In the same way, G.o.d has given each of us a unique emotional emotional "heartbeat" that races when we think about the subjects, activities, or circ.u.mstances that interest us. We instinctively care about some things and not about others. These are clues to where you should be serving. "heartbeat" that races when we think about the subjects, activities, or circ.u.mstances that interest us. We instinctively care about some things and not about others. These are clues to where you should be serving.

Another word for heart is pa.s.sion. pa.s.sion. There are certain subjects you feel pa.s.sionate about and others you couldn't care less about. Some experiences turn you on and capture your attention while others turn you off or bore you to tears. These reveal the nature of your heart. There are certain subjects you feel pa.s.sionate about and others you couldn't care less about. Some experiences turn you on and capture your attention while others turn you off or bore you to tears. These reveal the nature of your heart.

When you were growing up, you may have discovered that you were intensely interested in some subjects that no one else in your family cared about. Where did those interests come from? They came from G.o.d. G.o.d had a purpose in giving you these inborn interests. Your emotional heartbeat is the second key to understanding your shape for service. Don't ignore your interests. Consider how they might be used for G.o.d's glory. There is a reason that you love to do these things.

Repeatedly the Bible says to "serve the Lord with all your heart. "serve the Lord with all your heart." G.o.d wants you to serve him pa.s.sionately, not dutifully. People rarely excel at tasks they don't enjoy doing or feel pa.s.sionate about. G.o.d wants you to use your natural interests to serve him and others. Listening for inner promptings can point to the ministry G.o.d intends for you to have.

How do you know when you are serving G.o.d from your heart? The first telltale sign is enthusiasm. enthusiasm. When you are doing what you When you are doing what you love love to do, no one has to motivate you or challenge you or check up on you. You do it for the sheer enjoyment. You don't need rewards or applause or payment, because you love serving in this way. The opposite is also true: When you don't have a heart for what you're doing, you are easily discouraged. to do, no one has to motivate you or challenge you or check up on you. You do it for the sheer enjoyment. You don't need rewards or applause or payment, because you love serving in this way. The opposite is also true: When you don't have a heart for what you're doing, you are easily discouraged.

The second characteristic of serving G.o.d from your heart is effectiveness. effectiveness. Whenever you do what G.o.d wired you to Whenever you do what G.o.d wired you to love love to do, you get good at it. Pa.s.sion drives perfection. If you don't care about a task, it is unlikely that you will excel at it. In contrast, the highest achievers in any field are those who do it because of pa.s.sion, not duty or profit. to do, you get good at it. Pa.s.sion drives perfection. If you don't care about a task, it is unlikely that you will excel at it. In contrast, the highest achievers in any field are those who do it because of pa.s.sion, not duty or profit.

We have all heard people say, "I took a job I hate in order to make a lot of money, so someday I can quit and do what I love to do." That's a big mistake. Don't waste your life in a job that doesn't express your heart. Remember, the greatest things in life are not things. things. Meaning is far more important than money. The richest man in the world once said, Meaning is far more important than money. The richest man in the world once said, "A simple life in the fear-of-G.o.d is better than a rich life with a ton of headaches." "A simple life in the fear-of-G.o.d is better than a rich life with a ton of headaches."

Don't settle for just achieving "the good life," because the good life is not good enough. Ultimately it doesn't satisfy. You can have a lot to live on on and still have nothing to live and still have nothing to live for. for. Aim instead for Aim instead for "the better "the better life"-serving G.o.d in a way that expresses your heart. Figure out what you love to do-what G.o.d gave you a heart to do-and then do it for his glory. life"-serving G.o.d in a way that expresses your heart. Figure out what you love to do-what G.o.d gave you a heart to do-and then do it for his glory.

When you are doing what you love to do, no one has to motivate you.DAY THIRTY THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSEPoint to Ponder: I was shaped for serving G.o.d. I was shaped for serving G.o.d.Verse to Remember: "G.o.d works through different men in different ways, but it is the same G.o.d who achieves his purposes through them all." "G.o.d works through different men in different ways, but it is the same G.o.d who achieves his purposes through them all."

1 Corinthians 12:6 (Ph) Question to Consider: In what way can I see myself pa.s.sionately serving others and loving it? In what way can I see myself pa.s.sionately serving others and loving it?

