Discovering Your God-Given Purpose

Let’s be honest, the word purpose can feel a little overwhelming. Society says that if you don’t have a crystal-clear mission statement for your life, you’re somehow behind. But the truth is, purpose doesn’t always show up as one big “aha” moment. Often, it unfolds slowly… Through your interests, your heartbreaks, your gifts, and the things that quietly light you up inside.

I believe that the little fire inside of us, the dreams that won’t go away, the ideas that energize us, the moments where we feel deeply connected, are often God’s whispers pointing us toward our calling.

Your purpose isn’t something you invent. It’s something you recognize. And often, that recognition comes through pain. Past wounds don’t disqualify you from purpose; they shape it. They soften your heart, sharpen your perspective, and ignite a deep empathy that becomes part of your gift to the world.

God has a way of transforming the things that once broke us into the very fuel that drives our passion to help others. For me, one of those defining wounds was growing up without a father who poured into me. I didn’t have that steady, protective presence speaking life over me or showing me what it meant to be cherished. That absence left a huge gap, but it also stirred something powerful in me. It gave me an unshakable desire to be for others what I didn’t have. That’s why I’m so passionate about pouring into women, reminding them of their worth, helping them reconnect with their voice, and creating safe spaces for them to rise.

My pain planted my purpose. I encourage you to consider what purpose may be growing in you, given your wounds and the passion or regard that stems from them.

One helpful concept I love is ikigai, a Japanese word that roughly translates to “reason for being.” It’s the sweet spot where your passions, talents, values, and what the world needs all overlap. When we start to explore what we love, what we’re good at, and what brings meaning, through the lens of faith, we start to see that our life isn’t random. It’s intentional.

Purpose doesn’t always look like a flashy career or a perfectly laid-out life plan. Sometimes, it looks like using your gift for encouragement in quiet conversations. Or feeling drawn to create, teach, or serve in a way that brings others closer to love. Your calling can be both big and small, but it always begins with paying attention.

Are you someone who pushes those nudges aside because they feel too uncertain or impractical? You’re not alone. So many women I work with feel torn between should’s and wants. But the truth is: God doesn’t give us passions to tease us; He gives them to lead us.

Knowing your purpose doesn’t mean you’ll have every step mapped out. But it does mean you’ll start living with more intention, more peace, and more clarity about what actually matters to you. And when you’re aligned with that? Everything begins to flow. That’s where coaching comes in. It’s a space to uncover the parts of you that have been overlooked or buried. We take time to ask deeper questions, reflect on what makes you feel most alive, and gently shape a vision that feels aligned with both your faith and your future, so those small steps toward living in your purpose become that much closer. Learn more about how I can support you in your journey.

You were made for more, and it’s not too late to answer the call.

Lisa Cortes

Lisa Cortés is a Certified Life Coach and founder of Living Intently. Originally from South Africa, she moved to the U.S. to pursue her education and graduated from TCU with Business Information Systems. After time in corporate, she followed her passion for growth and now helps women live with clarity, purpose, and wholeness. Wife. Nature lover. Big dreamer. Building a life that feels as good as it looks.