• Dear God, where do I fit? How can I make a difference? Where is the place you have for me?

• Does anyone really need me? Does my existence even matter in this world?

• Why do I feel like such a failure as a Christian?

• Why don't I enjoy my church ministry, my family responsibilities, or my job anymore? Why do I feel so unsatisfied?

• Why am I not happy? How did I pile up so many regrets?

• Is this really all there is to life? Is this what God wants my life to look like?

• When did my dreams and passions get relegated to a backburner?

• If I heard God's call, would I have the time or emotional strength to pursue it?

If you find yourself facing questions like these and long for something better, be assured that there is hope. God will reveal your purpose, and your heart will sing over what he has in store for you! He wants you to be able to say, "I'm in my element. I'm in sync. This is what my life is supposed to be about. I was born for this. What a blast!"

Or - the clincher in the case of a career - "I can't believe I get paid to do this!

Katie Brazelton is the founder of Pathway to Purpose™ Ministry and is a Licensed Minister and Director of Women's Bible Studies at Saddleback Church. Katie has worked with women for many years, helping them discover their church ministry and life purposes. She coaches women who are searching for meaning in life as a Certified Christian LifePlanning™ Consultant  with an international client base.

This article is an excerpt from Pathway to Purpose for Women by Katie Brazelton, © 2005. Used by permission from Zondervan Publishers. You can purchase a copy of Pathway to Purpose for Women at Christianbook.com. For more information, visit pathwaytopurpose.com.