How to discover and fulfill your purpose in life is a book written by Pastor Sunday Simon. You will be reading the full text of the book here.

Please enjoy the book and write and send your comment or questions to the author through the following feedback mechanisms:

Whatasap: +234 803 649 4172

 

How to Discover and Fulfil Your Purpose in Life 

Biblical principles to find your God-given purpose 

Sunday Simon 

 Published by Sunday Simon at Nownowbooks store 

Other title by Sunday Simon 

An Enemy Called Comfort Zone 

https://nownowbooks.com.ng/an-enemy-called-comfort-zone/ 

Copyright 2024 MSO Simon 

Copyright © 2024 

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanically, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the written permission of the publishers. The only exception is a brief quotation in printed reviews.

CONTENTS

1. Copyright
2. Dedication 
3. Acknowledgements
4. Foreword
5. Introduction 

 

CHAPTER 1

TAKING THE BULL BY THE HORNS – 3

 

CHAPTER 2

YOU ARE CREATED TO SOLVE A PROBLEM – 5

 

CHAPTER 3

HOW TO DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE – 8

1. You must be Born Again – 9
2. You must be Led by the Holy Spirit –  9
3. Divine Solitude (Alone with God) –  10
4. Pray in the Spirit  –  14
5. You must be a “Waiter” –  15
6. You must be Passionate about Something –  16
7. Pointer to Purpose: What You Hate –  16
8. Seek Godly Counsel –  17
9. Give Attention to the Word of God – 17
10. Age is not a barrier –  18

 

CHAPTER 4

CHARACTERISTICS OF PEOPLE WITH A PURPOSE –  20

1. They have a Cause – 20
2. They are Inquisitive – 20
3. They are Goal Setters – 20
4. They are Trail Blazers – 21
5. They Dream Big – 22
6. They have Strong Faith – 23

 

CHAPTER 5

HINDERANCES TO FULFILMENT OF PURPOSE –  25

1. Procrastination – 25
2. Excuses – 25
3. Satanic Opposition –  26
4. Prayerlessness  –  28

 

CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSION    – 29

 

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book to God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I express my profound gratitude to Pastor Lawrence Alaba Balogun for accepting to write the foreword. I thank God for bringing me in contact with him and the encouragement I continue to receive from him in publishing God’s Word.

I also thank members of “The Beloved of God Forum” for the encouragement given to me in the publication of this book. My discussions with them in the forum inspired me to put the piecemeal write-ups together to form a book.

I am very grateful to my wife, Mrs. Abigail Bolanle Simon, for her constant and relentless support and prayers.

I also thank my wonderful children for the encouragement I received from them in the publication of this book.

In particular, I express my deep appreciation to my father in the Lord, Evangelist Job Abdullahi, GOTRUDEM, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, for his fatherly counsel and prayers.

 

FOREWORD

The subject of purpose is fundamental to fulfilment in life and destiny. The greatest fallout of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden was the loss of purpose. From that point man began to live for himself at the expense of the reason for his creation by God. I dare to say that the most miserable life is a life whose purpose is never discovered, let alone pursued and fulfilled.

Friend, there is a ‘why’ God created you and planted you on planet earth. Your greatest quest must be the discovery of that ‘why’ and its pursuance. It is your purpose that makes you relevant to your world, especially as you discover and begin to fulfil it.

How to Discover and Fulfil Your Purpose in Life by Pastor Sunday Simon examines the many sides to this very important subject. Your life is just about taking on a new meaning to the betterment of this world as you digest the content of this book. 

Pastor Lawrence Alaba Balogun.

 

INTRODUCTION

A life without a purpose is as good as dead. It is like a ship without a compass. Every human being has a purpose; God designed it so at creation. Even if you were born when your parents were not expecting any child anymore, and you have suffered rejection, your coming to this world is not by accident. God never makes a mistake about you.

God has an enviable position for you in His creation. He told Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the belly, I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I have set you apart, and ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Jer. 1:5

It is disastrous for anybody on earth not to discover his purpose before leaving this world. Some people think that the most important day of their lives is the day they build a house or get married. But according to Mark Twain, there are two most important days in one’s life, “the day you were born and the day you discover why?” Your existence here on earth is not just staying alive, but finding something worthwhile to live for.

According to Myles Monroe, “The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but a life without a purpose.”

Speaking further, Munroe says, “The wealthiest place on the planet is just down the road. It is the cemetery. There lie companies that never started, inventions that were never made, best-selling books that were never written, and masterpieces that were never printed. In the cemetery is buried the greatest treasures of untapped potential.”

William Shakespeare describes the world as a stage on which all men and women are players. The saddest thing is that not many people are active players. Sadly, many are mere spectators in life and never become actors. Many consider life as a sport and are therefore comfortable watching from the grandstand as events unfold. It is nice to applaud others on the stage of life for their achievements, but what is most pathetic is to remain on the grandstand without any special role. Such people never ask themselves when people will “watch” them too.

Living life as a spectator is not all you were created for. You must be able to discover God’s purpose for your life. You can’t afford to be comfortable just being in the crowd. Don’t allow yourself to be submerged in the crowd. You must get to the level of personal search. You can never attain the level of self-discovery as long as you remain in the crowd.

Until Zacchaeus got ahead of the crowd, he could not see Jesus. Luke 19:4-5. He never knew Jesus had a personal interest in him until made a personal commitment to seek Jesus. That day, the King of kings lodged in his house and he understood the purpose of God for his life.

You cannot afford to be a spectator in life. You cannot afford to remain at the level of the crowd. You must be a player. Be like Zacchaeus.

Emily Dickson declares, “I am out with lanterns looking for myself.” It is as serious as that. You must be all out to find out why you are here on earth and what you must do to answer that why. This is the reason this book is written.

Chapter 1: TAKING THE BULL BY THE HORNS

 

The day I understood the meaning of the expression, “taking the bull by the horns”, was the day I cut my teeth on writing. I was in Form Four at St. Barnabas Secondary School, Kabba, Nigeria.

