A biographical account of William Wilberforce notes that at nine years of age, his mother sent him to stay with an aunt and uncle at a place near London. Those were of evangelical persuasion and their faith soon rubbed off on the youngster. At some point, he broached the idea of entering the pulpit ministry, but after a long period of self-introspection he concluded otherwise. He later said, “God had set before me two objects: the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners.” These became the compass of his life. The world would later know him as the abolitionist and philanthropist.

Until one identifies what to do, there is no chance of living a life of significance. Identifying a passionate cause will save you from distractions…Great lives are known for their passion.

God has set some objects before every one of us to pursue. Making the most of life begins with the understanding of those objects. Until one identifies what to do, there is no chance of living a life of significance. Identifying a passionate cause will save you from distractions. It will help you conserve energy and channel resources to what matters. Great lives are known for their passion. How then can one identify a cause to follow? Wilberforce attained his through a long period of self-examination and prayer. That was how Nehemiah also arrived at what to do. Chapter one of Nehemiah began with his fasting and intercession. In the course of prayer, the Lord impressed what to do in his heart. The first thing that Paul did when he encountered the Lord on the road to Damascus was to ask the Lord what He would have him do. Asking for direction in life brings clarity.