful way to glorify God by sharing His Word.
Purpose idea: You might be called to lead Bible studies, preach, teach youth groups, or even start a Christian podcast or YouTube channel.
Conflict Resolution/Peacemaking:
Are you the person who steps in when others are in disagreement, helping them find common ground? Being a peacemaker is highly valued in God’s kingdom.
Purpose idea: You could serve as a mediator, or help counsel others through difficult situations. This could also involve working in ministries focused on reconciliation or social justice.
2. Creative & Artistic Gifts
If you’re someone who loves to express themselves through creative outlets, God has likely given you these talents for a reason! The world needs more beauty and creativity that points back to Him.
Writing (Stories, Poems, Blogs, Books):
Does writing come naturally to you? Whether it’s stories, poetry, or journaling, your words could inspire and impact others.
Purpose idea: You could start a faith-based blog (like me!), write Christian fiction, or create devotionals that help others grow in their walk with God. Writing can be a way to share God's love with the world.
Visual Arts (Drawing, Painting, Graphic Design):
Do you have an eye for creating beautiful images? Whether through painting, photography, or digital design, you can glorify God through the visuals you create.
Purpose idea: Create faith-inspired artwork or graphics, or offer your design skills to churches and ministries. You could also start a social media platform that shares Christian art and spreads God’s message visually.
Music & Worship:
Do you love to sing, play instruments, or write songs? Music is a powerful way to glorify God and touch hearts.
Purpose idea: You could join (or start!) a worship team at your church, write songs that inspire faith, or even create Christian music to share online.
Photography & Videography:
Do you have a passion for capturing moments through photography or videos? These skills can be used to tell stories of faith and hope.
Purpose idea: Consider creating faith-based videos or documentaries, volunteering to film church services or events, or starting a YouTube channel where you share uplifting messages through visuals.
3. Organizational & Leadership Skills
If you thrive in organizing, planning, or leading, these strengths can be used to help others stay on track and accomplish goals that honor God.
Event Planning & Organizing:
Do you love pulling all the pieces together to plan an event or keep things running smoothly? You might have a gift for organization and management.
Purpose idea: Use your skills to help plan church events, retreats, or conferences. You could also organize mission trips or charity events to serve others.
Leadership & Visionary Thinking:
Do you naturally step up to lead when a group needs direction? Are you good at casting a vision and motivating others to move forward? God may have gifted you with the ability to lead others toward His kingdom purposes.
Purpose idea: Lead a church ministry, youth group, or community outreach initiative. You could also mentor others in leadership and help guide new believers in their faith journey.
Project Management:
Are you good at juggling multiple tasks and keeping projects on track? This skill is highly valuable in ministry and nonprofit work.
Purpose idea: You could help manage projects for your church, like building renovations, outreach programs, or media ministries.
4. Service & Helping Others
Some people just have a heart for service. If you naturally find yourself jumping in to help wherever it’s needed, God might have given you the gift of service.
Acts of Service:
Do you enjoy serving behind the scenes, helping others with practical needs? This gift often goes unnoticed but is incredibly important.
Purpose idea: Serve in areas like setting up for church events, cleaning, or helping with logistics. You could also volunteer at food banks, homeless shelters, or community outreach programs.
Caregiving & Compassion:
Do you have a deep compassion for others, especially those who are hurting or in need? You may have a heart for caregiving.
Purpose idea: Consider serving in hospital ministries, visiting the elderly, or helping those in need through acts of kindness. You could also consider missions work or joining a care ministry at your church.
Hospitality & Welcoming Others:
Are you the kind of person who loves welcoming people into your home, cooking for them, and making them feel at ease? Hospitality is a gift!
Purpose idea: Host small group gatherings, lead a home Bible study, or start a hospitality ministry at your church.
5. Intellectual & Analytical Gifts
If you enjoy learning, thinking critically, or diving deep into complex subjects, God can use your intellectual gifts for His glory.
Studying Scripture & Teaching:
Are you someone who loves digging deep into the Bible, researching, and understanding theology? This passion can help others grow in their faith.
