When Life Feels Like a Prison: Your Purpose Is Still Alive

Purpose. It’s what drives us forward and gives us hope when life gets tough. It’s the reason we keep pushing through even when the road feels impossible. But what if you’re not sure what your purpose is?

If you think you don’t know, I want to encourage you to dig deep. Ask yourself: What are my strengths? What brings me joy? Still unsure? Ask someone close to you as they often see gifts in us that we overlook.

Here’s the truth: You DO have a purpose. Something you are meant to accomplish in this life. It doesn’t matter if you’re 8 years old or 80 years old because your purpose matters. I choose to believe my purpose is God-given. Even when I ignore it or let negative voices take up space in my head, it doesn’t change the fact that my purpose is Divine. And so is yours.

This morning, I’m reminded of Joseph in the book of Genesis. He was Jacob’s favorite son, and you know what that means—increased sibling rivalry. Jacob gave Joseph the infamous coat of many colors, which only fueled his brothers’ jealousy. “When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him…” (Genesis 37:4). So, what did they do? They sold him to the Midianites for twenty shekels of silver which is about $200.

The Midianites sold Joseph to Potiphar, an Egyptian official. Joseph quickly found favor and was put in charge of Potiphar’s household. But then came another trial, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him of rape, and Joseph was thrown into prison. “But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden” (Genesis 39:20-21).

Ever feel like you’re in a prison of circumstances? Unable to see the light of day, let alone your God-given purpose? Joseph knew that feeling. Yet even in prison, he used his gift of interpreting dreams. He interpreted the dreams of the cupbearer and baker, asking the cupbearer to remember him when restored. But the cupbearer forgot… for two years.

Then Pharaoh had troubling dreams of seven fat cows devoured by seven skinny cows, and healthy heads of grain swallowed by thin ones. The cupbearer finally remembered Joseph. Joseph interpreted Pharoah’s dreams, explaining that God was revealing what was to come. Pharaoh didn’t believe in God, but he saw Joseph’s integrity, faithfulness, and wisdom. He placed Joseph in charge of all Egypt!

From scorned brother to slave, from slave to being in charge of Potiphar’s household to being thrown into prison for rape, from prisoner to second-in-command and Joseph’s journey was anything but easy. Yet every step prepared him for his purpose: saving nations and eventually reconciling his family.

Patience matters. From the time Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers to the moment he rose to become Egypt’s second-in-command—the most powerful position next to Pharaoh—13 years passed. He went from age 17 to 30 during that season of waiting. Those were considered his prime years. But here’s the truth: your prime isn’t defined by age or a calendar. Don’t count yourself out if you think your best years are behind you. God determines your prime, and your purpose isn’t bound by time but rather it’s defined by Him.

Your story may feel messy right now. You may feel imprisoned, forgotten, stuck, or unsure. But like Joseph, your purpose is Divine. Hold on. Keep moving forward. God is working even when you can’t see it.

Sandy