“You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” ~James 4:2b-3 NIV_
We may tend to think that if God has a purpose for us, then it should just fall into our laps and doors should open without effort from us. But since God is the source of our purpose, we are partners with Him in carrying out our purpose, and He also provides for our needs, so it is necessary for us to come to Him in prayer for His revelation, wisdom, and provision.
Prayers for purpose are by nature going to be focused on God’s will and not your own–unless you have aligned your will with His. So if your core motives are to achieve personal success, recognition, financial prosperity, or other self or worldly-focused benefits (though these could possibly come along with walking in your purpose depending on what you are doing), this may possibly hinder the revelation of, provision for and fulfilment of your purpose until your heart and mind are aligned with God’s motives and thoughts.
There are many benefits intrinsically and externally from walking in your purpose. But external rewards should not be the driving force for wanting to be successful in fulfilling your calling or life’s work. Your genuine and deepest desire should be to partner with God to use your unique design to bring Him glory as you serve others in the world. If you don’t feel this, then that can be your first point of prayer.
_What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?…faith by itself if it is not accompanied by action, is dead…Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” ~James 2:14-17 NIV excerpts_
Indeed, at times God will supernaturally move in your life and your purpose when He desires to, but in James 2:14-26 we see that both faith and works together are needed. So it is not only necessary to ask in prayer with faith for what you need, but also to set goals and take action steps in faith to start to move forward.
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