“It’s not about me. My purpose is bigger than my circumstances,” said Karen Fergusen, from Pennsylvania, who is caring for a parent with dementia.
Karen’s response to my blog “Is God’s Love Enough?” jump started my thoughts about purpose.
First of all, each of us has purpose. None of us are here by accident. God 
knew us before we were formed in the womb. (Jer 1:5)
He had a purpose in mind as He molded each of us for this time and season. That’s pretty amazing that God determined He needed someone just like me—and you.
However, it leads to the question, “What does He need me (you) for?”
Some things come to mind quickly. I’m made to:
- Love God with my whole being and my neighbor as myself.
- Glorify God by living a life that reflects Him to those around me.
- Enjoy fellowship with Jesus in my daily walk.
- Share the Good News with those who don’t know Him.
- Serve, encourage, and build up the body of Christ.
- Care for widows and orphans and share with the poor.
The list goes on, but it is not unique to me. It applies to anyone who follow Jesus Christ. But the question remains, what is my purpose that is uniquely mine?
The first thing that came to mind was that my idiosyncrasies and weaknesses seem to be tailor made to wear the rough edges off of Robert. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Prov. 27:17).
That doesn’t feel very distinguished and grand–or even complimentary, but maturing the children of God is important. Unintentionally, I’m fulfilling a purpose, and Robert is doing the same in me. If we embrace the process as the hand of God, it is a reciprocal arrangement that accomplishes God’s purposes in any close relationship. I trust that as a wife, I’ve also been a support and encouragement in his life.
For many years, caring for and training children was my primary purpose. Any parent knows that many 
days seem thankless, with little reward. They’re filled with wiping noses, cleaning, car pooling, and disciplining. It’s easy to become weary and discouraged, forgetting that God commissioned parents to teach their children to love and serve Him.
Parenting is not about me. It has eternal rewards and is much bigger than the circumstances of the day.
Our specific duties change. We don’t discipline and wipe noses forever. Specific focuses of purpose change along with the changes in our seasons of life. Often seemingly random activities have purpose to prepare us for the next season of life so we can fulfill a particular purpose then.
Furthermore, our purpose in life is not limited to one area of responsibility. For instance, while parenting may consume most of our energy and be a primary responsibility and purpose while children are home, our influence and impact (purpose) extends beyond the walls of our home and the sphere of our family.
Whatever phase of life we are in and whatever duties God calls us to, our primary purpose is to love God and enjoy fellowship with Him. In fulfilling that purpose, we love our neighbors and encourage those around us, sharing about the love and life of Jesus that is within us.
It is not about me—or about my circumstances. My purpose is about the kingdom of God, serving the King, and building His kingdom—in myself and on earth.
We’re part of something much bigger than ourselves or the circumstances at hand. In God’s kingdom, we have unlimited resources to draw on and assurance that because we are not alone, circumstances will work out . The King is with us. He will help us in whenever we call on Him.
Lord, help me remember that it’s not about me. My purpose is bigger than my circumstances.