What Now? “Walking in Your God-Given Purpose” | Pastor Chris Searcy | 5.18.25

What Now?
“Walking in Your God-Given Purpose”

I. INTRODUCTION: WHY WE’RE HERE TODAY

• Celebrate the graduates—from kindergarten to Ph.D.
• Today is a celebration…. I want to answer the most commonly asked question
• The real question isn’t just “What’s next?” but “Why did God create me, and what is He asking me to do?”

II. PURPOSE: THE REASON YOU WERE CREATED

Definition: Purpose is the reason for which something was created.

A. You Were Created by God for a Reason

Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

B. Your Ultimate Purpose Is to:

1. Worship God
   Isaiah 43:7
   Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.
   
   John 4:23
   The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth...
   
2. Make Him Known
   Matthew 28:19–20
   Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...
   
   2 Corinthians 5:20
   Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ...
   
3. Bring Glory to His Name
   1 Corinthians 10:31
   So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
   

III. PURPOSE IS UNIVERSAL — ASSIGNMENT IS UNIQUE

You can walk in purpose anywhere doing anything—as long as you’re doing it to worship God, make Him known, and glorify Him.

Biblical Examples Across Vocations:

Name	Role	How They Walked in Purpose
Lydia	Businesswoman	Hosted and supported the early church (Acts 16:14–15)
Paul	Tentmaker + Apostle	Made Christ known everywhere (Acts 18:1–4)
Priscilla & Aquila	Married Tradespeople	Taught Apollos truth more accurately (Acts 18:26)
Moses	Shepherd turned Deliverer	Followed God’s assignment
Mary	Mother	Nurtured and supported Christ's mission (Luke 1:38)

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, street preacher, student, coach, etc—you can walk in your purpose anywhere.

IV. WHAT YOU’RE REALLY ASKING: “WHAT IS MY ASSIGNMENT?”

Assignment is the specific task, role, or season-based opportunity through which your purpose is expressed.

But before we talk about that, I have to interrupt your question with this:

V. WHY WALKING IN YOUR GOD-GIVEN ASSIGNMENT IS URGENT

Mark 8:36
For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?

• There are people who had money, fame, and influence… but without purpose and assignment, life felt empty.

Real-World Examples of Misaligned Success:

Name	Success	Tragic End
Anthony Bourdain	Beloved chef and TV host	Died by suicide	$1.2 million
Chris Lighty	Music executive	Died by suicide	$30 million
Chester Bennington (Linkin Park)	Global music icon	Died by suicide	$30 million
Robin Williams	Oscar-winning actor	Died by suicide	$50 million
Kate Spade	Billion-dollar fashion empire	Died by suicide	$100 million

Point: You can accomplish every dream you’ve ever had—and still feel meaningless if you're not walking in God's assignment.

VI. HOW TO FIND YOUR GOD-GIVEN ASSIGNMENT

1. Ask two simple questions:

• What am I good at?
• What do I have a deep desire or affinity for?

Romans 11:29
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

My Own Story

• I wanted to play football. Thought I was going to the league.
• Didn’t get the looks. No scholarships.
• But I could talk (got me in trouble too!)
• That gift led me into broadcast journalism... even got to cover the Crimson Tide.
• That moment taught me: Just because you love it doesn’t mean you’re gifted for it. And just because you’re gifted for it doesn’t mean it’s your ultimate assignment.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Gift + Desire = Assignment (Potentially)

3. A Helpful Question:

“What do I do so well that someone would be willing to pay me for it?”

• Most of the time the answer will point straight to your assignment.
• Some times it won’t—but by process of elimination you are closer to finding it.

VII. THREE TRUTHS ABOUT ASSIGNMENT

1. Assignment Changes (Joseph)

• God may call you to different assignments in different seasons
  (Joseph: pit → palace → prison → prime minister).

1. Assignment Always Serves Purpose

• It will always lead to you worshiping God, making Him known, and glorifying Him.

1. Assignment Requires Stewardship
   Colossians 3:23–24
   Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord... You are serving the Lord Christ.

VIII. FINAL CHARGE TO GRADUATES

• Whether you’re graduating kindergarten or college…
• Don’t just chase a career—walk in your calling.
• Don’t just seek success—seek significance in Christ.
• Don’t just ask “What’s next?”—ask “God, where do You want to use me?”

IX. CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY

• I want to take a moment to celebrate how proud I am of this community.
• I’ve been seeing the pictures, the posts—the way you’re showing up for each other organically forming community.
• That’s the culture of the Kingdom—a family showing up for family.