From Manager To Mission: Six Sacred Questions to Clarify Your God-Given Purpose for 2026

From Manger to Mission: Six Sacred Questions to Clarify Your God-Given Purpose for 2026

By Camille Burch

As the echoes of Christmas worship fade and the manger scenes are gently packed away, we are

reminded that the story of Jesus never ended in Bethlehem. The manger was only the beginning -

it was the launching point of a life fully surrendered to the Father’s will. As we look toward

2026, instead of choosing a resolution or a trendy word, what if we chose reflection, prayer, and intentional listening?

From Manger to Mission is an invitation to seek God’s heart through six prayerful questions -

questions that help us move from celebrating Christ’s birth to living out His purpose. So grab a

notebook, a pen, a bible and some time alone to reflect and seek Godly direction for 2026.

1. How do I want to live?

This question invites honest self-examination. God may be calling you to shift your priorities,

break unhealthy patterns, or steward your time differently. Living with intention means asking

whether your daily rhythms reflect what you say you believe. Romans 12:1–2 challenges us to

live transformed lives - no longer shaped by the world, but by God’s truth. Ask the Lord what

needs refining so your life more clearly reflects Him. For me, I want to work on my temple by

prioritizing my health. I also want to continue to devote the majority of my time creating

meaningful content that helps women of faith grow in their walk.

2. What can I contribute?

Every believer has something to offer. God has entrusted you with spiritual gifts, talents,

experiences, and resources meant to serve others. Sometimes our contribution is obvious; other

times it’s quietly developed over time. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received

to serve others” (1 Peter 4:10). Ask God how He wants you to show up - with generosity,

courage, and obedience. Determine not to allow fear to stop you, or distractions to divert you

from your mission.

3. Who do I want to help?

When God awakens compassion in your heart, it’s rarely accidental. He may draw your attention

to a specific group, generation, or need. Whether it’s mentoring, serving, encouraging, or

advocating, love becomes powerful when it’s personal. Galatians 6:2 reminds us that bearing one

another’s burdens reflects the heart of Christ. Identify some people or needs you’re passionate

about, they are from God!

4. How is God calling me to make an impact?

Impact isn’t about influence or recognition - it’s about faithfulness. God calls us to live boldly in

love, walk in obedience, and allow His light to shine through every area of our lives. Matthew

5:16 encourages us to live in a way that points others to God. Sometimes impact is public; often,

it’s found in quiet obedience. I’m always surprised by the small ways our workshops make an

impact. People say they love feeling included in a group, they are able to share openly about

what God is calling them to, or they feel their voice and opinion matters.

5. What is God teaching me?

Growth is a sign of spiritual maturity. God uses seasons of stretching, learning, and even

discomfort to deepen our faith. Ask Him what lessons He is cultivating in you right now. “Teach

me your ways, Lord, that I may walk in your truth” (Psalm 25:4). A teachable heart keeps us

aligned with His will. One idea is to take a biblical concept, person or event and dedicate an

entire year to learning as much as you can about it. Our small group recently spent a whole year

learning about women in the bible, for example, and how their actions can provide an example

for us.

6. What do I need to do to stay close to the Lord?

Above all else, intimacy with God matters most. Busyness can slowly erode closeness if we’re

not intentional. Consider how prayer, Scripture, worship, and rest will anchor your life in 2026.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). Mission flows naturally from

relationship.

As we move from the manger to the mission, may these six questions guide you into a year

marked by clarity, courage, and deeper intimacy with Jesus. The same Savior who entered the

world humbly now invites you to live purposefully - fully surrendered to His call.