Are You Questioning God’s Purpose?

Are you following God’s plan for your life? Does it ever seem like it’s not working—that maybe you’re on the wrong path or that it’s just too hard?

Are you questioning God’s purpose for you?

I sure have—countless times! Upon God’s strong leading, I started He’s So Worth It Ministries almost 10 years ago. But between hardships, obstacles and detours I thought for sure that I misheard Him. “This can’t be God’s will for me!” So many times, I doubted, pouted, and spouted words of complaint.

So many times, I felt I like quitting! I felt inadequate, unqualified, and not good enough, especially when it didn’t seem to be working! I was looking for results, but there didn’t seem to be any, or at least not very much.

But my idea of what a successful ministry looks like was different than God’s.

I just want to impact as many as possible for God’s glory. So, when I thought it wasn’t working, my very kind and patient Lord responded with, “What do you mean it’s not working? I do everything well!” He reminded me that although I may not have heard Him correctly all the time, my heart was right in the fact—that I wanted to obey Him. I had stepped out in obedience and remained faithful in many ways. He reminded me of my favorite allegory, Hinds’ Feet on High Places where the character, Much-Afraid, says:

“This can’t be the path! It doesn’t lead to the High Places, but away from it!”

To which the Shepherd responded,

“Can you just trust Me, Much-Afraid?”*

So I said, “Yes, Lord. I will trust You.”

But oh, what a yo-yo I am in obeying my Shepherd! Because whenever circumstances became difficult or seem to detour me away, I would have another full-blown pity-party with deflated balloons and unsatisfying cake. I became distraught, discontented, and disgruntled.

So often I judge the Israelites for grumbling in the wilderness. Yet how quickly do I complain because I don’t like something, or forget God’s repeated affirmation that this ministry is indeed His plan for me?! My Savior has proven His trustworthiness to me countless times.

Though he give you the bread of adversity and water of affliction, yet he will be with you to teach you…. And if you leave God’s paths and go astray, you will hear a voice behind you say, “No, this is the way; walk here.” (Is 30:20-21 TLB)

We don’t have to remain doubtful, discouraged, or discontented with our calling!

Just like hiking up a mountain, switchback trails are necessary. Although it’s longer, the direct route is often too difficult or even insurmountable. We can trust our heavenly Trail Guide. He does know the best way to accomplish His unique plan for each of us.

My friend, if you’ve ever found yourself like me (and Much-Afraid )—questioning God’s purpose for you, not liking it or wondering if you’re on the wrong path then go to God.

Get convinced what your specific God-given purpose is, accept the hardships along the way, and trust your Shepherd to keep you on the right path.

When you know God’s plan for sure and that it is good, you will be able to trek forward and up the winding path to the High Places.

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.Lead me by your truth and teach me….
The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray.He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. (Ps 25:4-5, 8-10 TLB).

Relevant Resources
How I Found My God-Given Purpose
Why “Hinds’ Feet on High Places” is My Favorite Allegory
Turning Your Fear of Failure into Faith
Replacing Our Fear with Faith in a Faithful God
Hinds’ Feet on High Places

*A paraphrase from Hannah Hurnard, Hinds’ Feet on High Places