Psalm 115:1
Not to us, O Lord, not to us, But to Your name give glory Because of Your lovingkindness, because of your truth.

When we consider living out the calling or specific purpose that God has for us, we tend to somewhat naturally focus on ourselves. It is our purpose after all, right?!

However, what if I told you that fulfilling our purpose actually has very little to do with us, but everything to do with God and those around us.

This past weekend I had the privilege of attending a conference in North Carolina geared for Christian women who feel called to write, speak, and/or lead. There were over 700 attendees present and another 700 on a wait list.

Now, I don’t know about you, but that seems like a whole lot of women with a pretty narrow focus in regards to their purpose. With that in mind, I was not quite sure what to expect at the conference.

What I found so interesting; however, was that of the countless women that I spoke with, not one of us had the same specific focus in regards to our purpose. There were women who felt called to reach adoptive parents, women in leadership, the underprivileged, the list could go on.

Reflecting on all of the unique aspects of each individual’s purpose, I was reminded how the conference was really just a glimpse of the greater picture in regards to God’s call for each of us. Just as different as we are from one another, so is the call that God has placed within us.

The purpose that God has placed within each of us is really not about us. It is about Him. Fulfilling our call is about bringing God glory and loving and serving those around us.

Consider the following verses:

1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Matthew 5:16 In the same way let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

No two of us have the exact same purpose or reach. God has created each of us wonderfully, with our own gifts, talents, strengths, relationships, and communities. Those who you can impact are different from those who I can. Only you can fulfill your purpose and others are counting on you to do so.

Don’t minimize what you feel called to do, or think that you shouldn’t pursue your dream because someone else already has done, or is doing something similar.

If God has placed a call on your heart, go after it. You may be just the person that He wants to use for a very specific task.

Don’t compare yourself or your call with others. Follow God and trust that He will use you in a very special and unique way.

What call has he placed on your heart? Are you pursing it? Why or why not? What next step might you need to take?

*If you’ve been encouraged by what you read today, go ahead and share it with a friend!  We can all use some encouragement!