Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
I read a long time ago
that a trainer chains the foot of a baby elephant to a spike that has been
hammered into the ground so that it doesn’t run off. The baby can’t seem to
pull away and it becomes discouraged and stops trying. However, baby elephants
tend to grow up. When they are full grown, they continue to chain them to a
spike driven into the ground. Once they feel the slight tension and resistance
of the chain they remember that they can’t get away, so they settle to their
confined space. Little do they know that they are more than powerful enough to
pull that spike out of the ground, but past experiences tell them that they
can’t. They have a history of being bound and they settle for that reality,
though they could certainly be free if only they tried.
We are like that
sometimes, once we feel a little tension in our life, we are relegated to that
reality. Stepping into your God-given purpose will force you to face that
tension and do something different. If you felt the purpose that God had for
your life was easily lived and embraced, I’m afraid it’s a shallow
representation of the potential God has for you.
When it comes to your
purpose, the Bible teaches us a great deal. There are spiritual gifts, ministry
gifts and the fruit of the spirit. These might not give you the detailed answer
you’re looking for, but they will help you hone in on the unique creation that
you are. God wired you in a special way. You are uniquely made and simply
wonderful. Knowing and applying this information will free you up from the
expectations of others and release you into the purpose that God has for you!
Read these verses and jot
down which spiritual gifts and ministry gifts you think you have. If you get
bogged down and have trouble, ask a close friend for their input. Often those
we love can see greatness in us that we can’t see for ourselves.
Spend some time thanking
God for making you the way he did. He didn’t mess up, there’s a purpose and
reason behind your personal design. Ask God to give you boldness and
sensitivity to use your gifts.
Adapted
From: Life On Mission - You Version
