For the past few weeks we’ve made some life-changing moves. Week 1, we made the decision to start walking out our dreams. Week 2, we made the decision to believe they have a right to come to pass. Week 3, we gave ourselves permission to say “Yes” to work toward them. But with all of those commitments, I am sure some of you are still saying, “I am definitely ready to walk this thing out, but I still don’t know what my dreams are- what is my purpose?” It’s a legit question that is difficult to define. In spending time with my children and teaching them their five senses, I put together a guide that might help:

1. HANDS represent what you do. There is at least one thing you naturally do very well with very little effort. It is something others may find difficult, but for you, it’s easy. Your gifts will definitely be used in achieving your dreams.
2. EARS represent listening. Listen to what others constantly say about your strengths.
3. EYES represent what you witness. What do you witness regularly that brings you delight or burdens you?
4. The MOUTH represents your story to tell. We each have something we have overcome. Your story is the founding message your purpose is built upon and will be used to inspire others.
5. The NOSE represents memories. I know- very weird to associate the two, but it’s a scientific fact that your sense of smell can jog several memories deep within your subconscious. When you go through memory lane, are there moments that continually happened? Are there moments that have had a profound impact on your life? Maybe those moments are trying to tell you something.

Hopefully this has helped to steer you in the right direction. If there is an opportunity presented that encompasses one of these five things, build up the courage to take it. Create time to think about these areas, write them down, and I promise you, it will direct you to where you are supposed to be. For more, visit my blog.

DAILY DEVOTIONS

Day 1

“Just as each one of you has received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another as [is appropriate for] good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace [faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by God’s unmerited favor].  Whoever speaks [to the congregation], is to do so as one who speaks the oracles (utterances, the very words) of God. Whoever serves [the congregation] is to do so as one who serves by the strength which God [abundantly] supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified [honored and magnified] through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11 (Amplified)

Prayer Lord, please help us to identify all the strengths we possess- even the ones that seem insignificant or the ones we have forgotten. You have uniquely given them to us to use in profound ways.

Journal Take time to write down all of your strengths. How have you been utilizing them and in what ways can you start using them? Out of all the people in the world, those strengths were given to you to shine and bring glory to God.

Day 2

”But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people will be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord do the same to me [as He has done to you], and more also, if anything but death separates me from you.” Ruth 1:16-17 (Amplified)

Prayer You created a beautiful friendship between Naomi and Ruth- one of loyalty, trust, and faithfulness. Create those beautiful friendships in our lives and if those friendships exist, keep them strong.

Journal Trusted friends are gifts from God. They speak truth in love when we are going down the wrong path, and they are our biggest cheerleaders.  As awkward as it may be, ask your friend what your strengths are. What do they see in you? Maybe they see something in you that you haven’t. Write those precious words down. They will help to lead you to a great place.

Day 3

“One day, after Moses had grown [into adulthood], it happened that he went to his countrymen and looked [with compassion] at their hard labors; and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his countrymen. He turned to look around, and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.” Exodus 2:11-12 (Amplified)

Prayer Okay God, we know you are NOT directing us to kill anyone (lol), but you ARE directing us to get acquainted with what compels us…what burdens us. It was Moses’ compassion for the Egyptian slave that was an indicator of his amazing destiny unfolded. Help us to boldly express our compassion for others.

Journal Take a moment to journal in a quiet place. What bothers you? What do you have compassion for? What burdens you? What upsets you? Does it burden you when you hear of human trafficking? Does it bother you when children lack proper education in deprived areas? Does it upset you when people allow depression to overwhelm them? These are problems that need your solutions.

Day 4

“For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus [whose great love fills me]. ⁹ And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more [displaying itself in greater depth] in real knowledge and in practical insight.” Philippians 1:8-9 (Amplified)

Prayer Paul longed in his heart to see people grow in love with Christ. It excited him. It made him happy.  Help us, Lord, to find that same excitement and happiness doing your work.

Journal What delights you? What excites you? What brings you great joy? Does race reconciliation make your heart happy? Does constructing homes make you happy? Do the outdoors bring you a sense of great freedom? Write them down. Don’t think these are just interesting facts about you. They can easily be coupled with your strengths to pursue your dreams.

Day 5 and Day 6

“My soul makes its boast in the Lord; The humble and downtrodden will hear it and rejoice.” Psalm 34:2 (Amplified)

Prayer We just want to thank you, Lord, for allowing us to survive.  We may have experienced some bumps and bruises, but we are still standing. You have given us this day to walk in newness and boast of your goodness and grace.

Journal Write down your story. What have you overcome? What have you been healed from? What has kept you strong? Your story is unique to you and will one day be shared with the world to inspire others. Tomorrow share your story with someone and write down how it made you feel.

Day 7

“He said to them, “Please listen to [the details of] this dream which I have dreamed;  we [brothers] were binding sheaves [of grain stalks] in the field, and lo, my sheaf [suddenly] got up and stood upright and remained standing; and behold, your sheaves stood all around my sheaf and bowed down [in respect].” Genesis 37:6-7

Prayer Lord, although it might not have been the wisest for Joseph to share his dream with his brothers (given the circumstances), it was still a profound moment, an unforgettable moment that would mean so much more as he became ruler over his country. Jog our memories. Help us to remember the exact moments you were speaking to us.

Journal Can you think of any dreams you’ve had while sleeping? Can you think of any reoccurring instances that keep happening? Was there a BIG moment that changed your life? Write down the details. What do you believe they are trying to tell you?