Obedience Unlocks Purpose (Kara Campbell)

For years I have struggled with the idea of purpose. Before Jesus, I felt there was no

purpose. Then I found Him, and He gave me purpose. His commandments throughout Scripture give each of us the same purpose: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” So I

made it my mission to get involved in church, show Jesus to my husband and baby, and

serve in every opportunity available. These things were fulfilling, but I just kept feeling

like I was missing something.

As a hairstylist, I meet a lot of people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Many

who don’t have a relationship with Christ. I had walked away from the industry to focus

on health and family, but the Lord had different plans. I chose the word “Obedience” at

the Vision Workshop this year. When I chose that word, I thought I was obeying His call

on my life. I wasn’t working. I spent all my time being a mom, serving in church, and

becoming a better wife. WhileI was in this season, I thought this was my forever

purpose, and I refused to let go of it. I became disobedient by putting what I thought my

purpose was over the active voice of God speaking to me. The Lord placed the need to

return to work in my heart, and I was reluctant. I just couldn’t believe that the Lord was

telling me this! I didn’t want that to be God's will for my life. But, reluctantly, I obeyed. At

first, it didn’t feel right. I kept thinking, “God, what is the purpose of this?”

After being back in the industry for about two months , I felt the Lord telling me to

start my own faith based salon suite. It didn’t make sense financially, but I just kept

hearing him tell me that my purpose had been right there in front of my eyes all along.

Be a light that shows Him to every person that sits in my chair. Whether it’s praying for

them before they come in, sharing the gospel, or just showing them love and a safe

space. I realized Hollywood and movies make purpose feel so complex, and have you

waiting for this huge lightbulb to go off and reveal this grand plan. But sometimes, it’s as

simple as finding a way to show Jesus in your everyday life and the different seasons

that you walk through. Whether it’s your job, your family, your church, your friends, or

whatever else fits for you. The Great Commission looks different for each of us. For

some, it will look like foreign missions, preaching, or church leadership. For others, it is

motherhood, marriage, or a job. Regardless of where that fits your life, the main

purpose is to continue seeking the voice of God in each season you encounter. Be open

to change, and finding ways to find purpose in each season He walks you through.

Verses that encourage me:

John 15:16: "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that

you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that

whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you." 

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."

Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your

own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make

straight your paths." 

Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the

renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God,

what is good and acceptable and perfect."