I had a passion for writing. I knew the names of almost all the journalists that wrote for the “Daily Times’, the most popular newspaper in Nigeria then. I celebrated and aspired to be like one of them. Little did I know that God was not preparing me for secular journalism but for “Gospel journalism”. “The Lord gave the word: great is the company of those that published it”. Psalm 68:11. That day I took the bull by the horns and wrote an article and pasted it on the wall at the back of our classroom. My classmates read it and were highly appreciative of it.

One day, our Geography master came to our class and gave us a class work. He started moving around the class. His attention was caught by my write-up and he went there to read it.

I was watching to see his reaction. After reading through, he looked at my direction and our eyes met. He looked at me and smiled. That was it! I was thrilled. “My teacher gave my writing approval.” The fire for writing was ignited in me and like Jeremiah, “I was weary for bearing and I could not stay.” Jer. 20:9

When I received the call of God years later, I knew that the gift of writing was given by God to me to fulfil His purpose for my life.

Your gifts or talents are an endowment by God to help you fulfil your divine purpose. The discovery of your gifts and talents are crucial to the discovery of your purpose. Have you been able to identify your gifts and purpose? If not this book is for you.

In a write-up, Pastor Sam Adeyemi said, “We were on a long road trip recently. I observed the fuel gauge was on empty as we approached our destination. I drove straight to the gas station. Then it struck me that gas stations don’t chase people. I have been asking myself since then, “What talents and skills do I have that will make people running empty in a particular area to find me?” If you can find an answer to this question, you are not far away from knowing your purpose or gift.

Elisha asked the widow of one of the sons of the prophets who came to him for help, “What have you in your house?” There is something that God has deposited in you that you are yet to discover. There is that “pot of oil” in your closet hidden in the “apartment” of your heart that could have settled you for life, but it has remained untapped.

The day the widow discovered the hidden pot of oil and followed the instructions of the man of God, was the day her case was settled for life. Poverty was terminated in her life and her children were saved from being sent into a life of slavery and servitude.

Gideon did not know that he was a military strategist. The future deliverer of Israel was threshing wheat and hiding it from the Midianites. The military prowess in him was hidden because he underrated himself as the least in his father’s house, even when God saw him as a man of valour. But when he saw himself as God saw him, he went ahead, routed the Midianites and delivered the Israelites from their bondage.

Self-discovery is a process whereby you become aware of your abilities, skills, and potential and set out to utilise them maximally for your existence on earth. It is one thing to have these abilities, but another thing to be aware of them. It is an irony of life that those who are supposed to be leaders are servants: “I have seen servants on horses and princes walking as servants on the earth.” Ecclesiastes 10:7 “You have a masterpiece inside you, you know. One unlike any that has ever been created or will be. If you go to your grave without painting your masterpiece, it will not be painted; No one else can paint it, only you can,” declares Gordon Mackenzie.

Chapter 2: YOU ARE CREATED TO SOLVE A PROBLEM

 

“Everyone God created was created to solve a problem,” declares Mike Murdock. You are created to solve a problem. In fact, you are a solution to somebody’s problem somewhere. Have you identified the problem you are created to solve? Your gifts or talents are a pointer or a hint to the problem you are created to solve. You must find out the problem you are created to solve, as therein lies your fulfilment in life. “Take life by the horns, and it will let you ride on its back,” says S.T. Wilkinson.

The question you should often ask yourself is, “What problem am I created to solve?” Employers of labour nowadays are no longer looking for certificate holders; they are looking for problem solvers. Thank God for the many degrees you have obtained. In the age we are now if you can’t solve any problem with them, your degrees are as good as ordinary piece of paper.

Someone has said, “You don’t get paid because you have something to sell, but you get paid because you have something to solve.” People with a purpose know that they are created to solve problems.

When you know the purpose for which you are created, you can begin to identify a problem in your area of calling. There is a problem that you alone can solve and until you identify it, the problem will remain unsolved.

God has created each one of us with capacity and potential for solving problems; but, sadly, many have not tapped into them.

When we hear about a problem, we are often scared, whereas there is reward in problem solving. You shine when you solve a problem. The bigger the problem the brighter you shine.

David was in the valley of Elah to see his brothers in the warfront. There he met a problem on ground. The problem was Goliath. Everybody ran away from the problem, including the “Commander-in-Chief of the Israeli Armed Forces,” “General Saul”. But a man with a purpose confronted the problem head on.

His brother, Eliab, reprimanded him for his audacity to challenge Goliath. His response is instructive: “Is there not a cause?” Men of purpose have a cause that propels them. They are often misunderstood. Their actions are often misinterpreted as foolishness or pride.

David knew that his arrival at the warfront that hour was not by accident. It was divinely orchestrated. He was determined not to allow the opportunity slip away. He therefore resolved to solve the problem. By an act of breathtaking audacity, David faced the giant and brought him down. By that singular act David won Israel a resounding victory.

This problem that David solved marked a turning point in his life. It brought him to national limelight and recognition across Israel. He became a celebrity and a national hero.

Joseph’s life shone like a million stars in Egypt, not only because he gave interpretation to the dream of Pharaoh, but because he also proffered solutions to it. “And Pharaoh said to his servants, Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? And Pharaoh said to Joseph, For as much as God has showed you all this, there is none so discreet and wise as you are: you shall be over my house, and according to your word shall my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than you” Genesis 41:38-40.

Joseph solved a problem for the land of Egypt and he became a national hero. Though an alien and a prisoner, King Pharaoh appointed him as his second in command to the throne of the most powerful kingdom in the ancient world then.

We have many “seers” today who see problems but cannot see solutions to them. People are no longer interested in hearing about problems. Even a school age child knows that we have problems in the society. We need problem solvers. Pray that God will make you a problem solver.

There are times we call on God to help us solve problems, whereas God Himself is waiting for us to solve them. God has given us authority, capacity and power for solving problems.

