Life Starts Now Sample

Often when people talk about purpose, they refer to it as a mission to accomplish. It’s a big mark they are hoping to make “out there” on the world or an overarching goal they want to check off their list. This way of thinking can create a “nailed it or failed it” dynamic in their lives. Anything short of completing their life purpose feels like failure or an undone task. I’m supposed to do something with my life, and I haven’t yet. Woe is me. This generates a perpetual sense of urgency to cross purpose off the list. Can you feel the significance vibes all over that way of thinking? In that kind of framework, your life purpose is something you do.

That way of life isn’t for us. We are women of consequence—which means we show up in the world as our full selves, and as a consequence of our being, there are results. Your greatest impact comes from your being, not your doing. Every day that you show up as an immovable force in your authentic self, the world has to organize itself around you. Like a stone in a riverbed, the world flows and adjusts to how you take shape, and that is how you make a splash. Do you feel the difference?

In Jeremiah 29, God tells his people how to thrive on this side of heaven. In some ways you could say God is painting the ultimate vision for the good life. He encourages them to build a life, even though they are in a foreign land. He says settle down and be free to grow families that increase in number. But ultimately, he throws in the command to “seek the peace and prosperity of the city . . . because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” You are an immovable force in the water. You are created to stand tall, establish roots, and flourish. But the secret to your fulfillment is to live beyond yourself, for the flourishing of all those who surround you. Be sure that your life purpose keeps you seeking the peace and prosperity of others because there you will find meaning.

Prayer
Lord, I want to live my life in a way that honors you and your purpose for me. Please help me to seek the peace and prosperity of others so that I can find fulfillment. Amen.

Start Now Action
Consider how you are currently impacting the world around you, in big or small ways. List 3 to 5 ways you are giving shape to your sphere of influence.