Ikigai: Find Your Reason for Being

By Nina Mistula

Genesis 1-2 tells of the story of creation. When I read this entire passage, there were 3 things that struck me.

God’s sovereignty is very eminent. Genesis 1:2 shows this. God made the world out of nothing but His power. He did not need anything and this shows how powerful God is. Whatever He says came to be.

God’s creation was all very good. Each day that God made something, He said it was good at the end of it all. Even very good. We know that all of God’s creation is very good, especially the people around us. Bad things did not come from God. He does not want you to suffer so when you are struggling, instead of fleeing from Him, you should trust Him all the more.

God is intentional. Nothing is an accident.  He created everything intentionally. He really wanted to create the world and everything else, even man. He knew what man needed then and He knows what we need now.

Do you believe that God created us? If so, then we should all stand in the truth. And the Bible tells us that from the very beginning. It is important to know who made you so you can stand in your identity in Him. Genesis 1:27 says God made man in His own image; therefore, God should be seen in you. Why did God create everything anyway? What is our purpose on this earth? Isaiah 43:7 says, “everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”” We are created to glorify God through our life. That is the goal and that is what we are called for. God is glorified if our character reflects God goodness and love. 1 John 4:19 also says, “we love because He first loved us.” He made us to love so we can love others in return.

The Japanese word “ikigai” means “a reason to live.” How can you find your reason to live? Ikigai is the common ground between passion (what you love), mission (what the world needs from you), vocation (what you can be paid for), and profession (what you’re good at).  When all these things align, then you will find our purpose.

This is not an overnight thing though. Do you know why it’s difficult to find your purpose?

1. You are forcing your purpose. Sometimes, you force things and think it is already your purpose, only to find out later on that it is not. God will reveal your purpose at the right time so it is important to have a relationship with Him.

2. You are rejecting your purpose. When God finally reveals your purpose and it is not to your liking, you reject it and try to find something else. Ask God if He is pleased with what you are doing. If not, think again.

How can you find your true purpose?

1. Build a relationship with God. Colossians 1:16 says, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” Knowing God is a lifelong goal. If there is no relationship, it will be difficult to know what He wants you to do. Only He can answer all your questions in life. Read your bible everyday. It is the only way to really know Him. Pray to Him because relationships are double-sided. If God talks to you through His word, prayer is your form of communication with God.

2. Ask God for it. Matthew 7:7-8 says, ““Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” When asking the Lord for something, we need a lot of patience because one day with God is a thousand days for us. While waiting, do something worthwhile.

3. Live out your calling. Your purpose and your calling are actually related with each other. You can find your purpose in life through your calling. Life is more meaningful if you fulfill your purpose.

Do you know your calling? Everybody is called to do something. The Great Commission tells us to make disciples of all nations. While you do not yet know your specific calling, live out God’s general call to every body. Say yes and obey right away. Obedience unlocks direction. If you obey His calling, He will show you the right path.and then you will know your purpose in life.