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Understanding Your Shape You shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13 (Msg) Psalm 139:13 (Msg) Only you can be you.

G.o.d designed each of us so there would be no duplication in the world. No one has the exact same mix of factors that make you unique. That means no one else on earth will ever be able to play the role G.o.d planned for you. If you don't make your unique contribution to the Body of Christ, it won't be made. The Bible says, "There are different kinds of spiritual gifts ... different ways of serving ... [and] different abilities to perform service." "There are different kinds of spiritual gifts ... different ways of serving ... [and] different abilities to perform service." In the last chapter we looked at the first two of these: your spiritual gifts and your heart. Now we will look at the rest of your SHAPE for serving G.o.d. In the last chapter we looked at the first two of these: your spiritual gifts and your heart. Now we will look at the rest of your SHAPE for serving G.o.d.

SHAPE: APPLYING YOUR ABILITIES ABILITIES.

Your abilities are the natural talents you were born with. Some people have a natural ability with words: They came out of the womb talking! Other people have natural athletic abilities, excelling in physical coordination. Still others are good at mathematics or music or mechanics.

When G.o.d wanted to create the Tabernacle and all the utensils for worship, he provided artists and craftsmen who were shaped with the "skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts to make artistic designs ... and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship." "skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts to make artistic designs ... and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship." Today G.o.d still bestows these abilities and thousands of others, so people can serve him. Today G.o.d still bestows these abilities and thousands of others, so people can serve him.

All of our abilities come from G.o.d. Even abilities used to sin are G.o.d-given; they are just being misused or abused. The Bible says, Even abilities used to sin are G.o.d-given; they are just being misused or abused. The Bible says, "G.o.d has given each of us the ability to do certain things well." "G.o.d has given each of us the ability to do certain things well." Since your natural abilities are from G.o.d, they are just as important and as "spiritual" as your spiritual gifts. The only difference is that you were given them at birth. Since your natural abilities are from G.o.d, they are just as important and as "spiritual" as your spiritual gifts. The only difference is that you were given them at birth.

One of the most common excuses people give for not serving is "I just don't have any abilities to offer." This is ludicrous. You have dozens, probably hundreds, of untapped, unrecognized, and unused abilities that are lying dormant inside you. Many studies have revealed that the average

person possesses from 500 to 700 different skills and abilities-far more than you realize.

For instance, your brain can store 100 trillion facts. Your mind can handle 15,000 decisions a second, as is the case when your digestive system is working. Your nose can smell up to 10,000 different odors. Your touch can detect an item 1/25,000th of an inch thick, and your tongue can taste one part of quinine in 2 million parts of water. You are a bundle of incredible abilities, an amazing creation of G.o.d. Part of the church's responsibility is to identify and release your abilities for serving G.o.d.

Every ability can be used for G.o.d's glory. Paul said, Paul said, "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of G.o.d." "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of G.o.d." The Bible is filled with examples of different abilities that G.o.d uses for his glory. Here are just a few of those mentioned in Scripture: artistic ability, architectural ability, administering, baking, boat making, candy making, debating, designing, embalming, embroidering, engraving, farming, fishing, gardening, leading, managing, masonry, making music, making weapons, needle work, painting, planting, philosophizing, machinability, inventing, carpentry, sailing, selling, being a soldier, tailoring, teaching, writing literature and poetry. The Bible says, The Bible is filled with examples of different abilities that G.o.d uses for his glory. Here are just a few of those mentioned in Scripture: artistic ability, architectural ability, administering, baking, boat making, candy making, debating, designing, embalming, embroidering, engraving, farming, fishing, gardening, leading, managing, masonry, making music, making weapons, needle work, painting, planting, philosophizing, machinability, inventing, carpentry, sailing, selling, being a soldier, tailoring, teaching, writing literature and poetry. The Bible says, "There are different abilities to perform service, but the same G.o.d gives ability to all for their particular service." "There are different abilities to perform service, but the same G.o.d gives ability to all for their particular service." G.o.d has a place in his church where your specialties can shine and you can make a difference. It's up to you to find that place. G.o.d has a place in his church where your specialties can shine and you can make a difference. It's up to you to find that place.

