The Magnificent Hunt for Meaning
Last week, writer, we discussed why you need to know “why.” This week, I want to help you find your “why.” All people have a “why,” or several, that shape everything they do. But when we take time to intentionally seek out our “why’s,” we begin partnering actively with God to walk out His purpose for us! Isn’t that a beautiful thing?
The “Hunt for Why” in History
Viktor Frankl, an Austrian psychologist during the Nazi occupation, is a great example of man who intentionally searched for his “why”—and never stopped. He even wrote a book on the subject! This constant, intentional pursuit kept him alive when he was sent to a concentration camp. In the camp, his “why” became to live to see his wife again and also to work daily to recall the manuscript of his book—which Nazi’s had destroyed. When he was released, he discovered his wife had been killed. But as he struggled with grief, he pursued rewriting his manuscript and discovering a new “why.” Eventually, he remarried and wrote 39 more books!
The “Hunt for Why” in the Bible
Ruth is another great example of a person searching for purpose. When she married into Naomi’s family, she experienced the beauty of God’s Kingdom and was not willing to let it go at the death of her husband. Instead, she pursued this new “why” she’d discovered in Naomi’s family and let it shape her own, which became to serve Naomi and her God. As Ruth sought out how to best achieve this “why,” it led her to Boaz’s fields. And the rest is literally history.
The “Hunt for Why” in Life
You see, writer? The intentional pursuit of a God-given “why” led both of Ruth and Viktor into the greatness of their life’s call. And the intentional pursuit of our God-given why can lead us into the greatness of the story He’s written for us as well. Regardless of how terrible or insignificant our circumstances might seem at the moment.
Pursuing my “why” led me into leadership when I least expected it. As a 27-year-old, I felt God nudging me to learn to lead. The concept was such a foreign thought that, when I wrote it down first as a prayer, I put a question mark beside it. But when God opened the door to lead a Sunday school of 80 people twice my age, He reminded me of that quizzical prayer, and with trembling, I began my pursuit. That first step, first opened doors to ministry, public speaking, and so much more that is an integral part of my life now. All from the intentional pursuit of a “why.”
Your “Hunt for Why”
Here’s the thing, writer. We all have “why’s” of various kinds. Some are our own and some are God’s “why” for us. And all of them will move us and shape us in various ways whether we know them or not. But even so, the fullness of our divine destiny won’t fall out of the sky and hit us in the head. It takes an intentional choice to pursue it. What if Viktor Frankl, Ruth, or even I had given up? I’m floored by the thought—simply by writing it!
The pursuit of “why” is a call in itself. One God promises to reward. Let me show you:
- For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:10
- Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. – 1 Timothy 1:6
- Not that I have already attained,[c] or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have [d]apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:12-14
- It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. – Proverbs 25:2
- Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and [b]mighty things, which you do not know.’ – Jeremiah 33:3
Here’s the other thing, writer. Our gift and calling from God are irrevocable, but they are also a talent He’s entrusted us to grow or neglect. And here’s the beautiful thing. As we pursue our God-given “why,” we cannot do it without also pursuing and coming to know more deeply the God who gave it!
Where to Start the “Hunt for Why”
Convinced yet, writer? I hope so! And if you’re not sure where to start, here are a few good places to begin.
- Pray – Ask the Lord—the One who designed you and has written every day in His book for you—to show you why He specifically created YOU and to remind you of anything He’s already shown you about your purpose. Write down what He brings to mind.
- Brainstorm Your Design – Brainstorm a list of your gifts, skills, talents, God-given proclivities. Often our “why” will involve these!
- Review Your Life Story – What events—positive and negative—have been turning points in your life that God has used to shape who you are? These can give excellent insight into our God-given “why.”
- Ask Family & Friends – Ask family and close friends what you are most passionate about. They will tend to see aspects that we miss or confirm what we suspect. Their input can provide another good clue to our “why.”
Now here’s the final thought, writer. The pursuit of “why” is truly a journey. One of the most glorious you will ever take, because it’s a journey designed by our King. As you press on to know His plan for you—you will begin to know Him in a deeper and richer way than ever before.
So, I encourage you today writer… take the next step to intentionally pursue your God-given “why.” Let God do His greater work in you.
#Writing #Why #Journey #EveryWriterWriting
