“I Can’t Stands No More” #6: My Own Life

So what’s your own “I can’t stands it no more?” Some identified it immediately; but most are probably still unsure. You may never have considered it before. Sometimes an example clarifies the process. The example I know best is my own.

Before I turned 40 I never considered what my passion area might be. I was too busy building my marriage, raising my kids, getting ahead in my career, and being involved in church activities.  But there’s something about turning 40. It’s the “zero birthday” when you realize you’re no longer young, yet you’re not old either. You’re in the middle; in fact, you’re in “midlife.”

We often link “midlife” with “crisis.” It’s true that some go off the deep end by having affairs, quitting their jobs, pursuing reckless activities, and – of course, buying a sports car. These people are desperately trying to recapture their youth. It’s pathetic to watch others blow up their lives permanently and pointlessly for something that is unattainable.

Most people, however, experience midlife not as a “crisis,” but an opportunity for “reassessment.” It’s a time to reflect on first half of life and consider how to redirect life in the second half. The first half of life is about identity: “Who am I?” The second half is about purpose: “Why am I here on earth?” That’s where my journey began.

Up to age 40 I was pursuing success, not significance – and I was fairly successful. I was married with two children, a house in the suburbs, 2 cars in the garage, and – of course – a dog. I also reached the top rung of my career – Superintendent of Schools.

But I found myself asking: “So what? Is this all there is to life? Will I just pound the same nail for the next 40-50 years? What’s the point?” Deep within me was a growing hunger to know the specific reason God put me on earth. Surely there was some unique purpose He created me. What was it? I had no clue.

An older, wiser Christian friend offered a suggestion. “Steve, have you asked God why He created you?” Hmmm … I had read books, gone to seminars, taken tests, and talked to believers. But I hadn’t prayed. My friend laid out a plan concerning how to pray for an answer. The remainder of my story is based on this plan.

On a rainy summer day I drove to a state park intending to stay there until God gave me an answer. The downpour kept others away so I had the park and picnic shelter to myself. I went with a question, “Lord, what’s my unique purpose on earth?” I also went with a passage of Scripture where I thought there may an answer. I chose John 13-17 which records the final meeting Jesus held with the Apostles. I figured Jesus would likely talk about the most important things at their last get-together.

I read the passage once as an overview. Then I read it again and took notes in my journal. I read it a third time and prayed through the passage. But despite my efforts, I didn’t have an answer. I decided to read it one last time devotionally.

The hairs on the back of my neck stood up just before I read John 17:4. I sensed God had something important to say. In Chapter 17 Jesus is praying to His Father. In verse 4 He says, “I brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave me to do.” I suddenly saw that God gave Jesus work to do that only Jesus could do. He alone was sinless; He alone could pay the penalty for our sins.

Then I realized that if God gave Jesus work to do, He also had work for me to do. I recognized there was a larger reason behind my pursuit of purpose. All Christians need to know their purpose, too! For the first time I understood that my assignment was to help other Christians understand their assignments. From that day forward my life has never been the same again.

The method God used to reveal my purpose is not likely to be the way He guides you. But the principles are universal. “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Luke 11:10). Go to God and ask the reason you’re here on earth. Then seek the answer with all your heart. Keep knocking until the door finally opens and you have an answer.

May God bless you as you begin your own great adventure.

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