Read Luke 1.26-56
What is your purpose? Has that question ever crossed your mind? The dictionary defines purpose as “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.” But when you think about your life, what gives it meaning?
Many of us spend a lot of time thinking about what we should be doing—what job we should have, who we should marry, what we should study, or how we can best serve. But often, we still feel uncertain. We wonder, “Am I in the right place? Am I fulfilling my true purpose?” Sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in external achievements, whether it’s our career, relationships, or even our physical appearance, as if those things define our purpose.
As Christians, however, our true purpose is not found in any of these things. Our purpose is found in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Through Him, we are connected to God the Father, our Creator, who made us with intention and purpose.
Psalm 138:8 says, The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me; thy mercy, O LORD, endureth forever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. This is a beautiful reminder that it is God who fulfills His purpose for us. Our purpose doesn’t depend on our career, our relationships, our education, or even our circumstances. These things are part of our lives, but they don’t define who we are or why we exist. Everything we have is a gift from God, and He can use all these things to bring glory to Himself. He is the one ordering our steps and leading us exactly where we need to be.
When we trust that God is fulfilling His purpose for us, we can let go of anxiety. We don’t need to worry about whether we’ve chosen the right job, or if we’re in the right ministry, or even if we’ve made the right life decisions. Romans 8:28 reminds us that, all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Even when things feel uncertain, God is at work. He is guiding us and leading us into His will, no matter how unclear the path might seem.
There will be times when trusting God feels harder than others. On some days, it will be easier to rest in His love and purpose for us. On other days, it may seem like our lives are spinning out of control. But remember, John 15:9-11 reminds us of this promise: 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
We don’t have to be stressed about finding our purpose or feeling like we’ve missed something. It all begins with knowing who we belong to. Our purpose is to live in relationship with God, to trust Him to fulfill His plan for our lives and ultimately submit to Him alone. When we feel lost or uncertain, we can take comfort in knowing that He is with us every step of the way. He will never leave us, and He is always working for our good.
True joy comes from abiding in Christ’s love, not from what we do or achieve. Our jobs, relationships, and accomplishments may bring temporary satisfaction, but only Jesus can give us lasting peace and fulfillment. Our purpose begins and ends in Him.
So, what can we do? We can start by prioritizing time with God. Spend time in prayer, seek wisdom from people who encourage you in the faith, and hold fast to the truth of God’s Word. Let’s stop worrying about whether we’re in the “right” job or the “right” season of life. God is in control. Everything will fall into place according to His perfect plan.
Even though we may not understand everything about God or His plans for us, we can trust that He knows us intimately. Psalm 139:23 says, Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. God knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows our dreams, our fears, our passions, and even our future. Let’s open our hearts to Him and allow Him to lead us.
As we move through this year, each of us will walk our own unique journey. We each have different purposes, but the one constant is our relationship with God. Don’t let the world’s standards of success distract you. Romans 12:2 urges us, And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Our purpose is not defined by the world’s expectations but by God’s will.
As we set new goals for the year, let’s remember that our purpose is not tied to external achievements but to our relationship with Jesus. Let Him be the reason we are excited about the future. He is the reason we can have peace, knowing that He is in control and that our lives are in His hands.
This time of year is often reflective and thoughtful for many reasons. As we look forward to Christmas and the end of the year in the coming weeks, let’s focus on Him. Whether we reflect on the past year or look forward to the year ahead, let us look to Mary as the example of a purposeful life in submission to God’s Will for our lives.
Lets read Luke 1.26-56
26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
Look at the Angel Gabriel’s announcement in verse 28, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And then verse 30, And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. Think about what kind of woman Mary must have been to have been “highly favoured” and “found favor with God”? What a life a service to God she must have led until she was told by God what her purpose would be? This moment in Mary’s life not only foreshadows key Christian teachings but also serves as a powerful inspiration for believers to embrace God’s plan for their lives. Mary had no way of knowing what God had in store for her, no doubt she knew that she would be mocked and shunned for the pregnancy while she was unmarried to Joseph. Joseph and Mary were in the process of getting married, but not married yet. A unwed pregnancy in ancient culture would have been scandalous and shameful. Mary (and Joseph) would have borne the brunt of the judgment and ridicule for years to come and would no doubt be considered outcasts in certain circles. However, Mary willingly submitted to God’s plan, long before it was revealed through the Angel Gabriel, and God would give her the grace to bare whatever was coming.
Notice Mary’s response to the Angel Gabriel in verse 38 of Luke 1, And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. She identified herself as the handmaid of the Lord, a servant of the Lord, ready to do and take on all that would come, not only in the preceding months of pregnancy, but in the years that would follow Jesus birth. She doesn’t really question or ask for God to choose someone else. The only thing she questions is how she was to become pregnant, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? Mary’s attitude and heart exemplifies humility, faith, and a profound acceptance of God’s will. Her words reflect a readiness to be molded by God’s word and a deep trust in His goodness and sovereignty. Mary’s example serves as a powerful model of how faith responds to God’s call and how one can humbly submit to His will. Some view her response as a reminder of the attitude we should adopt—one that says, “Whatever You (God) desire for my life, that is what I desire too.” Can we say that about ourselves? Mary’s life was one of faithful service to God, even though she couldn’t foresee where that service would ultimately lead. Despite the uncertainty, she remained steadfast in doing what was right and following God’s guidance.
Let us be Christians that strive to submit to God’s Will in our lives no matter what and follow the course that He has planned for us no matter the changes that come to the plans that we make ourselves. Her life was one of faithful service to God, even though she couldn’t foresee where that service would ultimately lead. Despite the uncertainty, she remained steadfast in doing what was right and following God’s guidance. Our purpose isn’t found in what the world has to offer but in the One who made us and called us to Himself. So as we reflect on the year that is closing and look forward to the year that is coming, let’s commit not to goals and resolutions, but to trust Him and submit to Him in all things, to guide us and fulfill His purpose in our lives. Let Romans 8.28 be a verse that we hold on to in the coming year and beyond, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to my Jael’s Journal readers!
Jael's Journal 
As my husband and I starting this year with an important call to serve more. I have found myself very undeserving and unqualified for the honor to called. But this article is so encouraging to me personally. Especially this part: “Some view her response as a reminder of the attitude we should adopt—one that says, ‘Whatever You desire for my life, that is what I desire too.’ Can we say that about ourselves? Mary’s life was one of faithful service to God, even though she couldn’t foresee where that service would ultimately lead. Despite the uncertainty, she remained steadfast in doing what was right and following God’s guidance. ‘ Thank you for this article. Feel very blessed reading this at the last day of this year.
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