3 Steps to Discovering Your Gifts & Living Out Your Deeper Purpose Starting Today

Living in alignment with who God says we are and the work He created us for not only brings fulfillment but also allows us to make that positive impact on the Kingdom that we all crave.

In today's busy world, so many women grapple with questions about their purpose and calling because we are so busy with the day-to-day stuff that feels mundane and unimportant. Plus we're just distracted too if we're honest. But our phones and entertainment alot of things that just keep us busy but, are rather unproductive for the Kingdom.

Another day at the office, really God? Another year of driving my kids all over the valley in my sweatpants, this can't be it? Another year of stressful service at my toxic church, should I escape? 

Sister, what if I told you today that you really are created for a divine purpose, you really are worthy of a high calling, and if you feel slightly empty day-to-day that's a Holy Spirit warning signal to pay attention to. 

How do I know all that? Well, the foundation for understanding our purpose can be found in Ephesians 2:10, which tells us that we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works that He prepared in advance for us. While this verse might sound familiar, it carries a profound truth that I want you to pause and let sink in. The Bible tells you that you are: 

1 - Created to Do Good Works 

2 - Intentionally Designed

3 - For Works Unique to You

This is easy to say, but harder to grasp. So let me help you grab ahold of something tangible today. Here are the 3 Steps to help you discover your gifts and live out your deeper purpose starting today! 

1 - Embrace That Your Core Purpose is to Love God

While discovering and fulfilling our outward / action-oriented purpose is essential, we can't lose sight of the first and greatest commandment, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength." (Mark 12:30).

Your primary purpose is to love God and be loved by Him. There is nothing more important or powerful that you can do each day. 

No matter where you are in your journey—whether you're confidently walking in your purpose and using your gifts - or still seeking to discover them—remember that loving God is not only somthing you can do today, it is the most important thing He wants from you today, and every day. He desires our hearts above all else. Spending quality time with Him, receiving His love, and worshipping Him in private are not just good things to do, they are your fundamental true purpose as a created being who has the ability and longing to worship the One True God. 

There are pastors and authors and people whose lives seem so "great for the kingdom" who miss this daily. God is not more pleased with them. In fact, I would submit that if you take time to fix your heart on Him with love and admiration daily, He is more pleased with YOU than the person who is forgetting to love Him. 

Whew. That's good news, isn't it?

God's greatest common for humans, and the things that fulfill us most, can be done by anyone, anytime, anywhere. What any amount (or no) education. What any amount (or no) of real financial resources? With any great obvious talents (or none.) 

You were made to love the Lord your God. We must start here. 

Second, Do You Know What Your Spiritual Gifts Are?

This is where most people want to start. They want action. They want to feel important. They want to do something for God. Remember though, God wants our HEART FIRST. Not your action.

After you've gotten pretty good and loving god and letting Him love you daily, discovering your unique spiritual gifts often happens when we just start moving, serving, helping, and leaning into the small things that spark interest and passion in us. In my life, I have discovered my gifts as I've simply served in the areas I found interesting and tried to obey along the way. 

Well, that and, if I'm honest I've taken a few spiritual gifts tests along the way. It is helpful to take a test that gives clear answers, though, of course, you should seek God's wisdom and affirmation of test results. 

Here is hands down the BEST SPIRITUAL GIFTS TEST I'VE FOUND. 

Third, Enjoy the Journey of Discovery Your Unique "Good Works" 

You were created with a unique purpose in mind, that is true. If feels good to know we're good at something or have something to offer that others need! This is a wonderful gift to experience. the thing is, it takes time to get to this level.

The journey of building our confidence in our abilities, coupled with unwavering trust in God, and knowing what our specific gift is, is a life-long journey. It's kind of messy, takes humility, and requires alot of risk, failure, closed doors, open doors, and perseverance for the Kingdom's sake. 

It requires getting your pride and ego completely out of the way. 

What I see most often is that women wait to try something new or serve until they feel like they will be good at it, instead of using new things as a way to discover what they are good at!

Friend, if you are looking for a deeper purpose and to live out your calling in a more fulfilling way... RELAX! If you want to try to worship the team, try it. You might not be good. Ok, moving on! If you want to try a mission trip, try it! You may hate it, you may love it. If you want to serve on a Board of Directors because you have leadership experience and vision, go for it! 

God is concerned with our hearts and our trust in Him, not how good we are at things. Read that again. Being "good" develops with age and time. He also has created YOU with YOUR unique likes, dislikes, and interests on purpose. Lean into THOSE. they are not a mistake. 

The Warp Up

If you haven't yet identified your specific calling or haven't reached the pinnacle of your gifting, don't be discouraged. You might be in a training phase where God is preparing you privately for the public roles He has planned. Trust that God is refining your skills and deepening your trust in Him. And in the mean time, take a test, try some things, love Him daily, and be restfully available to whatever He asks You to do.