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How Do I Know What Is My Mission in Life?



Question:

I've been told that each one of us has a specific, individual mission in life. How do I know what mine is?

Answer:

We begin our day each morning by saying the birchot hashachar – the morning blessings. One of these blessings reads as follows: "Blessed are you G‑d our G‑d, King of the universe, Who directs the steps of man." In this blessing we are acknowledging G‑d for a gift many of us take for granted--the ability to walk.

There is also an underlying message that can be gleaned from this blessing. This can be understood in light of the verse that the blessing comes from: "The steps of man are directed by G‑d" (Psalms 37:23). The Baal Shem Tov, who gave us a deeper insight into the meaning of Divine Providence, explains this verse in the following manner. Although we go about our daily tasks at what seems to be our own initiative and will, our steps are "guided" for a spiritual and loftier purpose. We end up in a specific place so that we will have the opportunity to do a mitzvah, help someone in need, or to pass on a positive message.

In short: You don't have to worry about finding your mission. G‑d will direct your steps to the location where you mission lies; He'll orchestrate the circumstances to ensure that you have the position and tools to execute your mission. The challenge is to seize the moment and utilize every opportunity you have to do more good. When you find yourself in a specific place and situation, that itself is the greatest indication that there is something for you to accomplish there.

Another important hint: it is specifically in tasks which you find most difficult to carry out in which you need to place the most effort. Because true achievement only comes through challenge, their will be many more obstacles and challenges placed in your path when a particular assignment is the one that you, specifically, need to accomplish...


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By Shmuel Kogan   More articles...  |   RSS Listing of Newest Articles by this Author

Rabbi Shmuel Kogan of Brooklyn, NY, is a responder for Chabad.org's Ask the Rabbi feature.

About the artist: Dovid Brook lives in Sydney Australia and has been selling his art since he was in high school. He is currently painting and doing web illustrations. To view or purchase David's art please visit davidbrookpaintings.com


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Reader Comments
Latest Comments:
Posted: Feb 28, 2008
Rabbi Kogan is the best!!
More wonderful postings by Rabbi Kogan please. He is a brilliant mind, and brings down deep concepts in an easy to understand and simple manner.

From his students in Kendall Florida.
Posted By Anonymous

Posted: Feb 28, 2008
MY MISSION IN LIFE
Dear Nosson,
Thank you for your reply to my question about the criminal.
I had further comments/questions which I see you did not answer. Will these still be answered?
Thank you.
Posted By Jonathan Levy, Johannesburg, South Africa

Posted: Feb 27, 2008
The steps of a criminal.
One might wonder, if G-d directs our steps, then what is the challenge in life? If I turn out to be a criminal than it is by the 'direction' of G-d. If I end up accomplishing great things then what credit do I deserve?

As mentioned in the article, G-d directs us to a particular location or circumstance. The challenge is to seize the opportunity to accomplish the great deed that lies in the world of potential; to actualize this wonderful opportunity G-d has set up for us.
Posted By Shmuel Kogan (author), Brooklyn, NY



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