G.o.d gives some people the ability to make a lot of money. Moses told the Israelites, "Remember the Lord your G.o.d, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth." "Remember the Lord your G.o.d, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth."6People with this ability are good at building a business, making deals or sales, and reaping a profit. If you have this business ability, you should be using it for G.o.d's glory. How? First, realize your ability came from G.o.d and give him the credit. Second, use your business to serve a need of others and to share your faith with unbelievers. Third, return at least a t.i.the (10 percent) of the profit to G.o.d as an act of worship.' Finally, make your goal to be a Kingdom Builder be a Kingdom Builder rather than just a rather than just a Wealth Builder. Wealth Builder. I will explain this in chapter 34. I will explain this in chapter 34.

What I'm able able to do, G.o.d to do, G.o.d wants wants me to do. me to do. You are the only person on earth who can use your abilities. No one else can play your role, because they don't have the unique shape that G.o.d has given you. The Bible says that G.o.d equips You are the only person on earth who can use your abilities. No one else can play your role, because they don't have the unique shape that G.o.d has given you. The Bible says that G.o.d equips you "with all you need for doing his will." you "with all you need for doing his will." To discover G.o.d's will for your life, you should seriously examine what you are good at doing and what you're not good at. To discover G.o.d's will for your life, you should seriously examine what you are good at doing and what you're not good at.

If G.o.d hasn't given you the ability to carry a tune, he isn't going to expect you to be an opera singer. G.o.d will never ask you to dedicate your life to a task you have no talent for. On the other hand, the abilities you do you do have are a strong indication of what G.o.d wants you to do with your life. They are clues to knowing G.o.d's will for you. If you're good at designing or recruiting or drawing or organizing, it is a safe a.s.sumption that G.o.d's plan for your life includes that skill somehow. G.o.d doesn't waste abilities; he matches our calling and our capabilities. have are a strong indication of what G.o.d wants you to do with your life. They are clues to knowing G.o.d's will for you. If you're good at designing or recruiting or drawing or organizing, it is a safe a.s.sumption that G.o.d's plan for your life includes that skill somehow. G.o.d doesn't waste abilities; he matches our calling and our capabilities.

Your abilities were not given just to make a living; G.o.d gave them to you for your ministry. Peter said, "G.o.d has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, pa.s.sing on to others G.o.d's many kinds of blessings." "G.o.d has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, pa.s.sing on to others G.o.d's many kinds of blessings."

At this writing, nearly 7,000 people are using their abilities in ministry at Saddleback Church, providing every kind of service you could imagine: repairing donated cars to be given to the needy; finding the best deal for church purchases; landscaping; organizing files; designing art, programs, and buildings; providing health care; preparing meals; composing songs; teaching music; writing grant proposals; coaching teams; doing research for sermons or translating them; and hundreds of other specialized tasks. New members are told, "Whatever you're good at, you should be doing for your church!"

SHAPE: USING YOUR PERSONALITY PERSONALITY.

We don't realize how truly unique each of us is. DNA molecules can unite in an infinite number of ways. The number is 10 to the 2,400,000,000th power. That number is the likelihood that you'd ever find somebody just like you. If you were to write out that number with each zero being one inch wide, you'd need a strip of paper 37,000 miles long!

To put this in perspective, some scientists have guessed that all the particles in the universe are probably less than 10 with 76 zeros behind it, far less than the possibilities of your DNA. Your uniqueness is a scientific fact of life. When G.o.d made you, he broke the mold. There never has been, and never will be, anybody exactly like you.

It is obvious that G.o.d loves variety-just look around! He created each of us with a unique combination of personality traits. G.o.d made introverts introverts and and extroverts. extroverts. He made people who love He made people who love routine routine and those who love and those who love variety. variety. He made some people He made some people "thinkers" "thinkers" and others and others "feelers." "feelers." Some people work best when given an individual a.s.signment while others work better with a team. The Bible says, Some people work best when given an individual a.s.signment while others work better with a team. The Bible says, "G.o.d works through different people in different ways, but it is the same G.o.d who achieves his purpose through them all." "G.o.d works through different people in different ways, but it is the same G.o.d who achieves his purpose through them all."

The Bible gives us plenty of proof that G.o.d uses all types of personalities. Peter was a sanguine. a sanguine. Paul was a Paul was a choleric. choleric. Jeremiah was a Jeremiah was a melancholy. melancholy. When you look at the personality differences in the twelve disciples, it's easy to see why they sometimes had interpersonal conflict. When you look at the personality differences in the twelve disciples, it's easy to see why they sometimes had interpersonal conflict.