When the children of Israel left Egypt and got to the Red Sea, they could neither go forward nor go back. The enemies were in hot pursuit; lo, right before them was the Red Sea. They became afraid and started to blame Moses for taking them out of Egypt to die in the wilderness. “And the Lord said to Moses, wherefore do you cry to me? Speak to the children of Israel, that they go forward but lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.” Exodus 14:15-16.

Moses was expecting God to divide the sea, but God told him to divide it! There is a “rod” that God has placed in your hand to solve problems. It is with you. You must locate it and make use of it and shine like Moses.

You shine when you solve problems and God will be glorified.

The problem-solving capacity in the life of Daniel was what made him to be relevant from one administration to another in Babylon. There was a problem in the land of Babylon which none of the wise men of Babylon could solve. Death penalty by hanging the consequence, and that included Daniel and his Hebrew colleagues. God gave Daniel the revelation to solve the problem. Daniel was promoted as ruler of the whole province of Babylon. His three Hebrew colleagues were promoted also.

Isaac Newton’s discovery came up as a result of an unresolved problem in Science and Mathematics during his time. Going into seclusion, he came out with discoveries that revolutionised Science and Mathematics in gravity, motion and calculus. Isaac Newton is referred to today as the father of modern science.

CHAPTER 3: HOW TO DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE

 

As I noted earlier, Mark Twain says, “There are two most important days in the life of any individual, the day you were born and the day you know why.” God has given everyone of us a purpose in life, but it is our responsibility to discover what that purpose is. Many people walk aimlessly throughout their lives without knowing why they come to the world.

Jesus Christ knew why he was born. “Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a King?” Jesus answered, “You said that I am a King”. For this purpose, I have come into the world to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listened to my voice.” John 18:37 (ESV). Do you know the purpose for which you were born?

Some people think they can identify their purpose on earth by trial and error method. They start one thing today, but no sooner they start, than they bungle and abandon it and go for another one. They live a purposeless life like the Samaritan woman who met Jesus Christ at Jacob’s well. Jesus told her pointedly, “…you have five husbands; the one you have now is not your husband…” John 4:18. These were the words that brought back her senses and woke up the sleeping “giant” in her. The day she had an encounter with Jesus Christ, she became the first lady evangelist. She declared to the whole city, “Come, see a man, who told me all things that ever I did, is not this the Christ?”

The day this woman without a purpose in life had an encounter with the author of divine purpose, her life became purposeful. She became a woman with a purpose. Check your life today and see how many things you have done and the one you are doing now whether it is the purpose of God for your life or not.

 

The following are steps you need to take to be able to identify the purpose of God for your life:

• YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN.

 

Before you start thinking of discovering purpose, you need to be born again. Jesus Christ said: “I am the way, the truth and life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.” John 14:6. Jesus came to show us the way to God who gave us the purpose for our life. Without knowing and going through Him you cannot know the purpose of God for your life.

• YOU MUST BE LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. 

 

Before you can identify your purpose on earth, you must be led by the Holy Spirit; and before you can be led by the Holy Spirit, you must become a son of God. However, not all that are born again ever become sons. Some remain children because they never attain the level of sonship. The Bible says, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our own spirit that we are children of God.” Romans 8:16. Many people never graduate beyond the stage of children. They know that they are children of God because the Spirit of God bears witness with their spirit that they are children of God. But they remain children. As long as you remain a child you cannot be led by the Holy Spirit. It is sons that are led by the Holy Spirit. Becoming a son is a function of spiritual growth through constant feeding on God’s word and exercising yourself towards maturity. It is as you mature that you that you are ready to be entrusted with the knowledge of your purpose. You must desire sonship and also work at it. It is sons that know and enjoy the leading of the Holy Spirit.

 

Salvation, which is, becoming a child of God, is free, but attaining sonship demands work. Jesus Christ was born a child, “For unto us a son is born,” but He did not remain a child. “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” Luke 2:40.

 

The Bible says that Jesus grew. Many children of God refuse to grow. They remain baby Christians for life and never enter into their divine purpose. The discovery and fulfilment of purpose is for sons, not children.

As early as twelve years of age, Jesus had attained the level of sonship. He was already “sitting in the midst of doctors, both hearing them and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.” Luke 2:46-47.

At the age of twelve, our Lord was already being led by the Holy Spirit. He was found in the temple doing His “Father’s business,” Luke 2:49. Before you can discover and operate in your divine purpose you must learn to be led by the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit working in you that will enable you to make the right choice.

• DIVINE SOLITUDE (ALONE WITH GOD)

 

Another important strategy by which you can identify and function in your divine purpose is through divine solitude or being alone with God. You cannot know who you are or the stuff you are made of until you go into self-isolation or seclusion.

 

The purpose of God for your life cannot be discovered in the hustle and bustle of life. He that must make an impact in his generation must employ the strategy of divine solitude.

 

Our Lord Jesus Christ did not announce His ministry until He came out of self-isolation in the wilderness. It was after then that He declared, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me to preach the gospel…” Luke 4:18. And in order to fulfil His divine purpose, our Lord did not play with self-seclusion. “And early in the morning, rising a great while before the day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place and there prayed.” Mark 1:35. No wonder within the space of three and a half years, He changed the history of the world forever.

 

David couldn’t have made such a great impact on his generation and generations after him without self-isolation. A considerable part of his life was spent in seclusion. While his brothers were enjoying the comfort of their homes, David who was “sentenced” to the bush life was tending the family flock. He maximised the opportunity, building himself up and becoming skilful in the art of playing the musical instrument of harp. With this, the future King of Israel played with his hands, rendering melodious songs and praises to the Almighty God. Wherever he went he was always with the harp. It was in the period of solitude that the potential of a warrior emerged in the life of this shepherd boy when he slew a lion and a bear.

