|
God has a great work for you. Now, if you don't buy that, just close your browser and do the laundry or mow the lawn or something. No sense wasting your time. If you do think that you have a great purpose, though, read on.
How can we determine our purpose? How can we ascertain what we are supposed to be doing? How can we know what it is that God wants us to do? What is His will for your life? Hopefully, we can help.
Fortunately, I, personally, have little doubt what my purpose is and that I am fulfilling my purpose. Oh, lucky me! One of our great desires is to help others find that place where they can live in complete fulfillment. Why? So they will be strong, productive, and joyous Christians (and not become lost sheep wandering around out there). Strong, joyous Christians are Christians that will stand up through all kinds of trials and tests. They tend to not get bogged down in the pettiness that entraps their fellow Christians. They are "big-picture" Christians so, no need to worry about "little pictures" (like the color of the church carpet or someone not shaking their hand at church). You get the idea. Well, begin to ask yourself some questions.
About what am I passionate? What really gets me going? Whatever you are the most passionate about is something that you can give yourself to 100%. You'll tend to "get lost" in the passion. Time will fly. You'll be emotionally stirred. You'll often feel like everybody should be as passionate about this subject as are you. You'll often donate money to ministries dealing with your passion.
When you hear a subject discussed, what subjects stir you enough to want to act on those "stirrings"? Abortion? Homosexuality? A youth skate park? Reaching the lost? Cleaning the church? Hospitals? Nursing homes? The homeless? Mentoring young married couples? Sending out cards? It can be almost anything imaginable. Wherever your passion lies, it is a real clue as to your God-given purpose.
What is my life experience? It isn't unusual to be passionate about something you have experienced in your life. For instance, if you have been personally wounded by alcoholism or have been an alcoholic, chances are good that you get pretty passionate about the subject when others are being hurt by it. The same can be true of any subject.
No, God didn't want bad things to happen in your life but, now that you have experienced them, He may well desire to use them for good. No one can understand alcoholism like someone who has, personally, been in contact with it. The same can be said for divorce, abuse, addictions, etc.. Understanding people who struggle is the true key to being effective when helping them. Also, having experience in a problem area gives you instant integrity to the person struggling with that area. They'll listen to you because you "understand".
What kinds of gifts and talents do I have? What am I good at? Am I an exhorter? A giver? A teacher? Am I a good speaker? A good helper? Am I good at organizing things or people? Am I able to see what needs to be done? Can I delegate authority? Do I have a good singing voice? Am I a people person or do I do my best work working alone? Am I a skilled carpenter or lawyer or musician or...you name it. Am I good with my hands? Am I a problem solver? A peacemaker? Do I seem to work well with children or adults?
Begin identifying your gifts and talents. Then, begin to think of your gifts and talents as they may relate to your passion and your previous life experience. How can you use your particular abilities with your particular passions and experiences?
What is the desire of my heart? Do I desire to defend God's honor? Do I want to expose sin? Do I want to change my community? My church? My state? Do I want to reach the lost? Do I want to alleviate pain and suffering? Do I want to work alone or with a group of people? Do I have a strong desire to be active? Do I want to speak to groups? What is it that you desire to do?
Think about it. Spend some time alone and listen to your heart. Doing your heart's desire will bring tremendous joy and you will have unusual stamina for your work.
What brings good results? When I do something, what seems to do the most good? What do I do that seems to be really effective? When I'm active, what seems to illicit the most positive response and feedback? What seems to help people? Do I excel in any specific areas?
What kinds of activities bring me joy? Which activities cause me to feel fulfilled when completed? Fulfillment and joy should be considered as good results. This doesn't mean that, when functioning in your specific calling, you will not have heartache. You will, still, experience weariness. You may feel rejected or have feelings of hopelessness as you strive to accomplish your calling. You will encounter obstacles and some unpleasantness. Look at the disciples, "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed" (2 Cor. 4:8-9). Does this mean that they missed their calling? No. As a matter of fact, the trouble being caused by the enemy could have been seen as confirmation that they were doing the enemy great damage. When you perform your calling, the enemy does suffer great damage.
Negative emotions should not be taken as a signal that you have missed your calling. You may experience a few setbacks, but you will have an over-riding desire to "get back on that horse". The fact that set-backs can't destroy your desire is a definite sign that you are doing what you're supposed to be doing. Now, if setbacks do destroy your desire, that could be a sign that you were out of your calling.
What are my mature Christian friends and leaders telling me? A word of caution; test what others are telling you against what your heart is telling you. Sometimes, the church just needs a warm body to fill a vacant position. Beware! If you agree to a position that is out of harmony with your calling, you will suffer (as will others). Doing things that you're not supposed to be doing will result in burn-out, dread, procrastination, poor quality, loss of joy, and other negative things. Its noble to want to fill a void but its folly to think that you will be a joyous Christian when functioning out of your calling. I wish more church leaders were aware of this.
However, if what others are telling you seems to be confirm the desires of your heart, you might be wise to listen. If they aren't saying anything to you, ask those closest to you for input. What do they think you should be doing or are good at?
What is the Holy Spirit telling me? Get alone with God. Ask Him for guidance. Tell him that you want to be doing only what you're supposed to be doing. Tell Him that you want to be effective. You want to be about His business in the most effective way, possible. Listen for His voice. Give Him time to answer. Most all leaders believe and teach that everyone has a specific calling. Everyone has gifts, talents, and experiences unique to them. Since God has a calling for you, He desires to accomplish that calling. Performing at maximum effectiveness is the best and most expedient way to advance God's kingdom. He wants you joyous and effective.
And so do we!
|
|