There is no "right" or "wrong" temperament for ministry. We need all kinds of personalities to balance the church and give it flavor. The world would be a very boring place if we were all plain vanilla. Fortunately, people come in more than thirty-one flavors.

Your personality will affect how how and and where you where you use your spiritual gifts and abilities. For instance, two people may have the same gift of evangelism, but if one is introverted and the other is extroverted, that gift will be expressed in different ways. use your spiritual gifts and abilities. For instance, two people may have the same gift of evangelism, but if one is introverted and the other is extroverted, that gift will be expressed in different ways.

Woodworkers know that it's easier to work with the grain rather than against it. In the same way, when you are forced to minister in a manner that is "out of character" for your temperament, it creates tension and discomfort, requires extra effort and energy, and produces less than the best results. This is why mimicking someone else's ministry never works. You don't have their their personality. Besides, G.o.d made you to be you! You can personality. Besides, G.o.d made you to be you! You can learn learn from the examples of others, but you must filter what you learn through your own from the examples of others, but you must filter what you learn through your own shape. shape. Today there are many books and tools that can help you understand your personality so you can determine how to use it for G.o.d. Today there are many books and tools that can help you understand your personality so you can determine how to use it for G.o.d.

Like stained gla.s.s, our different personalities reflect G.o.d's light in many colors and patterns. This blesses the family of G.o.d with depth and variety. It also blesses us personally. It feels good feels good to do what G.o.d made you to do. When you minister in a manner consistent with the personality G.o.d gave you, you experience fulfillment, satisfaction, and fruitfulness. to do what G.o.d made you to do. When you minister in a manner consistent with the personality G.o.d gave you, you experience fulfillment, satisfaction, and fruitfulness.

SHAPE: EMPLOYING YOUR EXPERIENCES EXPERIENCES.

You have been shaped by your experiences in life, most of which were beyond your control. G.o.d allowed them for his purpose of molding you." In determining your shape for serving G.o.d, you should examine at least six kinds of experiences from your past: * Family Family experiences: What did you learn growing up in your family? experiences: What did you learn growing up in your family?* Educational Educational experiences: What were your favorite subjects in school? experiences: What were your favorite subjects in school?* Vocational Vocational experiences: What jobs have you been most effective in and enjoyed most? experiences: What jobs have you been most effective in and enjoyed most?* Spiritual Spiritual experiences: What have been your most meaningful times with G.o.d? experiences: What have been your most meaningful times with G.o.d?* Ministry Ministry experiences: How have you served G.o.d in the past? experiences: How have you served G.o.d in the past?* Painful Painful experiences: What problems, hurts, thorns, and trials have you learned from? experiences: What problems, hurts, thorns, and trials have you learned from?

It is this last category, painful painful experiences, that G.o.d uses the most to prepare you for ministry. experiences, that G.o.d uses the most to prepare you for ministry. G.o.d never wastes a hurt! G.o.d never wastes a hurt! In fact, your In fact, your greatest greatest ministry will most likely come out of your greatest hurt. Who could better minister to the parents of a Down syndrome child than another couple who have a child afflicted in the same way? Who could better help an alcoholic recover than someone who fought that demon and found freedom? Who could better comfort a wife whose husband has left her for an affair than a woman who went through that agony herself? ministry will most likely come out of your greatest hurt. Who could better minister to the parents of a Down syndrome child than another couple who have a child afflicted in the same way? Who could better help an alcoholic recover than someone who fought that demon and found freedom? Who could better comfort a wife whose husband has left her for an affair than a woman who went through that agony herself?

G.o.d intentionally allows you to go through painful experiences to equip you for ministry to others. The Bible says, "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort G.o.d has given us." "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort G.o.d has given us."

If you really desire to be used by G.o.d, you must must understand a powerful truth: The very experiences that you have resented or regretted most in life-the ones you've wanted to hide and forget-are the experiences G.o.d wants to use to help others. They understand a powerful truth: The very experiences that you have resented or regretted most in life-the ones you've wanted to hide and forget-are the experiences G.o.d wants to use to help others. They are are your ministry! your ministry!

