Recently, I started a bible study plan called “Grace For the Moment” by Max Lucado. The theme scripture for this study was from Jeremiah, emphasizing that God created me with a purpose and for His purpose.
As part of the study, I was asked to identify five characteristics that are true to who I am. Three of these characteristics came to mind easily, while the other two emerged during the workday. The characteristics I identified were: being an encouragement to others, committed to family, hard-working, ability to persevere, and to serve others. I wrote these characteristics down, completed my morning bible study, and I headed to work.
Throughout the day, I faced various challenges and concerns in my profession, which involves working with students, faculty staff, and, (myself included), problem solving, listening to and hearing others, having a pulse on the school environment, etc. Undoubtedly, all of our stakeholders have needs that should be addressed.
By the end of the workday, my attitude had turned negative. Many thoughts filled my mind, such as feeling mentally and physically exhausted and wanting to disengage. When I arrived home, my husband, Albert, asked me to address an issue in the yard, which didn’t help improve my already negative attitude.
After completing this task, I turned to my evening study with God, which I rely on to realign my heart with His. As I revisited the scripture I studied in the morning, I posed five questions to myself from my morning’s study:
- Who have I encouraged today?
- When did I demonstrate commitment to my family today?
- In what area did I work diligently today?
- When did I show perseverance today?
- How did I serve others today?
Disheartedly, I realized that I had fallen short of living out my calling the day. God had blessed me with these positive characteristics, yet my attitude, behavior, and heart had been focused on my will and goals rather than by God’s will.
Determined to make a positive change, I resolved that evening to change my heart and behavior and then went to God in prayer. God gave me these characteristics and the ability to choose to use them, and it’s my desire to use them to fulfill His purpose.
Over the past two weeks, I have consistently asked myself these questions during my evening study with God, and I am pleased to share that my attitude and actions have improved. To hold myself accountable, I have also begun journaling my responses. I have come to understand that being a child of God and doing His will are daily commitments. He has created me with a purpose for His purpose.
God planned and picked you on purpose for His purpose. You’re Heaven’s custom design. Fill in the characteristics that God gave you and then ask yourself if you’re fulfilling his call daily.
At a moment before moments existed, the sovereign Star Maker resolved, “I will make _____________.” Your name goes in the blank. Then He continued with, “And I will make him/her _________, _________ and _________ and ____________ and __________.”