Out Of Order: Does My Life Really Matter?

God created us with purpose, and that purpose gives direction to the way we live. Our purpose begins with God: to follow Jesus and establish His rule in our lives, our families, our communities, and our world.

REVIEW: My Purpose begins with God.

READ: Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."

DISCUSS: What part of your life is hardest to surrender to God’s purpose, and why?

REVIEW: God prepares me for my purpose.

READ: 2 Corinthians 1:4
“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

DISCUSS: What has a difficult season revealed or developed in you that God may now want to use for others?

REVIEW: Bloom where you are planted.

READ: Luke 16:10
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.”

DISCUSS: Where might your focus on what is next be keeping you from being faithful to what God has given you now?

REVIEW: Do what God puts in your heart to do.

READ: Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires."

DISCUSS: What desire or burden has God placed in your heart that you may be afraid to pursue, and what is holding you back?

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ASK

Are you more focused on finding your purpose or following Jesus and becoming the person He is calling you to be?

PRAY

Jesus, thank You for creating us with purpose and preparing us for what You have called us to do. Help us trust You, be faithful where You have planted us, and follow where You lead. Use our lives for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

INVITATION TO RESPOND

The invitation this week is to follow Jesus and live with purpose. Here are five ways you can respond this week:

• Follow: Start each day by surrendering your plans to Jesus and asking, “Jesus, where are You leading me today?” Spend your first 10 minutes praying and reading Scripture.
• Reflect: Take 5 minutes each day to reflect on what God is teaching you through your experiences, relationships, and challenges. Write down one thing He may be preparing you for.
• Be Faithful: Identify one responsibility or opportunity God has given you right now and intentionally do it with excellence each day. Ask, “What does faithfulness look like today?”
• Act: Take one small step each day toward a gift, passion, or desire God has placed in your heart. Look for one opportunity to use what God has given you to serve someone else.
• Trust: End each day by surrendering what you cannot control to Jesus. Thank Him for what He is doing and trust Him with what comes next.

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Purpose is not about finding the perfect thing to do, but becoming who God created us to be and joining Him in what He is doing.