Alone on This Path?

Many of us have experienced the crushing weight of expectations. We’ve grown up with dreams planted in us by others; dreams of being doctors, lawyers, engineers, or any profession that sounds prestigious and secure.

I know these dreams are often born out of love because our families want us to be successful, to avoid struggle and to live better lives than they did. But sometimes, in their quest to secure our futures, they unintentionally smother the very essence of who we are.

They see our potential, but not always our purpose. And so, we find ourselves torn between the life we want to live and the life others expect of us.
For two years, a friend of mine had been studying engineering, a path his parents had mapped out for him long before he could fully understand his dreams. For them it was perfect; a stable career, financial security, and the pride of being the first engineer in his family. But beneath the surface, his heart was breaking.

You see, he wasn’t an engineer; he was a musician. He lived and breathed music, his hands perfectly at home strumming a guitar or composing melodies. It wasn’t just a talent; it was his soul speaking. But for two long years, he silenced that voice, hoping that one day he would learn to love the life someone else had chosen for him.

Until one day, he couldn’t anymore and had to reapply to the same university to start over as a music student. This decision meant disappointing his parents, enduring their anger and hurt, and facing the judgment of others who couldn’t understand why he would trade a ‘guaranteed future’ for the uncertainty of the arts.

This isn’t easy to do. It takes courage to pursue purpose in an unsupportive environment. It means standing firm in your convictions, even when you feel alone. It means trusting that the same God who gave you your dreams will provide the strength and resources to fulfil them.

The path of purpose is often lonely, especially when those closest to you don’t understand. You may feel isolated, doubting yourself because the voices of others are louder than your own.
But loneliness is not the same as being alone. In those moments, God walks with you. He reassures you that you’re not mistaken for wanting more, for wanting something different. As Psalm 37:23 reminds us, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.” If He gave you the dream, He will guide you through the journey.

Pursuing your purpose in an unsupportive environment teaches you to rely on God. Over time, you may see that your family’s resistance wasn’t out of malice but fear of the unknown, fear of failure.
Someday, those who doubt your journey will come around when they see the fruits of your labour. My friend’s parents, for instance, eventually saw the joy and success he found in music and became his greatest supporters.

One notable thing is that my friend’s story didn’t end with him walking away from his family or cutting ties. It ended with him flourishing as a musician, his parents beaming with pride at his performances. Their initial resistance turned into overwhelming support as they realized his decision wasn’t rebellion; it was obedience to his calling and God.

His journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. And isn’t that the truth about purpose? It may come with sacrifices, lonely seasons, and difficult conversations, but the fulfilment it brings outweighs the pain.
So if you find yourself on a similar journey, take heart. You are not alone, and your purpose is worth fighting for. It’s okay if others don’t understand right now. It’s okay if you have to take small steps in the shadows before your light shines brightly.

Remember that your purpose was given to you for a reason. It’s not just about your happiness, it’s about your impact. The world needs the gift you carry, even if the people around you don’t see it yet.
So walk this path with courage. Trust that God is leading you, even when the road feels uncertain. And know that one day, those who doubted you may stand in awe of what you’ve become.

Purpose isn’t always a path lined with applause, but it is one that leads to fulfilment. Stay the course, you are not walking alone.

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