 

I like the way Gene Edwards describes the activities of the shepherd boy in the wilderness. “At night when all the sheep lay sleeping, and while he sat staring at the dying fire, he would strum upon his harp and break into a concert of one. He sang the ancient hymns of his forefathers. While he sang he wept, and while weeping he often broke forth in abandoned praise until mountains in the distant places picked up his praise and tears and passed them on to higher mountains still, from whence they eventually were cast up to the ears of God.”

 

David ran for his dear life from a “mad” and spear-throwing king into the caves in the wilderness. During this period of his shut out from the society, David penned down many powerful psalms that have become balm to the broken-hearted and comfort for saints of all ages.”

 

Some men who were failures in the society ran to him in the caves, sat under his tutelage and came back to society transformed into mighty men of valour. David came out of seclusion to become the greatest ruler the world has ever known.

 

Men of purpose are not produced in the hustle and bustle of life. They are produced in seclusion with God. You cannot discover your potential until you shut out from the society for a while.

 

I noted earlier that every one of us was created to solve a problem and that it is our duty to identify the problem we are created to solve. Identifying and solving problems can be achieved through the strategy of divine solitude.

 

Moses was created to solve the problem of the slavery of the children of Israel in Egypt. But as long as Moses stayed in the pomp and pageantry of Pharaoh’s palace, he would never hear God to understand and fulfil his divine purpose, even though he had an inkling of his divine assignment, “for he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them…” (Act 7:25) yet the noisy atmosphere of the palace was not a conducive atmosphere to hear God spell out his divine assignment to him until he forsook the palace for the wilderness.

 

It is the will of God to reveal His divine purpose for our lives to us, but the hearts of many of us are too “noisy and busy” to able to receive from God. You have to go into seclusion and hear God.

 

He that must make anything of significance for himself, society and God must have the capacity for constructive use of self-isolation. Many people suffer from the fear of finding themselves alone. If you have the fear of finding yourself alone, you may find it difficult to discover and fulfil your assignment or divine purpose for your life. Create a time to be alone with God.

 

The story of Esther is another story in the Bible that teaches us how divine solitude can help us identify and activate our divine purpose. According to God’s foreknowledge Esther was born for the purpose of saving the children of Israel in captivity from genocide or ethnic cleansing. As long as Esther was ignorant of her divine assignment, the intercessory “giant” in her remained inactive. But thanks to God for the words of her uncle that woke up the sleeping giant in her. Mordecai sent a terse message to her, “… and who knows whether you have come to the kingdom at such a time as this.” Esther 4:14. These are the words that transformed Esther. These words stirred up her spirit and prompted her to make a statement that gave her a pride of place among the saints of old: “… and if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16. That was the turning point in her life. Esther shut herself off from the grandeur and the luxury of the office of the “First Lady” to intercede for her people. Heaven backed her up and all protocols were set aside and she had the ears of the king. The decree for genocide was not only annulled but its originator, Haman, also paid dearly for it.

 

Many of us have been hearing the words which the Holy Spirit spoke through Mordecai to Esther about “such a time as this” in the position we occupy. Remember how many times God has been telling you to break your “fallow ground”. But you refused to listen. How many times God has been telling you to start a project that will benefit mankind? How many times has God been speaking to you to stand in the gap for the land, ministries, men of God, and or for somebody but you have not yielded? Won’t you wake up from you slumber and shut off the world around you for a while and receive instructions for your divine purpose?

 

Jacob was one of the Biblical characters that enjoyed maximally the principle of divine solitude for achieving his divine purpose. Jacob was a very controversial character. According to human judgement, no one would give him a pass mark on morality in his early life. He was a cheat and a deceiver. Jacob needed not to have gone so far in a matter that had already been decided in his favour even right for his mother’s womb. He had already got a colourful destiny but decided to help God. Whenever we try to help God in any matter, maybe as a result of impatience, the outcome is not always palatable as it happened in Jacob’s case.

 

Jacob had to flee to Haran because his brother was determined to kill him. If there was anybody who had found himself in a mess, Jacob was one! But between Beersheba and Bethel, I can see a different Jacob. His experience in Bethel proved this. On the lonely road, Jacob must have been convicted of his action with a change of heart that is now yearning for the God of his fathers. Just as the grandfather, Abraham, nothing mattered to him anymore but God. He longed for Him. He was thirsty for Him. His life was transformed and at Bethel; he had a personal encounter with the God of his fathers. He ended it with a vow before leaving for Haran.

 

At Haran, Jacob became rich with two wives, children and servants. After twenty years in Haran, he decided to return home, but he still worried about meting his brother. Esau, on hearing about his returning home, went out to meet Jacob for battle. If there was ever a time that Jacob needed God, it was this moment, for his destiny was at stake. What did he do? Jacob adopted the strategy of divine solitude or alone with God. Sending his family ahead, Jacob remained with God where he wrestled with the angel of God all night.

 

The turning point came to Jacob when he told the angel, “I will not let you go except you bless me”. The angel declared, “Your name shall no more be Jacob, but Israel”. These words settled his matter for ever.

His avowed enemy became a friend and Jacob became the father of the nation Israel.

 

If you want to identify and fulfil your divine purpose, separate yourself in divine solitude.

• PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT

 

One of the ways by which we can be led by the Holy Spirit to identify our divine purpose and fulfil it is by cultivating the habit of constantly praying in the Spirit or praying in tongues. Paul says, “For he that speaks in unknown tongue speaks not to man, but to God: for no man understands him; howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries.” 1 Corinthians 14:2. Speaking in tongues is an evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit. We are not talking to men but to God. It is a means by which we speak mysteries. We talk directly to God. Nobody understands what we say. Even the devil doesn’t understand either.

 

Paul gave prominence to speaking in tongues when he said, “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all.” 1 Corinthians 14:18. Paul spoke in tongues more than the whole church in Corinth! No wonder he had unequalled access to the mysteries of God. Speaking to the Ephesian Church, he said, 

 

“If you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given to me to you-ward: How by revelation he made known to me the mysteries… ye may understand my knowledge in the mysteries of Christ.” Ephesians 3:2-3.

