In this world, if we’re not careful, we can easily find ourselves wondering about the purpose of our lives, especially in the midst of pain and suffering. Why are we here? What is the purpose of life? Why all this struggle and pain in life? If we’re not careful these questions and others like it can drag us down to a depth and a place that seems there is no hope or purpose. The truth is, God gives us a purpose. We did not show up here by accident, we were made for a reason. We’re going to dive into a series called The Purpose of Life, and we’re going to look at how even in life’s lowest, darkest moments, there is hope and a purpose through Jesus Christ. So let’s begin this series.

One thing we must all realize is that there will struggles, pains, and sorrows in this life. There are going to be negative circumstances, death, and all kinds of evil. Why? Because sin is present on earth. Romans 5:12 explains it that sin entered the world through Adam and Eve and therefore, death entered as well. But also because all have sinned, death also spread to everyone. Satan is ever-present in this world and he will continue to be until God puts an end to him and the wickedness on this earth. So how do we deal with this pain and sorrow? How do we find purpose in our lives with all of this sin and pain? We find it though God.

There is a beautiful story hidden in the Old Testament about a boy and his mother who think they have come to life’s end. The situation seems hopeless. A slave woman named Hagar and her son Ishmael have just been sent out into the desert by themselves with food and a skin of water Abraham gave her. After wandering in the desert, the skin of water is empty and there is no water in sight. As she process the situation she is in and realizes there is no hope for them, she places the child under a bush and sits a bow shot away because she did not want to watch him die. Then God comes into the picture and let’s read from Scripture what happens next.

“God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid;God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.” Genesis 21:17-19

God heard the boy and his mother’s distress. He knew the pain and the agony they were in and He heard and He responded. Hagar was at the end of her rope. There was no hope for them but to die and yet God saved them. Why? Because He had a plan, He had a purpose for the boy to make him into a great nation and God’s plan was not going to fail. Hagar had lost all hope and only God can give us true hope in this life.

If we put our hope and trust in God and in Christ Jesus, God will be on our side. Romans 8:28 promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” God works for the good of those who love him. He’s working, sometimes behind the scenes when we don’t realize it, but He’s there. God is always working for our good and for our benefit so we may fulfill His purpose for us in our lives. Does this mean bad things will never happen to us? No. Bad things are going to happen, there will be pain and sorrow and hurt in this life. Why? Because sin is present here. Just because we put our faith and hope in God doesn’t mean nothing bad will ever happen to us. But when we put our faith and hope in God, it does mean that God is working for us, especially preparing a place for us in heaven, where we will spend eternity.

Life is not an easy journey. It’s a hard journey for everyone and in the midst of all the strife and struggle we can easily lose our focus and question why we’re here. But we must remain strong in the Lord. We must remember that God has a plan and Jesus Christ is our savior who brings us life after this one. God has a purpose for our lives and even in the midst of pain, if we remain faithful, God’s plan will never fail.