“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10.
The concept of being created for a purpose is woven throughout Scripture, with many biblical examples illustrating how God calls us as believers to fulfill unique roles, often revealed through challenges or unexpected circumstances.
In Genesis 37–50, Joseph’s life reflects God’s purposeful design amidst suffering. Though sold into slavery by his brothers and unjustly imprisoned in Egypt, Joseph later rose to become second in command under Pharaoh. He ultimately saved countless lives during a famine, including his own family. Joseph’s declaration in Genesis 50:20 encapsulates the concept of divine purpose: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
Here we can see a valuable Lesson: Even when life seems chaotic, God is orchestrating events for His greater plan. Joseph’s hardships prepared him to lead with wisdom, humility, and grace.
Esther was also created for “Such a Time as This” The story of Esther (Book of Esther) highlights how God strategically places individuals to fulfill His purpose. As queen, Esther risked her life to save the Jewish people from genocide. Mordecai, her cousin, reminded her of her unique role, saying, “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).
The Lesson outlined here: God’s purpose for our lives may require courage and sacrifice. Esther’s position and influence were not accidental—they were part of God’s divine plan.
Moses on the other hand was Called Through Weakness. Moses’ life in Exodus shows that God uses even reluctant and flawed individuals for His purposes. Though Moses initially doubted his ability to lead Israel out of slavery, God empowered him, saying, “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12).
Our weaknesses or perceived inadequacies do not disqualify us from God’s purpose. Instead, they magnify His power and glory when we trust Him. Moses’ hardships—his time in Pharaoh’s palace, exile in Midian, and leadership challenges—equipped him to lead God’s people.
David, also had a purpose beyond expectations. He was a shepherd boy, overlooked even by his own family, yet God saw in him a king. In 1 Samuel 16:7, God told Samuel, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Despite his humble beginnings and the challenges he faced, including being pursued by King Saul, David became a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22) and fulfilled his purpose as Israel’s greatest king.
Lesson: God’s purpose often defies human expectations. He uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways, focusing on the heart rather than external qualifications.
The apostle Paul, formerly Saul, redeemed from a broken past. He persecuted Christians before his dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). After his conversion, Paul became one of the most influential figures in Christianity, spreading the gospel across the Roman Empire and writing much of the New Testament.
Paul later wrote in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” His past, though sinful, was redeemed by God to testify of His grace and power. Lesson: No matter how broken or misguided our past may seem, God can transform it into a testimony of His glory and purpose.
Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate example of living out a created purpose. In John 6:38, He said, “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.” His purpose was to redeem humanity through His death and resurrection, fulfilling God’s plan of salvation.
Even Jesus’ hardships—temptation, rejection, suffering, and death—were part of fulfilling His divine mission. Hebrews 12:2 reminds us to fix our eyes on Jesus, “who for the joy set before him endured the cross.” Lesson: Purpose is often linked to self-sacrifice and service. Jesus’ life demonstrates that true purpose is found in obedience to God and serving others.
From these examples, we see a consistent theme: God designs each person with a unique purpose, often revealed through challenges, detours, and growth. Whether through Joseph’s trials, Esther’s courage, Moses’ doubts, David’s humility, Paul’s transformation, or Jesus’ sacrifice, the Bible teaches us that our created purpose is not only about achieving personal fulfillment but also about advancing God’s kingdom.
Our role is to trust God, remain faithful, and allow Him to use every season of life—joyful or painful—to shape us for the good works He has prepared in advance for us to do.