“Our goal is to measure up to God’s plan for us.” 2 Corinthians 10:13 The Living Bible
“Maximize your effectiveness by serving out of your unique giftedness.”
My thoughts today are about “uniqueness.”
I think everyone at some point wonders what is the best and right thing to do with their life. Sometimes it seems hard to know what you are supposed to do. Of course, ultimately you need to discover God’s assignment for you, for that is where you find the greatest sense of satisfaction and success. You are unique, but how do you find God’s unique design for you?
Let me suggest a practical way to begin: (1) Examine your interests. (2) Take inventory of your abilities. (3) Consider your previous experiences. (4) Reflect on your successful endeavors. These practical things may direct you on a path of personal discovery.
Years ago, a friend shared with me a simple way to know myself better. He drew two overlapping circles. In one circle he asked me to write this: “things I do well.” In the other, he had me list: “things I enjoy doing.” Clearly, there are some things that I do well, but don’t find particular satisfaction in doing so. On the other hand, there are things that I enjoy doing, but where my expertise is less or lacking. His exercise helped me to better understand the things that I both do well and enjoyed doing. Probably God’s design would likely be found there.
You certainly should do what you enjoy sometimes, even if you are not the best at it. That’s how you develop skills and get better. And you are often needed to help out where you have a special talent or ability, even if you do not find a desire to be more regularly involved in that way. That’s how you can contribute to others’ well-being.
Neither of those circles by itself is likely to be where you are especially called or gifted. Where those two circles intersect – the overlap of where both the things you do well and things you enjoy doing – that is likely where you will find your greatest sense of fulfillment and fruitfulness for a lifetime. At the intersection of your desires and successes you will find your God-given uniqueness.
Too many people spend much of their life unhappily doing things to make a living that they really don’t want to be doing. That’s okay for a season, but not good enough for your lifetime. And others struggle unsuccessfully far too long, wanting to do something they do not have the skills to accomplish. Either of those results in frustration, even failure.
“If anyone serves, his service should be from the strength God provides, so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 4:11. Where in your gifts, skills, interests, experience, and endeavors do you see God giving you strength? There you will find your preferred direction for life. Maximize your effectiveness by serving out of your unique giftedness.
My prayer today is that you will know God’s custom made calling and gifts for you.