 

Paul was endowed with a very rare knowledge of the mystery of the gospel of Christ. This above ordinary gift of Paul is not unconnected with his ability to spend a considerable part of his prayer life in speaking in other tongues.

 

The Bible says, 

 

“Eyes have not seen, nor ears heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hats prepared for those that love him. But God has revealed them to us by His Spirit, for the Spirit searches the deep things of God.” 1 Corinthians 2 9:10.

 

Most of our prayers are one way; that is, praying in our own understanding alone, but it has to be both ways. When we pray in the Spirit, our spirit man is in direct contact with God and we can therefore hear God directly through our spirit. If we are to operate under the power of revelation to know those things that are freely given to us by God, including our purpose on earth, we need to make use of this wonderful language of the Spirit constantly. The Holy Spirit will lead us as we wait before God praying in other tongues.

 

Speaking on the benefits of praying in other tongues, Kenneth E. Hagin says, “Do you know the primary way I learn the Bible? On my knees, praying in other tongues. That is how the revelation of the Bible came to me. He states further, “There are simply no shortcuts to waiting on God in prayer… people want answers, they want them cheaply and fast.” But God does not work that way. It is my belief and I can say it without fear of contradiction that he that must operate maximally in the area of his calling must spend a considerable period of time praying in the Holy Ghost. I thank God that I am a beneficiary of revelations, by praying in the Holy Spirit.

• YOU MUST BE A ‘WAITER’

 

We are in an age that is in a hurry. We want things to happen quickly. That is why we have “fast food”, “fast this, fast that”. If it is not fast, we are not for it. We want things to happen now. We hate “waiting”. Nobody wants to be a waiter. We can no longer tarry like the saints of old. Even our Sunday services are done in a hurry because we have other things to do. Self-seclusion to seek the face of God is now becoming an anathema. But it was not so from the beginning. God is no respecter of anybody. He will not change His standards because of anybody.

 

We have read about ordinary people who tarried in the presence of God and came out to become extraordinary people. We have seen men and women who came out of self-isolation and did great exploits for God. The disciples tarried before God and within a short time they were referred to as 

“These that have turned the world upside down are come here also.” Acts 17:6.

 

Moses came out of the presence of God and “the skin of his face shone and they were afraid to come near him.” Exodus 34:30. Which enemy will not be afraid of you if you are a divine solitude addict? Charles Finney came out of seclusion and every soul he spoke to that day about Jesus Christ surrendered their lives to Him. We can no longer travail like the men and women of old. If you want to know the purpose of God for your life and to be useful for His kingdom, you must cut the number of hours you spend on social media, movies, etc. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…” Isaiah 4:31

• YOU MUST BE PASSIONATE ABOUT SOMETHIING.

 

You must ask yourself what you are so passionate about. What is that thing you do effortlessly? If you can answer these questions, it may give you a clue to what your purpose is. What is it that you are good at? There is a particular thing that you love so much that when you do it, you forget to eat and you don’t feel hungry.

 

There is something you love doing that even if you don’t get paid for it, you will still find yourself doing it. Doing it gives joy and fulfilment.

 

Wilma Rudolph was bed-ridden much of her early life. Her doctor said that her legs were “useless” and that she would never walk again. But she loved running. She was very passionate about it. Nothing could stop her from running; not even her disability. She determined that she must run.

 

She started to practice walking in her room privately whenever her parents were not around. Later in life, she became the first American woman to win a gold medal in the Olympics. She won three gold medals in the Olympics in Rome in 1960.

• WHAT YOU HATE

 

It might interest you to know that what you hate most is what you are created to change. You may hate seeing people suffer and this may provoke you to change the situation.

 

When you begin to experience irresistible inner urge to change a situation you feel is unacceptable, it may be a clue to what you are created to change.

 

Nehemiah hated the reproach brought upon Israel as a result of the destruction of the wall of Jerusalem. He was inspired to work on the rebuilding of the wall and he accomplished it. David was infuriated by the reproach brought upon Israel by the provocative words of Goliath. He said, “And who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of God?” 1 Samuel 17:26. This provoked him into action and he killed the giant and saved Israel from reproach.

 

Martin Luther King Jr. hated injustice. According to him “Injustice everywhere is a threat to peace everywhere.” He hated injustice and fought against it. He later became a civil rights activist and champion of justice.

 

If you have an avowed hatred for any evil in the society, be it injustice, poverty, etc. it may be what you have been destined to change. That situation you are mad at may be the one God has ordained you to change and correct.

 

As I noted earlier, God created everyone to solve problems. What you hate most may be the problem you are created to solve.

• SEEK GODLY COUNSEL

 

Seeking Godly counsel is very crucial in identifying and fulfilling your divine purpose. Surround yourself with mature and experienced people with wisdom. Don’t be like Rehoboam who surrounded himself with immature and inexperienced people. He rejected the Godly counsel of people who helped his father in his administration. The counsel he took from his friends tore his kingdom apart.

 

Remember you can’t afford to take counsel from every source. There are men who are specifically sent into our lives to give us counsel and direction. Not everyone is permitted to speak into our lives. Identify those God has sent to your life and walk closely with them so that when you need to take a major decision in life, like finding God’s purpose for your life, they may help you to take the right decision.

• THE WORD OF GOD

 

One of the ways by which God speaks to His children is through His word. He who wants to know God’s purpose for his life must learn to spend quality time with the word of God, studying, meditating and praying. You may not find a word in the Bible that tells you to choose one profession or the other, but if you are very close to the word of God, you will know His mind and you will be led to make the right choice. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105.

 

We are so much encumbered with many things in this age of modern technology that we do not have time to stay at the Master’s feet and learn from Him. God is always ready to guide us and one of the ways by which he guides us in our decision making is through His word. He says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way in which you shall go, I will guide thee with mine eye.” Psalm 32:8. See also Psalm 3:5-6.

