Awhile back I got a phone call from a close friend on his professional situation. We discussed the struggle and seemingly endless battle that he is facing. As we talked, it became apparent that what we were discussing has become pretty common in our society. Problems with perception, unrealistic expectations, egos, selfishness, poor communication, lack of commitment, and the list goes on…. I stopped him and said, “You know… there is always going to be a battle, you cannot escape it no matter where you are. Every place has its set of issues and one problem is always replaced with another. But as long as you can find purpose within the battle, then you are going to be ok. The fact that you have purpose, means that whatever you are dealing with is worth it.” There was a long pause on the other end of the phone, and he said “Adam, I needed to hear that… and the next time you write, I want it to be about that…. How we can find purpose within our battle…”

As simple as that sounds, this is a very complicated and broad topic. One that I have also struggled with and do not pretend to have all the answers. The battle is difficult and blinds you from the truth of your situation. When we are going through difficulties we feel under attack, and become hyper-focused on the issue at hand. When under attack, we experience a physiological response that sends us into a fight or flight response. The attack does not have to be an actual harmful threat, but any thought or situation. Our mindset becomes fixated on defending ourselves or removing ourselves to a more peaceful situation. Feeling purposeful and valued seems almost impossible in these times. We need a process to help us focus on the light peeking through the storm. There are simple truths of purpose that are hidden in our presence, past, pain, and progress.

Purpose in Presence: You maybe questioning your current presence, but the mere fact that you are present means you have purpose. Remember that out of 110 billion people that have lived, you are the only one with your DNA. If you are there…. trust me that you have purpose, God will never waste your presence when working in his will. Your presence means you can be trusted, counted on, and that you are in the fight. When you feel like you do not matter, keep showing up and being your best version.

Purpose in Past: We can pray for an opportunity and then that very opportunity can become a battle. We get purpose amnesia and forget why we started in the first place. We can forget all the adversities we have overcome and blessings we have received when we least expected it. Your past is proof this battle is not an outcome, but an obstacle. The proof that you have succeeded and overcome. The proof that your fear is not your future… Your past has validated you for the situation you are in… you have a resume of qualifications, and are a well equipped warrior.

Purpose in Pain: Pain signals that something needs attention, prompting us to protect ourselves or go into action. It teaches us that there is something in our lives that we need to work on. Pain also signals that the problem is important to you. It is a sign of how much you care about the situation, so do not be ashamed. However, realize that any training requires resiliency to pain for growth. It is often on the other side of pain that we find the greatest reward. Suffering turns into a sacrifice for something better. Pain is not always necessary to have purpose but it sure means that it exists.

Purpose in Progress: You may feel like you are losing, but you are actually just not winning the way you envisioned. Be aware that the battle will attempt to use your thoughts to paralyze your purpose. When you do not know what to do, just do the next right thing. In every small step, you gain confidence to take the next one, and get a little closer to the finish line. Progress no matter how slow, is a sign that you are winning the battle. Remember that the key to success is consistency of the right action. At the end of the day, problems are an opportunity to prove your worth. Great leaders are great problem solvers… Your progress is proof that you are on your way.

“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.” -Romans 8:28