Purpose idea: Teach Bible studies, write devotionals, or even pursue a degree in theology. You could also use your knowledge to mentor others or lead discipleship programs.
Problem Solving & Strategic Thinking:
Do you enjoy solving problems and finding better ways to do things? Strategic thinking is a gift that can help ministries and organizations thrive.
Purpose idea: Help churches or nonprofits develop strategies to grow and serve their communities better. You could also work on solving social justice issues through ministry.
Research & Apologetics:
Are you passionate about defending the Christian faith or answering tough questions about God? Apologetics requires strong analytical skills and a deep love for the truth.
Purpose idea: Get involved in apologetics ministries, write articles, or speak on topics that challenge people to think critically about their faith.
6. Physical & Practical Skills
Some of us are gifted with more hands-on, practical abilities that can be used to help others in very tangible ways.
Building & Construction:
Are you handy with tools or love working with your hands? Your skills could make a real difference in people’s lives.
Purpose idea: Help build or fix peoples homes for those in need, doing carpentry work, volunteer for church building projects, or help maintain your local church’s facilities.
Sports & Physical Activities:
Are you passionate about fitness, sports, or physical activities? God can use your talents in athletics to impact others.
Purpose idea: Coach youth sports teams, start a Christian fitness group, or mentor young athletes. You can use sports to teach life lessons and faith principles.
3. Get Involved in Service
One of the best ways to discover your purpose is to step out and start serving. When you’re actively serving others, God often reveals your strengths and passions in ways you might not have noticed before. Serving puts you in real-life situations where your gifts can shine—sometimes in unexpected ways.
You don’t have to have it all figured out before you serve. It’s in the act of serving that God can begin to shape your path and show you how He wants to use you. Plus, serving others takes the focus off ourselves and helps us experience the joy of being God’s hands and feet in the world.
Here are some practical ways to get started:
Join a ministry at your church: Whether it’s the worship team, children’s ministry, or outreach programs, churches are filled with opportunities to serve. This can help you explore different areas and see what lights a fire in your heart.
Volunteer at a local shelter or nonprofit: Serving your community is a beautiful way to share God’s love in action. It can open your eyes to needs you weren’t aware of and help you discover a passion for social justice, caregiving, or advocacy.
Simply help a friend in need: Sometimes, serving starts in the small, everyday moments—offering to help a friend with a project, listening to someone who’s going through a hard time, or being available to lend a hand wherever it’s needed.
When you focus on serving others, you’ll be amazed at how God uses your gifts to bless not only them but you too.
The more you serve, the clearer your sense of purpose will become, as God aligns your passions with the needs around you. Often, the areas where you feel most fulfilled while serving are hints of the direction God may be calling you toward.
4. Tune Out the World and Tune In to God
It’s hard to hear God’s voice when we’re constantly bombarded with the noise of the world. Be intentional about stepping back from distractions. Whether it’s taking a social media fast, setting aside time to pray everyday, or just cutting out unnecessary noise, make space to hear from God.
Example: “It’s like turning down the world’s volume so you can actually hear what God’s been saying all along. Trust me, when you listen, He’s got a lot to say about your purpose.”
Be willing to be open to Discover Your Purpose
So here’s the deal: you might not wake up tomorrow with a crystal-clear, step-by-step blueprint of your purpose. And that’s okay. This is a journey, not a sprint. When you seek God—through prayer, reflection, and serving others—He will guide you. His plans for you are far greater than anything the world could offer.
I’ve been there, wandering aimlessly, feeling lost, but trust me, God’s plans are worth the wait. When you live for His glory and let Him lead the way, you’ll discover a life filled with purpose, passion, and fulfillment.
Start Your Mission Today
Are you ready to start discovering why God created you? Take some time this week to pray, asking God to reveal His purpose for your life. And if you’ve got questions or just want to chat about where you’re at, drop a comment below or reach out to me. Let’s do this together!
As always, remain faithful. I love you.
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