Introduction: Made for a Purpose

Why are you here?

Not “why are you reading this book.” Why are you here, alive, on this planet, at this time in history? Out of all the billions of people who have ever lived, why did God make you?

That’s one of the biggest questions anyone can ask. And the Bible has an amazing answer: God made you on purpose, for a purpose.

Think about a fruit tree. A farmer doesn’t plant an apple tree just so it can stand in the field looking nice. He plants it so it will grow apples, fruit that feeds people and blesses everyone around it. That’s what the tree is for.

Jesus said something similar about you:

“This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples.”

— John 15:8 (BSB)

In the earlier books of Rooted, you’ve been growing. You put down roots in God. You walked with Jesus through His life. You learned about the fruit of the Spirit. You learned to stand strong in storms. You learned to branch out in love. Now, in this final book, we’re going to look at what all that growing is for: the purpose God has for your life, now and forever.

What’s in this book

This is Book 6, the last book of Rooted. (If you haven’t read the others, that’s okay! You can start right here.)

• Week 1 — God’s Plan for You. You were chosen, created and called on purpose.
• Week 2 — Gifts and Work. Using your talents, your schoolwork, your money and your rest for God.
• Week 3 — Your Body and Your Time. Taking care of the body God gave you, growing up, using your time well and being wise online.
• Week 4 — Leading and Serving. Serving like Jesus, staying focused, speaking up and being an example.
• Week 5 — Looking Ahead. Jesus coming back, heaven, running the race and finishing well.

How each day works

Every day takes about five to ten minutes and has five parts:

1. The verse. A short passage from the Bible. Read it slowly.
2. The teaching. What the verse means, often with a Bible story or a picture from everyday life.
3. Think about it. A question to think about on your own or with someone.
4. Try this. One way to live out God’s purpose today.
5. The prayer. A prayer to pray. Add your own words too!

Tips for the last stretch

• Dream with God. As you read, ask God what He might want to do with your life. Write your ideas down.
• Start now. God’s purpose isn’t only for when you’re grown up. It starts today.
• Talk to people who have walked with God a long time. Ask them how God led them.
• Missed a day? Just keep going. You’re almost at the finish line!

You are not an accident. You’re not “just a kid.” You are a branch on God’s vine, and He has fruit He wants to grow through you. Let’s find out what it is.

For parents, grandparents and leaders

Book 6 of Rooted, the last of the series, is about purpose: calling, gifts, stewardship, service and the Christian hope, for readers aged 9 to 12, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible. A few days touch on growing up. Day 13 includes a brief body-safety note (tell a trusted adult if anyone touches you in a way that feels wrong). Day 14 speaks about the changes of growing up in general terms and encourages readers to bring their questions to you. Day 16 covers online safety. Day 17 teaches that male and female are both made in God’s image and equally precious. You may want to talk through those days together.