For G.o.d to use your painful experiences, you must be willing to share them. You have to stop covering them up, and you must honestly admit your faults, failures, and fears. Doing this will probably be your most effective ministry. People are always more encouraged when we share how G.o.d's grace helped us in weakness than when we brag about our strengths.

Paul understood this truth, so he was honest about his bouts with depression. He admitted, "I think you ought to know, dear brothers, about the hard time we went through in Asia. We were really crushed and overwhelmed, and feared we would never live through it. We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of G.o.d, who alone could save us, for he can even raise the dead. And he did help us and saved us from a terrible death; yes, and we expect hint to do it again and again." "I think you ought to know, dear brothers, about the hard time we went through in Asia. We were really crushed and overwhelmed, and feared we would never live through it. We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of G.o.d, who alone could save us, for he can even raise the dead. And he did help us and saved us from a terrible death; yes, and we expect hint to do it again and again."

For G.o.d to use your painful experiences, you must be willing to share them.

If Paul had kept his experience of doubt and depression a secret, millions of people would never have benefited from it. Only shared experiences can help others. Aldous Huxley said, "Experience is not what happens to you. It is what you do with what happens to you." What will you do with what you've been through? Don't waste your pain; use it to help others.

As we've looked at these five ways G.o.d has shaped you for service, I hope you have a deeper appreciation for G.o.d's sovereignty and a clearer idea of how he has prepared you for the purpose of serving him. Using your shape is the secret of both fruitfulness and fulfillment in ministry. You will be most effective when you use your spiritual gifts spiritual gifts and and abilities abilities in the area of your in the area of your heart's desire, heart's desire, and in a way that best expresses your and in a way that best expresses your personality personality and and experiences. experiences. The better the fit, the more successful you will be. The better the fit, the more successful you will be.

DAY THIRTY-ONE THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSEPoint to Ponder: n.o.body else can be me. n.o.body else can be me.Verse to Remember: "G.o.d has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, pa.s.sing on to others G.o.d's many kinds of blessings." "G.o.d has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, pa.s.sing on to others G.o.d's many kinds of blessings."1 Peter 4:10 (LB)Question to Consider: What G.o.d-given ability or personal experience can I offer to my church? What G.o.d-given ability or personal experience can I offer to my church?

Using What G.o.d Gave You Since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, lets just go ahead and be what we were made to be. Romans 12:5 (Msg) Romans 12:5 (Msg)What you are is G.o.d's gift to you; what you do with yourself is yourgifit to G.o.d. Danish proverb Danish proverbG.o.d deserves your best.

He shaped you for a purpose, and he expects you to make the most of what you have been given. He doesn't want you to worry about or covet abilities you don't have. Instead he wants you to focus on talents he has given you to use.

When you attempt to serve G.o.d in ways you're not shaped to serve, it feels like forcing a square peg into a round hole. It's frustrating and produces limited results. It also wastes your time, your talent, and your energy. The best use of your life is to serve G.o.d out of your shape. To do this you must discover your shape, learn to accept and enjoy it, and then develop it to its fullest potential. DISCOVER YOUR SHAPE The Bible says, "Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to. "' "Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to. "' Don't let another day go by. Start finding out and clarifying what G.o.d intends for you to be and do. Don't let another day go by. Start finding out and clarifying what G.o.d intends for you to be and do.

Begin by by a.s.sessing your gifts and abilities. a.s.sessing your gifts and abilities. Take a long, honest look at what you are good at and what you're not good at. Paul advised, Take a long, honest look at what you are good at and what you're not good at. Paul advised, "Try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities." "Try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities." Make a list. Ask other people for their candid opinion. Tell them you're searching for the truth, not fishing for a compliment. Spiritual gifts and natural abilities are always confirmed by others. Make a list. Ask other people for their candid opinion. Tell them you're searching for the truth, not fishing for a compliment. Spiritual gifts and natural abilities are always confirmed by others.

If you think you are gifted to be a teacher or a singer and no one else agrees, guess what? If you want to know if you have the gift of leadership, just look over your shoulder! If no one is following you, you're not a leader.

Ask questions like these: Where have I seen fruit in my life that other people confirmed? that other people confirmed? Where have I already been successful? Spiritual gift tests and ability inventories can have some value, but they are limited in their usefulness. Where have I already been successful? Spiritual gift tests and ability inventories can have some value, but they are limited in their usefulness.