• AGE IS NOT A BARRIER

 

Age is not a barrier to identifying and fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. You might have wasted much of your life on things that are not relevant to your purpose. Don’t despair. God can still work things out for you.

 

When you lack joy and excitement in what you do, when you are frustrated and cannot maximally exploit your potential for your fulfilment in life, then it means that you are not in your purpose in life. Joy, excitement and fulfilment are products of life with a purpose. If these things are missing in what you do, it is very doubtful if you are in God’s purpose.

 

If you find yourself in this situation and you feel that you have wasted much time and wonder if you can still make anything out of your life because life is taking its toll on you, I want to assure you that there is still hope for you.

 

Remember, Abraham did not know the purpose for his life until he was seventy-five, neither did Moses start to fulfil his destiny until he was eighty. 

Can you remember Caleb? At age eighty-five, he was still as strong as he was at forty and he made this daring request to Joshua: “Give me this mountain.” He wanted to drive out the Anakims at the age of eighty-five! Joshua 14:12. Where are the Calebs of today?

 

Caleb was an example of men of purpose. Even at old age they still take initiative. They don’t look at their age. They believe they can still bring forth fruit in old age. Psalm 92:14. Someone said, “Bad chapters can still create new stories. Wrong paths can still lead to the right places. Failed dreams can still create successful people. You can still fulfil destiny. Old men can still dream dreams. Joel 2:28.

CHAPTER 4: CHARACTERISTICS OF PEOPLE WITH A PURPOSE

• THEY HAVE A CAUSE

 

One of the noticeable traits in the lives of people with a purpose is that they see what others cannot see. An example is David. While his brother Eliab questioned his audacity to face Goliath, David had a “cause”. David asked from his brother rhetorically. “Is there not a cause?” 1 Samuel 17:29.

 

People like David with a purpose have a “cause” which the untutored mind cannot perceive. They are being propelled by an inner force which is unassailable by any opposition or criticism. Elisha was also among the people in this category. Elisha knew what he wanted. He didn’t just want what Elijah his master had; he wanted a double of it, and nothing could stop him; not even the persuasion of his master nor the criticism of his fellow sons of the prophets. He followed his master to the end and he received a double portion of his spirit.

 

A life with a purpose is a life that is driven by an inner force or a cause which cannot be suppressed by any opposition. No wonder Apostle Paul prayed for the Ephesian Church that God would grant them “according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened by his Spirit with the inner man.” Ephesians 3:16. This is one of the prayers of people with a purpose.

• INQUISITIVENESS

 

Men with a purpose are inquisitive. They always ask themselves questions like “What is my purpose on earth?” Why am I here?” What legacy will I leave behind?” “What can I do to impact the lives of others?” They always look for the way to make life easy for others. They look for problems and work to solve them so as to be profitable to others. They always want to do things that they can be remembered for in their lives and society. What do you want to be remembered for?

• GOAL SETTERS

 

After identifying God’s purpose for your life, the next thing to do is to set goals that will enable you to fulfil your purpose. Goals in life are the motivating force behind any success and indeed, a very powerful catalyst for fulfilling purpose in life.

 

The saddest thing however, is that not many people think about setting goals for the fulfilment of God’s purpose for their lives. Some have goals but they often put the cart before the horse. They put that which is supposed to be priority last.

 

There is no meaningful goal any child of God can set that doesn’t put God’s vision as a priority. God’s priority is “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33.

 

God’s vision is the vision of the whole world, that is, world evangelisation. We must catch the vision and set our goals to be in line with that vision. We must make it our priority to seek the expansion of the kingdom of God on earth so that it will be easy for us to achieve our own goals.

 

“Whatever you do in life, you must have a goal. “If you want a happy life, tie it to a goal. Not to people or things,” declares Albert Einstein.

 

No matter who you are, no matter what position you occupy in life, if you don’t have a goal to pursue daily, your life will be boring and purposeless. You must have something to live for. Happiness is a product of purpose. When you live a life without a goal to pursue you will feel something is missing in your life. When you feel frustrated, it means you are not living to your fullest potential. Just as the sailors cannot do without the guiding compass for directions in voyage, so also can you not do without a goal for the direction of your life. Set your goals and constantly commit them to God.

• THE TRAIL BLAZERS

 

The distinguishing mark of people with a purpose is that they are trail blazers. Ralph Waldo says, “Do not go the way that may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

Paul was a trailblazer, He said. “Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation.” Romans 15:20.

 

William Carey says, “Expect great things from God: attempt great things for God”. He took a plunge and went on missions to India and became the father of modern missions.

 

Tolulope Arotile of Nigeria had a childhood dream. “One day I will fly an aircraft”. This dream she cherished, nourished and gave birth to. It was her life goal. She later became the first female air force combatant in the Nigerian Air Force. She trod on the ground where her peers feared to tread. This is one of the traits of trail blazers. They don’t fear blazing the trail. They leave their footprints on the sand of time.

 

Plan your goals towards becoming a trail blazer in your area of calling. Maybe God has been speaking to you to do something which nobody has done before, don’t fear. Go out and take the step of faith. God is with you.

 

5.   DREAM BIG

 

Another trait of men of purpose is that they dream big and work hard to make it happen. They aspire to do something that will outlive them. 

 

God has given us the capacity to dream big. He will not give us a dream without the power to make it happen.

 

My youthful mind had dreams in those days. Very early in life, when I was in primary school, whenever I was walking on the road, I could see with my inner eye myself riding a car. I always saw a picture of myself holding the steering of a car as I walked along the road. When I grew up I worked towards it and got my own car.

 

As I said earlier at the beginning of this book, my dream while in secondary school was to become a journalist. I had a passion for writing. My classmates called me “journalist”. I wanted to be like the popular journalists in those days. Little did I know that God was not preparing me for secular journalism, but a “journalist” for Him. He has been giving me, by His grace, His word, and I have been “publishing” it. Psalm 68:11.

