The short answer: Don’t follow your heart; ask God to shape it. Purpose begins with knowing God, and as you delight in Him and walk faithfully today, He reshapes your desires and leads your next steps.
Watch the Episode
What we cover
A listener named Jon asked me, “In a world that tells us to follow our heart, what advice do you give to individuals trying to understand what unique purpose God has for their life?” In this episode, I explain why your heart was designed to be shaped, not to be your compass, and three practical steps for seeking God’s direction.
Why “follow your heart” leads to drift, not purpose
Purpose begins with knowing God, not self-discovery
Setting your mind on things above (Colossians 3:2)
How delighting in the Lord reshapes your desires (Psalm 37:4)
Our chief end: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever
Daily faithfulness as a college student is your current calling
Three practical steps: pray, read Scripture, and learn from a mentor
Scripture
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” — Colossians 3:2
“Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” — Psalm 37:4
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” — James 1:5
Lines worth remembering
“Your heart is not designed to be your compass. It’s designed to be shaped.”
“Purpose doesn’t begin with self-discovery. It begins with knowing God.”
“Real purpose is not self-fulfillment. It is joyful obedience.”
“God often reveals the next steps while you are faithfully stewarding your present steps.”
Take the next step
Pray for five minutes each day. Set a timer, and ask God for wisdom and to shape your desires.
Read one chapter of Scripture each day, starting in one of the Gospels or in Proverbs.
Schedule a meal with someone you respect and ask how God led them and what mistakes they made.
Be faithful in what’s in front of you today: class, study, relationships, church, and habits.
Share this episode with a friend who is wrestling with what to do with their life.
Common questions
Isn’t it good to follow my passions? Passions aren’t bad, but they make a poor starting point. Start with God. As you delight in Him, He shapes your desires, and the desires of a surrendered heart often become the avenues He uses to direct you.
How do I find my unique purpose? Your ultimate purpose is already settled: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. The specifics usually become clearer as you know God through His Word and walk faithfully in today’s responsibilities.
What if I still don’t know what to do after college? Keep taking faithful steps. God often reveals the next step while you are stewarding the present one, so be diligent where you are and keep seeking wise counsel.
Does God speak to me through my desires? He can, when those desires are formed in a heart that delights in Him. That’s why the order matters: seek Him first, and let Him shape what you want.