In the first place, they are standardized, so they don't take into account your uniqueness. Second, there are no definitions of the spiritual gifts given in the Bible, so any definitions are arbitrary and usually represent a denominational bias. Another problem is that the more mature you become, the more likely you are to manifest the characteristics of a number of the gifts. You may be serving or teaching or giving generously out of maturity rather than because it is your spiritual gift.

The best way to discover your gifts and abilities is to experiment experiment with different areas of service. I could have taken a hundred gift and ability tests as a young man and would have never discovered that I was gifted at teaching because I had never done it! It was only with different areas of service. I could have taken a hundred gift and ability tests as a young man and would have never discovered that I was gifted at teaching because I had never done it! It was only after I after I began accepting opportunities to speak that I saw the results, received confirmation from others, and realized, "G.o.d has gifted me to do this!" began accepting opportunities to speak that I saw the results, received confirmation from others, and realized, "G.o.d has gifted me to do this!"

Many books get the discovery process backwards. They say, "Discover your spiritual gift and then you'll know what ministry you're supposed to have." It actually works the exact opposite way. Just start serving, experimenting with different ministries, and then you'll discover your gifts. Until you're actually involved in serving, you're not going to know what you're good at.

You have dozens of hidden abilities and gifts you don't know you've got because you've never tried them out. So I encourage you to try doing some things you've never done before. No matter how old you are, I urge you to never stop experimenting. I have met many people who discovered hidden talents in their seventies and eighties. I know a woman in her nineties who runs and wins 10K races and didn't discover that she enjoyed running until she was seventy-eight!

Don't try to figure out your gifts before volunteering to serve somewhere. Just start serving. You discover your gifts by getting involved in ministry. Try teaching or leading or organizing or playing an instrument or working with teenagers. You will never know what you're good at until you try. When it doesn't work out, call it an "experiment," not a failure. You will eventually learn what you're good at.

Consider your heart and your personality. Paul advised, Paul advised, "Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. " "Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. "3Again, it helps to get feedback from those who know you best. Ask yourself questions: What do I really enjoy doing most? When do I feel the most fully alive? What am I doing when I lose track of time? Do I like routine or variety? Do I prefer serving with a team or by myself? Am I more introverted or extroverted? Am I more a thinker or a feeler? Which do I enjoy more-competing or cooperating?

Examine your experiences and extract the lessons you have learned. Review your life and think about how it has shaped you. Moses told the Israelites, Review your life and think about how it has shaped you. Moses told the Israelites, "Remember today what you have learned about the LORD through your experiences with him." "Remember today what you have learned about the LORD through your experiences with him." Forgotten experiences are Forgotten experiences are worthless; that's a good reason to keep a spiritual journal. Paul worried that the believers in Galatia would waste the pain they had been through. He said, "Were all your experiences wasted? I hope not!" "Were all your experiences wasted? I hope not!"

We rarely see G.o.d's good purpose in pain or failure or embarra.s.sment while it is happening. When Jesus washed Peter's feet, he said, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." Only in hindsight do we understand how G.o.d intended a problem for good. Only in hindsight do we understand how G.o.d intended a problem for good.

Extracting the lessons from your experiences takes time. I recommend that you take an entire weekend for a life review retreat, life review retreat, where you pause to see how G.o.d has worked in the various defining moments of your life and consider how he wants to use those lessons to help others. There are resources that can help you do this. where you pause to see how G.o.d has worked in the various defining moments of your life and consider how he wants to use those lessons to help others. There are resources that can help you do this.

ACCEPT AND ENJOY YOUR SHAPE.

Since G.o.d knows what's best for you, you should gratefully accept the way he has fashioned you. The Bible says, "What right have you, a human being, to cross-examine G.o.d? The pot has no right to say to the potter: 'Why did you make me this shape?' Surely a potter can do what he likes with the clay!" "What right have you, a human being, to cross-examine G.o.d? The pot has no right to say to the potter: 'Why did you make me this shape?' Surely a potter can do what he likes with the clay!"

