In other words, what is your calling? The Bible is full of stories of people who had a specific task given by God. One smaller, one bigger, but a task nonetheless.
And whatever they did, became part of Biblical world history and God's Kingdom as we know it. All their stories are connected to Ephesians 2:10 where it is written:
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Notice it says 'in' Christ Jesus. We first need to be in Him. Why? Because it is in Him that we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). We find our purpose in Jesus. Being in Him comes before doing something for Him. Remember that! 2 Corinthians 5:17 says:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
We discover the specific works God has prepared for us when we are a new creation in Christ, in other words when we have been born again. How exciting! Think about it, there is a task only you can do.
Yes, you. Why? Because you are unique. You have a specific character and background. You have specific life experiences, abilities, strengths, talents, and spiritual gifts. Some of your experiences may be painful or negative, but God will make everything new. He redeems our lives for His purposes.
I am a writer and blogger, but there are probably millions of people who do a better job than I do. Yet, I know that I am called to write about certain topics in a certain way, simply because of the way I think, the way I grew up, the way I connect with the Lord, the way I express myself etc. etc.
Furthermore, a prophetic word was given to me many years ago, before I even penned one blog, article, or book. God called me to be His 'faithful mouthpiece'. I have those words on my desk, to be reminded every day that I work for Him.
How do you find out what it is God has prepared for you?
- I believe it starts with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal the Father's purpose for your life.
- Seek Christian gatherings where people operate in prophetic gifts and come with a genuine hunger to do His will.
- Get inspired by reading the Bible, by the men and women that went before you and take notice when your heart jumps a beat... that is a clue for further prayer.
- Journal (write down) anything that the Lord brings to mind: words, thoughts, scriptures, names... anything! They are pieces of the puzzle.
- Make sure to seek silence so you can listen to the quiet whispers of the Holy Spirit.
This post might be helpful as well
And you know what, when we do the particular works, we are being shaped into the man or woman He ordained us to be. Our specific calling shapes our life for eternal purposes.
Marja: For 2022, my word was PURPOSE. I had been having health issues starting two weeks before COVID shut things down here in March. Between my issues and the shutdown of nursing homes and retirement communities to outside people, I felt lost. I found myself asking God what my PURPOSE was
ReplyDeletein serving Him. One thing I learned was that anything I was to do what HIS purpose. I already had a rather lengthy prayer list. It has grown. A lady pastor who attends an ecumenical women's group that I also attend told me of a prayer group that sends participants requests from people all over the world. I like being able to pray for these requests. Also, our prayer group at church has dwindled because of women leaving our church. There are two of us left. But we still try to pray via the telephone once a week. Peace and Blessings to you and yours.
Dear Cecelia, you just described the ultimate purpose of a life that counts: praying and interceding for others. I admire people who are disciplined to do this, especially since I have started prayer lists many times and never manage to pray them trhough! I pray for you, that your health may be restored and your joy may be complete!
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