How to Find Your Purpose as a Christian: A Biblical Guide for Young Adults

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to figure out your purpose? In today’s world, young people are constantly told they must have life all planned out. But what if God's timing looks completely different from what we expect?

God does not operate on our understanding of time. You do not need to “figure out” God’s primary purpose when you are young. Abraham and Moses were old men when they finally heard from God (99 and 80 years old, respectively). Despite being the age that many would consider to be too old to make a big impact, Moses and Abraham are some of the most iconic figures in the faith — and have been for thousands of years. God chose to use those men when they were old, not when they were young. Even Jesus didn’t start His ministry until the age of 33.

Why Does God Make Us Wait for Our Purpose?

There are a few reasons that God may choose to wait to begin their calling. First, it is to show God’s glory. A person achieving great things in their 20’s is impressive, but it’s hardly miraculous. But a person doing something just as grand in their 80’s? God’s hand is much more evident.

Second, the task that God has for someone may require growth and maturity that they do not have yet. They need to grow a bit before God will show them the major direction for their life. Sometimes, God’s mission for you is to stay there, grow, and be faithful. Trusting God’s plan for your life means understanding that preparation is just as important as action.

Third, a person’s surroundings may not be primed yet for what God has planned. Imagine if God had immediately sent Jacob to reconcile with Esau after scamming him out of his inheritance. We don’t see the specifics of Esau’s own growth in Scripture, but had Jacob gone to Esau before Esau was ready, it could have ended in disaster.

The point is this: if you have ears to hear, God will tell you your purpose when it is time. He sees all the details that we do not. In the meantime, follow the advice of 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

How Do I Know What God Wants Me to Do?

God has given us the framework for how to please Him day to day. Build your relationship with Him. Pray. Worship. Be kind to everyone. Serve others in your community. Be faithful where you are. God will call on you when it’s time.

Furthermore, it is important to remember that God has given us free will. We are free to do what we want to do with our lives. Often, God gives us the choice to go with whatever career or effort that we want, so long as we glorify Him while we do it. Sometimes, He does not have a structured plan for someone’s life. God is not so limited that He cannot operate outside of a rigid structure. Sometimes, His direction for a person’s life is: “Go in any direction you choose, just glorify me in everything you do.”

So, how do you choose a wise direction to go? The first thing you should do is follow the general wisdom guidance of the Bible. Do not pursue fields that cause you to sin and fail to glorify God. Do not pursue fields that prevent you from serving others. Next, examine your own passions and areas of expertise. What are you good at? What do you love to do? Where do those things intersect? These are essential questions when seeking a Christian guide to finding purpose.

Finally, seek out Godly counsel. Talk to a pastor, mentor, or Godly friend. Tell them the direction you want to go and ask for their input.

What If I Make a Mistake?

Whatever you choose, do not be worried about making mistakes and taking the wrong steps. God is not bound by rigid structures. He knows how to accomplish His will, no matter what happens. He can work around any mistakes we may make. Trusting God’s timing means understanding that He can redirect us when needed.

When it comes to mistakes, God is like a GPS. When you miss a turn while driving, your GPS does not give up and stop giving you directions. Instead, it reroutes you. God does the same. As long as you are still willing to do His will, He will reroute you to where you need to be.

Overcoming Fear and Trusting God

Some worry that what they want to do with their life goes against God’s will. In some cases, this is true, but it often is not. God created us with intentionality. Psalm 139:13-14 says: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

Every person is fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Intentionally. He formed our inward parts — both physically and spiritually. If you have had a dream since childhood, it is possible that God placed that dream in your heart. Psalm 37:4-5 says: “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.”

What do these two psalms tell us? First, that God shaped us the way that He did for a reason. He not only created our physical bodies, He also created our personalities, hopes, and dreams. Second, that if we commit ourselves to God, He will give us the desires of our hearts. Does God have a plan for me? Absolutely—but He also allows us to make choices in alignment with His will.

Finding Peace in God’s Timing

Peter’s fear caused him to sink, but Jesus was right there to lift him up. In the same way, we may struggle to trust God’s timing—but He never lets us fall. That’s why learning to find peace in God’s timing is so important.

This does not mean that, if we follow God, all our problems will go away. We will still need to suffer and sacrifice things for God. However, God will always give us what we need (Matthew 6:33). He will point us in the direction to make us grow in spirit and in faith, leading to a greater reliance on Him. Overcoming fear as a Christian means trusting God even in uncertainty.

Whatever direction God points us, it will nearly always be towards a place that makes us afraid in some way. God does not call us to an easy life. Think about Peter stepping out onto the water. Jesus called him, but the moment fear crept in, he started sinking. God doesn’t call us to stay in the boat—He calls us to trust Him even when the waves rise around us. He calls us to a life filled with His goodness. Often, the things that make us grow are the things that make us afraid.

Why does God call us into the places we are afraid? There are a few reasons. First, it is to get us to trust and rely on Him. He will give us what we need the whole way, and pressing into fear shows Him that we trust that He will give us what we need. Second, it is because fear is often selfishly motivated. Usually, fear comes from a concern to keep yourself free from harm or discomfort. There is nothing wrong with feeling fear. The problem comes when you listen to that fear. While safety is not something that should be completely neglected, an over-reliance on safety can get in the way of effectively loving our neighbor. You cannot truly love somebody without getting vulnerable. God will not lead you into a place of selfishness.

Do not feel discouraged if you do not know what your calling is right now. Some of the most iconic historical figures of the faith were old before they got their callings from God. Whatever you choose to do, glorify God with it. Trusting God’s plan for your life means walking in faith, even when you don’t have all the answers.

If you're struggling to find your purpose, remember that God’s timing is perfect. Take time today to pray, seek wisdom, and trust that He is leading you. If this article encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it. And if you're looking for mentorship or guidance, book a free call with us today to help you walk confidently in faith.