For the longest time, I feel as if have been told that I have to be someone else in order to be successful. I am naturally an introvert but the world tells me I need to speak more, be loud, be the center of attention, be this or be that. Growing up, I was bullied because people viewed my “quiet-tendency” as weakness and thought that they could walk all over me.
There have been so many times I have been ashamed and embarrassed by the person God made to be because of 1) I was made fun of and ridiculed; and 2) I saw myself as being something different, something better. Have you ever felt the same?
**Side note this is not about who is better, introvert or extrovert. I believe God uniquely made each of us and has given us the gifts and talents needed to do the work of His kingdom. We are all needed and valued as part of the body of Christ.
Discovering Your God-Given Purpose
“For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one….According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts.” Romans 12:3, 6.
In the passage above, Paul is telling us to be humble and to use what God has already given us for the good of the body in Christ. You don’t need to be jealous or covet the giftings that someone else has, rather you can focus on using the gifts God has given you specifically. God has a plan for you and it is a good one. You were made on purpose for a purpose.
Wherever you find yourself, God is present with you and wants to use you for His glory. This will be same tonight, tomorrow, a month from now, even ten years from now. Every past moment of your life has led you to this present moment. God has wondrously woven together every moment of our lives and because of this, we know that we have a God-given purpose in the here and now. He promises that all things will work together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).
Learning Your Gifts & Talents
We so often wrap ourselves up in trying to be someone else or something else, trying to fulfill qualities that we believe are more valued or accepted in society. But God asks you to be the person He has already designed you to be. God never gets it wrong and is flawlessly at work for our good. Every detail of our lives comes through the blueprints of His meticulous care for us.
“For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well.” Psalm 139:13-16.
God has given you unique abilities, talents and gifts. This is something God has given you that makes you who you are and sets you apart from other people. We can start to learn what these gifts and talents are (if we don’t already have a good idea of them) by looking at our passion(s) and skills that God has given us. It can also be helpful to ask a spouse, other family members, or a close friend what talents and gifts they see in us also.
Do you feel like you’ve taken time to identify the gifts and talents God has blessed you with? If not, I encourage you to take some time today reflecting on your God-given talents. How do those talents impact the way you understand who He made you to be and even who He didn’t make you be? You are the manager of the gifts God has given you. When God gives you a talent, He expects you to use it for His glory. Try making a list today of the gifts and talents you think God has given you.
Fulfilling Your God-Given Purpose
When you start to believe that God made you perfect and complete in Him, you will no longer feel like anything is wrong with you. I have come to believe (or am starting to believe) that my strengths might not be the same as those of others that I compare myself to and that is perfectly fine. I have God-given talents that are uniquely fitted for my role in His body. We are all a part of the body and each part matters. There are no insignificant people in the body of Christ. How awesome is that?
“For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10.
I don’t have to compare myself to others or wish I could be them because God has taken that burden away from us. So I might never be the person who is great at public speaking (and if you are, good for you!) but I know that I am good with behind the scenes, strategic process building. Both roles are needed and have their own unique, God-designed purpose.
True joy and a life well lived are not found in living for others. You can only find fulfillment when you turn to the Bible. The beauty of being in the Bible is that it is the final Word. You will learn how to fulfill your God-given purpose. And you can rebound from the moments of self-doubt so much faster.
“Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding so that I can learn Your commands. Those who fear You will see me and rejoice, for I put my hope in Your word.” Psalm 119:73-74.
Above all else, set your mind on the things above, and not on the things of the Earth. Live for God and to accomplish His purposes. Remember YOU are valuable and worthy of the calling God has laid out for you. He has given you the strengths to fulfill His will. Focus on those and you will prosper.
Join me today by believing YOU were wonderfully made for a God-given purpose and with a promise.
*All Bible verses are from the Holman Christian Standard Bible
Pingback: Four Reasons Why You Need a Personal Mission Statement – my One comfort
Pingback: 4 Tips for Making a Fresh Start – my One comfort
Pingback: What is Righteous Anger? – my One comfort
Pingback: NOvember: How To Say No Without Feeling Guilty – my One comfort
Pingback: We Are Set Apart for God – my One comfort
Pingback: Learning to Be Content – my One comfort