In a world filled with distractions, finding your purpose can feel overwhelming. Trust me, I’m preaching to the choir here—this daily struggle kicks my butt continuously. But when you center yourself in faith, the journey becomes clearer and more rewarding. Let me share some thoughts that have helped me along the way and might encourage you too.

Life is noisy, and it’s easy to feel lost in the chaos. To hear God’s voice, I’ve learned to carve out intentional moments of silence. Whether it’s through prayer, meditation, or reading His Word, these moments create space for divine guidance to break through the clamor. It’s not always easy—sometimes, the silence feels louder than the noise—but it’s always worth it.

Speaking life over yourself is another game-changer. I’ve started manifesting my purpose daily, out loud. My husband’s daily affirmations remind me to speak positivity and faith into existence, even on the hardest days. Words have power, and they align my mindset with God’s promises. Trust me, it’s a practice I’m still working on, but it makes a difference.

And then there’s the waiting. Oh, the in-between can be so hard. Being patient feels impossible when you’re eager to see God’s plans unfold. I have to remind myself—and be reminded—that His timing is perfect. The waiting is where growth happens, and while I’m in the thick of it, I try to focus on what I’m learning and how I’m being shaped.

Prayer is my lifeline. When I feel hopeful, I pray. When I feel discouraged, I pray. When I have no idea what I’m doing, I pray some more. Talking to God, honestly and openly, keeps me grounded. And listening in the stillness? That’s where the magic happens—if I let it.

But let’s talk about the hard times. When things feel like they are falling apart, trusting Him is easier said than done. Faith isn’t proven in the easy moments; it’s tested in the trials. I’ve had to lean into God’s promises—and sometimes, I’ve clung to them by the skin of my teeth—believing that He’s working everything for my good and His glory.

Staying humble and kind is a discipline I strive for daily. Pride and selfishness can so easily block the path to purpose. I’m learning to let go of these and focus on treating others with the same kindness and humility that reflect God’s character. It’s not easy, but it’s essential.

And then there are those pesky negative thoughts. They creep in, especially on the hard days. Controlling them is tough, but immersing myself in Scripture helps refocus my mind. God’s Word is a powerful tool, a reminder of the truths I need to cling to when the lies try to take over.

Grace. Oh, the grace. What a powerful word! I have to remind myself to give myself grace, even in the struggles. It’s not just about accepting grace from God but also extending it to myself. My husband often reminds me of this, and it’s a lesson I’m learning every day. Grace is transformative—it’s a gift I don’t deserve but desperately need.

And lastly, thanking God for unanswered prayers. That’s a tough one, isn’t it? But looking back, I can see how those unanswered prayers were blessings in disguise. God’s plans are always better than mine, even when I don’t understand them at the moment. Trusting Him with those detours has been one of the hardest but most rewarding parts of this journey.

Finding your purpose isn’t a one-time event; it’s a lifelong journey. I’m walking it right alongside you. By staying rooted in faith, practicing grace, and following these steps, you and I both can discover the beautiful plans God has for our lives. Remember, He’s with us every step of the way.

-Britni Swartz