 

In my university days, my dream was to be a Head of State! I remember writing “Head of State’ boldly on my door in my Hall of residence. My colleagues called me “Head of State”.

 

One day one of my colleagues looked at me and said. “You resemble the former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.” I looked at Him and smiled and said within me, “He does not know that General Gowon is my hero.”

 

General Gowon was the Head of State in my Secondary School days. I venerated him and wanted to be like him. I admired him so much that I hardly missed his national broadcasts. Anytime I heard that he was about to make a national broadcast I made sure I was with a radio.

 

I did not become a Head of State anyway, but I later had the call of God which is higher than being a Head of State. A representative of God on earth is greater than any Head of State. I later realised that when those dreams were burning in my heart that was what God was preparing me for.

 

Beloved, dream big and watch God do big things through you. The Bible says, “Delight thyself in the Lord and he shall give thee the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4.

 

6. FAITH

 

To bring your purpose or dreams to pass demands faith. Faith is a powerful hinge on which purpose rests. The people of the world talk about taking risks in fulfilling their purpose. Children of God don’t take risk, but they step out in faith to bring their dream into reality. When you take a risk, you are not sure whether you will succeed or not. On the other hand, when you put your trust in God you know that He is already waiting for you to work things out for you and make them happen.

 

We shall use Peter as an example to show how children of God should step out in faith and accomplish their purpose.

 

Peter is a character I admire very much. He was one of the most colourful characters among the disciples of Jesus Christ.

 

Though, by his overzealousness, he often ran into trouble. For example, when he was overconfident that if others denied Jesus Christ, nothing would make him to do so and he later denied Him. Despite this, the sincerity of his love for the Master was not in doubt.

 

Right from the time he left everything and followed Jesus, we see him as a man of purpose and strong in faith. He was quick in understanding and he quickly internalised the teachings of the Master. His spiritual antenna was sharper than any of the disciples as he was directly connected with heaven. This is clearly seen when he gave an answer to the question which none of the other disciples could give. Jesus Christ had asked. “But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said to him, Blessed are you Simon Bar-jo-na: for flesh and blood has not revealed it to you, but my Father in heaven.” Matthew 16:15-17.

 

When the disciples were on the sea in a boat and there was a storm, Jesus came to them in the night walking on the sea. They were afraid because they thought He was a ghost. Our Lord calmed them down that He was the One.

 

Peter, in an act of audacious faith, said, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me to come unto thee on the water.” Matthew 14:28. And the Lord bid him to come. Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on water like Jesus!

 

Beloved, when will you step out of your “boat” and “walk on water” like Peter? When will you come out of your comfort zone and fulfil God’s purpose for your life? You may say that Peter was sinking when he looked at the storm. Yes, he began to sink, but none of the disciples ever performed such a great feat. And remember, Jesus Christ was already waiting for him and He rescued him. So also, Jesus Christ is already waiting for you to help you if only you can step out and “walk on water” like Peter.

CHAPTER 5: HINDRANCES TO FULFILMENT OF PURPOSE

• PROCRASTINATION

 

Procrastination is an enemy of purpose. Procrastination is leaving till tomorrow what you can do today. Some people fail to act when they have opportunities. Mason says, “The regrets that most people have in life come from failing to act when they have the opportunity. According to Robert M. “The reason most goals are not achieved in life is that we spend our time doing second things first.’’

 

Jesus Christ frowns at procrastination. He said; “Do you not say there are yet four months and comes harvest; behold, I say to you, lift your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.”

 

Opportunities abound everywhere, but many fail to grab them. They would say that they will be thinking about it, instead of acting fast. Many people lose valuable opportunities because they refuse to act at the right time. Someone says, “You will never decide what you want in life by just thinking about it, you must take the bull by the horns and try a few possibilities”.

• EXCUSES

 

Another reason some are unable to fulfil their purpose is the habit of making excuses. Making excuses is very inherent in human nature. Excuses are often made by people because of perceived weaknesses or inadequacies. But what they forget is that whatever God calls you to do He has already endowed you with the knowledge, wisdom and enabling power to fulfil it. The inability of some people to look inward and tap into the resources God has placed in them makes them delay or fail to act on their purpose in life.

 

Some people’s excuses are that they are not educated. But they have forgotten that none of the disciples of Jesus Christ attended any university. They were referred to as “unlearned men.” Acts 4:13 (NKJV), yet within a short period, they “turned the world upside down”. Their qualifications were that “they had been with Jesus” Acts 4:13-14. The greatest qualification anyone can get for the fulfilment of his purpose on earth is to be with Jesus.

 

The inaugural message of Peter on the day of Pentecost was a masterpiece and the epistles written by him were classic. Yet he did not attend any university. Being with Jesus is the greatest credential you can possess. It guarantees you a competitive edge over others in any area of human endeavour.

 

Learn at the feet of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit every day with prayers. You will surely fulfil your purpose on earth.

• SATANIC OPPOSITION

 

Your purpose in life is your destiny. Identifying and fulfilling your purpose is not a bed of roses. Your purpose in life or destiny confers on you royalty. The moment the devil identifies the seed of royalty in you, hell is let loose on you with reckless abandon. The day the devil sees you as a carrier of God’s purpose is the day you are enrolled in the school of affliction. That day you are declared wanted by the kingdom of darkness and a price tag is placed on your head to bring you down. You will pass through trials and temptations. That is why Paul counselled Timothy to do a good warfare on the prophecies that went before him. 1 Timothy 1:18.

 

According to Spurgeon, “When God gives extraordinary gifts and grace and appoints extraordinary career, He also appoints unusual trial”.

 

Joseph is a character I always like to describe in the words of William Shakespeare as a man who was “sinned against than sinning”. He was a child of colourful destiny and because of this became an object of envy and hatred by his brother who sold him into slavery. In servitude, he was maliciously accused of an offence he did not commit and was therefore incarcerated for thirteen years for it.

