I want to share with you a few tips that I believe will help you to get into your best shape. When you hear phrases like, “getting into shape” we often think about the latest diets, joining the gym, aerobics, so on and so forth. And while all of those things are great and may be necessary, that’s not exactly what I’m referring to. I want to talk to you about getting into your spiritual shape; the shape that God has designed you to be in before the foundations of the world.
There is a pattern that you fit in that helps propel you into your purpose…
Before any of us ever got here, God had already charted the course and planned out the design and shape for our lives. And knowing our shape is the key to finding out the configuration of what God had in mind when He was forming us. Our gifts, abilities, passions, and experiences are all components that make up our shape; and you can avoid a lot of unnecessary detours by discovering the tailor made assignment that God has shaped just for you.
If you’re going to get into shape, you’ve got to unwrap your gifts.
God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. The gifts we possess differ as they are allotted to us by God’s grace, and they must be exercised accordingly (Romans 12:6). God will never ask you to do anything that He hasn’t given you the ability to do. So if there’s something that you’re naturally good at, that’s an indicator that God wants you to do it.
He placed within each of us gifts and a natural hunger or desire to seek out the gifts. It’s not enough to just identify them, but it’s our responsibility to explore them. It’s through the exploring process that we learn how to effectively function in and respond to our gifts. As you examine your gifts, you’ll find clues to what it is that you’re purposed to do. It shows you your worth and value (1Corinthians 6-7), and affirms you. Your gifts will also show you where your fruit is and ultimately, reveal God’s plan for your life.
When you’re fruitful, you’re fulfilled!
Real joy comes when you know your life is productive, it matters, and you’re making it count. When you find your gift, you find your joy. It’s so amazing when God takes your gift, opens it up, and uses it to bless someone else. It is one of the most satisfying feelings you can experience. I want to leave you with the following questions that you can ask to help assess your life’s journey and ultimately illuminate your purpose:
- In what ways did I serve the Lord and enjoyed it the most?
- What have I done in my lifetime that I know God has blessed?
- What have I done in my life that has impacted other people?
- What have I done that’s brought the greatest results for the Kingdom of God?
When you mix together the answers to these questions, somewhere in it all, you will discover the will of God for your life.
