My (Ministry) Life VerseSample

From Burden to Purpose

What do you want to be when you grow up? It’s a question that adults ask children all the time. For most children, the answer changes depending on the day or their latest fascination. One day it’s a firefighter, the next day it’s a superhero. Think back to your own childhood. What did you want to be when you grew up?

Hudson Taylor was someone who knew from a very early age what he wanted to be. It’s said that at the age of five Taylor knew that he wanted to be a missionary to China. He felt, even then, that God had placed a special burden on his heart for the people of China to know about Jesus and the great love of God. So, when Hudson Taylor grew up, he became a missionary who devoted his life to sharing the good news of the gospel to the people of China. That burden in his heart led him to make a kingdom impact in China and around the world.

You may not be called to the mission field like Hudson Taylor, and that’s okay. Making a difference doesn’t always look like reaching people groups across the world through missions or speaking on a big stage. You can make a lasting impact right where you are. If you’re looking for a place to start, look at your heart. If we pay attention, we’ll see that there are people, causes, and needs that God has placed on our hearts, just like He placed China on Hudson Taylor’s heart. That burden he felt for the people of China is what led him to the mission field. The burden to help and serve has led many Christian professionals to make an impact through careers in medicine, education, and other areas of service.

So, what do you care about? What’s that burden in your heart? Often, what we care about is a big indicator of what we’re called to. So, take a personal inventory today and ask yourself, “What do I care about? What burden do I feel God has placed on my heart?” God might be using that burden to lead you to your purpose.

Thought of the Day: A clue to my calling might be found in the things I care deeply about. Today, I will prayerfully consider the burdens God has placed on my heart, and with His help, I will start making an impact on the people, causes, and needs that mean the most to me.