Have you ever wrestled with the questions, “Why am I here on Earth? What is my purpose? What am I supposed to be doing? What is God’s will for my life?

At various times in my life I have asked myself these very questions. I’ve struggle with the “whys “concerning life, death, difficult situations, and difficult people.

I’ve come to understand we are here for one reason, one purpose, one goal, and that is to glorify God!

To glorify is to exalt, honor, magnify, and give praise.

I’ve studied characters in the Bible and how they responded to detours or obstacles in their lives. I’ve been challenged by preachers, speakers, and books to live my life totally committed to God no matter what comes my way. But what does that look like exactly?

When faced with a blessing or burden, the question I ask now is not “why,” but rather, “How can God be glorified through this?” If we look at every situation in our lives, both good and bad and ask this question, it becomes a game-changer. Our focus changes from inward to heavenward!

I have witnessed this change of focus up close and personal through the lives of my Christian family and friends.

God is Glorified through our Words and Actions…

Several years ago, a young friend was going through a difficult divorce and we were communicating back and forth through e-mails. I shared with him, that even through divorce, God could be glorified. I encouraged him to guard his words, actions, and attitude even through the pain. I reminded him we are not responsible for what others say or do, but we are responsible for what comes out of our mouths and how we behave. We want people to see Jesus in us and when they do, God is glorified.

God is Glorified When We Trust Him…

When we face the death of a loved one, oh how our hearts hurt. No matter how young or old, our hearts break at the loss of a life and a relationship unique only to that person. I have seen God glorified in how people respond through acceptance, peace, and trusting God. When people choose to “trust in the Lord with all [their] heart and lean not on [their] own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5) God is glorified.

I have seen Jesus in people who face cancer, MS, Parkinson’s Disease, chronic illness, aging bodies, surgery, and a myriad of other health related issues. Through their pain and questions, they trust God. He is glorified!

God is Glorified through Our Generosity…

I have seen Jesus in people who have been blessed financially and share the blessing with others. Their love for God and others shines through. God is glorified!

God is Glorified through Our Stories…

Often, after a difficult season of life, people ask the question, “How did you get through it?” If we have chosen to trust God in the midst of unknowns, we are able to share how only with God were we able to still love, still trust, and still live. God is glorified!

Click on the photo above to listen to the song, “Lord Be Glorified” by The Maranatha Singers

1. Reflect on people who, when faced with unbelievable and heartbreaking circumstances found a way to glorify God. I have been inspired through the years by the life of Joni Eareckson Tada who was paralyzed after a diving accident in her teens and has used her life to glorify God through her art and ministry worldwide.

2. Read and live out Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

3. Always ask the question, “How can God be glorified through my blessing or burden?”

4. GLORIFY THE FATHER