Your shape was sovereignly determined by G.o.d for his his purpose, so you shouldn't resent it or reject it. Instead of trying to reshape yourself to be like someone else, you should celebrate the shape G.o.d has given only to you. purpose, so you shouldn't resent it or reject it. Instead of trying to reshape yourself to be like someone else, you should celebrate the shape G.o.d has given only to you. "Christ has given each of us special abilities-whatever he wants us to have out of his rich storehouse of gifts." "Christ has given each of us special abilities-whatever he wants us to have out of his rich storehouse of gifts."

Part of accepting your shape is recognizing your limitations. n.o.body is good at everything, and no one is called to be everything. We all have defined roles. Paul understood that his calling was not to accomplish everything or please everyone but to focus only on the particular ministry G.o.d had shaped him for. He said, "Our goal is to stay within the boundaries of G.o.d's plan for us." "Our goal is to stay within the boundaries of G.o.d's plan for us."

The word boundaries boundaries refers to the fact that G.o.d a.s.signs each of us a field or sphere of service. Your shape determines your specialty. When we try to overextend our ministry reach beyond what G.o.d shaped us for, we experience stress. Just as each runner in a race is given a different lane to run in, we must individually refers to the fact that G.o.d a.s.signs each of us a field or sphere of service. Your shape determines your specialty. When we try to overextend our ministry reach beyond what G.o.d shaped us for, we experience stress. Just as each runner in a race is given a different lane to run in, we must individually "run with patience the particular race that G.o.d has set before us." "run with patience the particular race that G.o.d has set before us." Don't be envious of the runner in the lane next to you; just focus on finishing Don't be envious of the runner in the lane next to you; just focus on finishing your your race. race.

G.o.d wants you to enjoy using the shape he has given you. The Bible says, "Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. "Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else." Satan will try to steal the joy of service from you in a couple of ways: by tempting you to compare compare your ministry with others, and by tempting you to your ministry with others, and by tempting you to conform conform your ministry to the expectations of others. Both are deadly traps that will distract you from serving in the ways G.o.d intended. Whenever you lose your joy in ministry, start by considering if either one of these temptations is the cause. your ministry to the expectations of others. Both are deadly traps that will distract you from serving in the ways G.o.d intended. Whenever you lose your joy in ministry, start by considering if either one of these temptations is the cause.

The Bible warns us never to compare ourselves with others: "Do your own work well, and then you the shape he has given you. will have something to be proud of. But don't compare yourself with others." "Do your own work well, and then you the shape he has given you. will have something to be proud of. But don't compare yourself with others." There are two reasons why you should never compare your shape, ministry, or the results of your ministry with anyone else. First, you will always be able to find someone who seems to be doing a better job than you and you will become discouraged. Or you will always be able to find someone who doesn't seem as effective as you and you will get full of pride. Either att.i.tude will take you out of service and rob you of your joy. There are two reasons why you should never compare your shape, ministry, or the results of your ministry with anyone else. First, you will always be able to find someone who seems to be doing a better job than you and you will become discouraged. Or you will always be able to find someone who doesn't seem as effective as you and you will get full of pride. Either att.i.tude will take you out of service and rob you of your joy.

Paul said it is foolish to compare ourselves with others. He said, "We do not dare to cla.s.sify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." "We do not dare to cla.s.sify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." The Message paraphrase says, The Message paraphrase says, "In all this comparing and grading and competing, they quite miss the point. "In all this comparing and grading and competing, they quite miss the point."

You will find that people who do not understand your shape for ministry will criticize you and try to get you to conform to what they they think you should be doing. Ignore them. Paul often had to deal with critics who misunderstood and maligned his service. His response was always the same: Avoid comparisons, resist exaggerations, and seek only G.o.d's commendation.'' think you should be doing. Ignore them. Paul often had to deal with critics who misunderstood and maligned his service. His response was always the same: Avoid comparisons, resist exaggerations, and seek only G.o.d's commendation.''

One of the reasons Paul was used so greatly by G.o.d was that he refused to be distracted by criticism or by comparing his ministry with others or by being drawn into fruitless debates about his ministry. As John Bunyan said, "If my life is fruitless, it doesn't matter who praises me, and if my life is fruitful, it doesn't matter who criticizes me."

KEEP DEVELOPING YOUR SHAPE.

