40 Days In Christ - Week 6: Purpose
Adrian Thornton

Over the last 40 days of prayer and fasting, God has been at work, shaping hearts, doing deep soul work. There have been testimonies and trials alike, but I truly believe that “God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). And that’s exactly what today’s message is about: purpose.

Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” In Christ, we are created with intention, designed to live out the works God has already planned for us. This means our lives are not random; we are not just here to take up space or chase our own agendas. Every person has a God-given purpose, but it is only found in Christ.

Research indicates that approximately 50% of young people, as well as a similar number of older adults, struggle with finding purpose. That means one in two people sitting next to you might be asking, “What am I meant to do? Who am I meant to be?”

Our culture contributes to this struggle, with factors such as choice overload, achievement-based identity, comparison culture, loss of mentors, overstimulation, secularism, fear of commitment, and a happiness-first mindset all clouding our understanding of purpose. But here’s the good news: in Christ, our purpose becomes clear.

This week, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to be “in Christ.” There’s actually a theological term for it: the doctrine of incorporation. We are united with Jesus— we are not just given the promise of heaven someday, but brought into Him right now.

Romans 6:3-4 says, “Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Salvation is not merely future-focused—it is living in Christ, incorporated into Him, part of His body.

When we live in Christ, the wrong question is “What is my purpose?” The right question is “What is His purpose?” Jesus is the head; we are the body. Our focus shifts from self-centred ambition to living out Christ’s calling on earth. This brings four layers of purpose:

Our purpose is not found in ourselves, but in Christ. At the cross, we die to our old selves, are baptised into Christ, and take on His mission. By centering our lives on Him, God fills in the gaps—our vocation, relationships, and calling all fall into place.

So, if you’ve been wrestling with purpose, start with the posture shift: stop asking, “What is my purpose?” and start asking, “What is His purpose?”

Live as His body, obey His call, and watch God guide your steps. When Christ is at the centre, everything else finds its place.

[1] Write down your prayer requests
- Personal needs
- Friends and family who are yet to discover Christ

[2] Join us in a daily 8am prayer call on WhatsApp

[3] Attempt a fast. This could involve giving up one meal a week or one meal each day, fasting for one day a week, or undertaking an extended fast at various times during the forty days. There is no pressure or expectation on anybody. This is simply an invitation to respond as you feel led by the Spirit.

At the end of the forty days, I will be asking us to reflect on what God has done. My hope is that all we are seeking from God is found in Christ.