 

One could imagine the embarrassment and ridicule Joseph must have faced. The Bible says, “The archers have sorely grieved him and shot at him” Genesis 49:23. He was a man “whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron”. Psalm 105:18

 

God allowed severe tests in the life of Joseph for his good. All that he passed through worked together for good for him. Every hardship he went through was a stepping stone to the fulfilment of God’s purpose for his life. When we face trials we are better for it because it is for our own good. “The trial of your faith being much purified than gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire mightiest be found unto the praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:7

 

Joseph told his brother later, “It was not you that sent me here, but God”. Genesis 45:8. He saw the hand of God in his ordeal. He knew it was God that permitted it.

 

Beloved, what you are passing through in the pursuit of God’s purpose for your life, know that God is aware of it. This is the reason to thank him because all things will work together for good for you as it was with Joseph.

 

The victory of David over Goliath elicited jealousy in the mind of Saul. He knew that God had destined David to play a significant role in Israel. Saul became afraid of the appearance of David in the affairs of the Kingdom. He could not endure a situation in which a young boy would rise to prominence and render his erstwhile achievements insignificant. David became a target to be eliminated. He had to run from the “mad” and spear-throwing king into the caves in the wilderness.

 

In the pursuit of God’s purpose, you may have a Saul that wants to ensure your voice is never heard because of bitter envy. They will throw all manner of spears at you. As Gene Edwards counselled in his book, A Tale of Three Kings, ‘’Never learn the art of spear throwing, stay out of the company of spear throwing and never throw spear back at your Saul.’’

 

Saul was removed out of the way of David to fulfil his divine purpose. Every obstacle that the devil placed in your way to prevent you from fulfilling your purpose on earth will be removed from your way in Jesus Name.

 

Your disposition to any circumstance you are passing through in the pursuit of your destiny determines to a large extent how long you will be in the position. The more you try to figure out why you are passing through that situation, the more you will find it difficult to understand and the longer you will remain in the same position. The Bible says, “Count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations (trials)” James 1:2. Give way to joy in your heart. The joy of the Lord is your strength. The joy of the Lord acts like a balm to soothe your pains.

 

Know that God is aware of everything that you are passing through. You should understand that all things will work together for good for you as they did for Joseph and David.

 

The reason for thanking God in what you are passing through is because God is aware of it and as you begin to thank him, He will surely intervene.

 

According to C.S. Lewis, “Hardship often prepares ordinary people for extraordinary destiny.” This is exactly what happened to Joseph and David. No matter how terrible the situation you are passing through in the pursuit of your purpose on earth, it will soon be over and you will surely fulfil your destiny.

• PRAYERLESSNESS

Prayer is a very powerful ingredient for the fulfilment of God’s purpose in our lives. He that must accomplish God’s purpose on earth must not play with prayer.

 

Jesus Christ, our perfect example, always prayed. We read about Him “rising up a great while before day, and departed into a solitary place and there prayed.” Mark 1:35. When he wanted to choose His disciples, He went on all night prayer: “And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into the mountains to pray and continued all night in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12

 

We have seen how people like David and Esther separated themselves to pray in order to achieve their divine purpose on earth. There is nothing you can use to replace this God-ordained strategy for the fulfilment of your purpose. Our modern world is full of new discoveries that distract people from the things of God. It will require a great discipline on the part of any child of God not to fall a victim of misplaced priority.

 

There is no short-cut to fulfilment of our purpose. Words like “tarry”, “watch and pray” “wait on the Lord” are biblical principles that cannot be altered. We can no longer tarry. We are always in a hurry. We can no longer watch and pray. One of the reasons most of the children of Israel who left Egypt could not make it to the Promised Land is because of prayerlessness. If they had spent half of the time they dwelt on murmuring and complaining, their story wouldn’t have been what it later turned out to be. If you want to fulfil God’s purpose for your life, you must be a prayer addict.

CHAPTER 6:CONCLUSION

 

You have read this book so far because you want to live a life with a purpose. You want to fulfil your destiny. Have a strong determination that you will succeed. Those people you have come across in our discussion were not created differently. Success came their way because of their strong determination to succeed in life.

Face hardship with courage. Hardship cannot be avoided while you are on that path of your purpose in life. Casey Treat says, “If you are looking for an easy life, don’t pursue your destiny”. Don’t be discouraged when you face hardship; you will surely win: Winners don’t quit, and quitters don’t win. Anybody who wants to fulfil his purpose in life must make up his or her mind not merely to overcome obstacles, but also to win in spite of defeats and failures.

Maybe someone reading this book is going to make this world a better place for his generation and generations to come. You may be the one.

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

A life without a purpose is as good as dead. It is like a ship without a compass. Every human being was created for a purpose. God designed it so at the beginning.

It is disastrous for anybody on earth not to discover his or her purpose in life before leaving this world.

Many people are spectators in life and never become actors. They are comfortable watching from the grandstand as events unfold. It’s nice to applaud others on the stage of life for their achievements, but what is most pathetic is to remain on the grandstand without any special role.

One of the greatest things that can happen to anyone in life is not just to stay alive, but finding something to live for.  

A LIFE WITH A PURPOSE aims to help you identify your purpose in life and how to fulfil it.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Sunday Simon holds a B.A (Hons) degree in English and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria.

The author, an educationist and school administrator, retired as a Director of Education from Kogi State Civil Service, Nigeria.

He is the Senior Pastor of the Global Rebirth Ministry (GLOREM) and also the President of GLOREM EVANGELISTIC OUTREACH CENTRE both in Lokoja, Kogi State Nigeria.

The author is also the CEO of Triumphant Publishers & Educational Ventures, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria. 

He is the author of the following books: 

• CORRUPTION OF THE HUMAN HEART AND ITS CURE

• STRATEGIC INNOVATION FOR BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

• INTRODUCING QUARANTINAMICS FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

• AN ENEMY CALLED COMFORT ZONE

He is married and with children.