Jesus' parable of the talents ill.u.s.trates that G.o.d expects us to make the most of what he gives us. We are to cultivate our gifts and abilities, keep our hearts aflame, grow our character and personality, and broaden our experiences so we will be increasingly more effective in our service. Paul told the Philippians to "keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding," "keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding," and he reminded Timothy, and he reminded Timothy, "Kindle afresh the gift of G.o.d which is in you. "Kindle afresh the gift of G.o.d which is in you."

If you don't exercise your muscles, they weaken and atrophy. In the same way, if you don't utilize the abilities and skills G.o.d has given you, you will lose them. Jesus taught the parable of the talents to emphasize this truth. Referring to the servant who failed to use his one talent, the master said, "Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents." "Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents." Fail to use what you've been given and you'll lose it. Use the ability you've got and G.o.d will increase it. Paul told Timothy, Fail to use what you've been given and you'll lose it. Use the ability you've got and G.o.d will increase it. Paul told Timothy, Be sure to use the abilities G.o.d has given you.... Put these abilities to work." Be sure to use the abilities G.o.d has given you.... Put these abilities to work."

Whatever gifts you have been given can be enlarged and developed through practice. For instance, no one gets the gift of teaching fully developed. But with study, feedback, and practice, a "good" teacher can become a better better teacher, and with time, grow to be a teacher, and with time, grow to be a master master teacher. Don't settle for a half-developed gift. Stretch yourself and learn all you can. teacher. Don't settle for a half-developed gift. Stretch yourself and learn all you can. "Concentrate on doing your best for G.o.d, work you won't be ashamed of." "Concentrate on doing your best for G.o.d, work you won't be ashamed of." Take advantage of every training opportunity to develop your shape and sharpen your serving skills. Take advantage of every training opportunity to develop your shape and sharpen your serving skills.

In heaven we are going to serve G.o.d forever. Right now, we can prepare for that eternal service by practicing on earth. Like athletes preparing for the Olympics, we keep training for that big day: "They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally." "They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally."

We're getting ready for eternal eternal responsibilities and rewards. responsibilities and rewards.

DAY THIRTY-TWOTHINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE.

Point to Ponder: G.o.d deserves my best. G.o.d deserves my best.

Verse to Remember: "Do your best to present yourself to G.o.d as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." "Do your best to present yourself to G.o.d as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."

2 Timothy 2:15 (NN) Question to Consider: Question to Consider: How can I make the best use of what G.o.d has given me? How can I make the best use of what G.o.d has given me?

How Real Servants Act Whoever wants to be great must become a servant." Mark 10:43 (Msg) Mark 10:43 (Msg)You can tell what they are by what they do. Matthew 7:16 Matthew 7:16 (CEV) (CEV)We serve G.o.d by serving others.

The world defines greatness in terms of power, possessions, prestige, and position. If you can demand service from others, you've arrived. In our self-serving culture with its me-first me-first mentality, acting like a servant is not a popular concept. mentality, acting like a servant is not a popular concept.

Jesus, however, measured greatness in terms of service, not status. G.o.d determines your greatness by how many people you serve, not how many people serve you. This is so contrary to the world's idea of greatness that we have a hard time understanding it, much less practicing it. The disciples argued about who deserved the most prominent position, and 2,000 years later, Christian leaders still jockey for position and prominence in churches, denominations, and parachurch ministries.

Thousands of books have been written on leadership, but few on servanthood. Everyone wants to lead; no one wants to be a servant. We would rather be generals than privates. Even Christians want to be "servant-leaders," "servant-leaders," not just plain servants. But to be like Jesus is to be a servant. That's what he called himself. not just plain servants. But to be like Jesus is to be a servant. That's what he called himself.

While knowing your shape is important for serving G.o.d, having the heart of a servant is even more important. Remember, G.o.d shaped you for service, service, not for self-centeredness. Without a servant's heart, you will be tempted to misuse your shape for personal gain. You will also be tempted to use it as an excuse to exempt yourself from meeting some needs. not for self-centeredness. Without a servant's heart, you will be tempted to misuse your shape for personal gain. You will also be tempted to use it as an excuse to exempt yourself from meeting some needs.

G.o.d often tests our hearts by asking us to serve in ways we're not not shaped. If you see a man fall into a ditch, G.o.d expects you to help him out, not say, "I don't have the gift of mercy or service." shaped. If you see a man fall into a ditch, G.o.d expects you to help him out, not say, "I don't have the gift of mercy or service."