I helped someone yesterday, and it felt fantastic.
I've heard it said we each have an unique gift from God that began at the point of our conception, and God has a purpose for each one of us in our generation, so we should use that gift in service to Him. The question is...how do you discover your gift? Once you do, how do you use it to serve God?
Start by determining what you are passionate about. How do you do that? First, ask yourself what seems to flow effortlessly from you. Is it teaching? Giving? Helping others? What do you get excited about doing whenever the opportunity presents itself? Leading? Building things? Encouraging? Mentoring?
We all have things that just seem to "come naturally" to us, as if they're built into our DNA. Perhaps they are. My situation yesterday, for example. A friend asked if she could stop by for a visit. I said yes, knowing something was up, and she needed counsel. How did I know? I can't explain it, I just had what I call a "gut feeling". Turns out, I wasn't wrong.
As we sat in my living room chatting, I found myself speaking Biblical truths to her, knowing what she needed to hear. I was in control, of course, but the words that she needed to hear flowed from my heart without much effort or premeditation, and seemed to strike a chord in hers. At one point she even said "You're speaking the words that are in my heart!" The Christ in me had made a connection. God knew what she needed to hear and gave me the right words to bring peace and resolution, and to help my friend get the right perspective. I was thrilled and energized as we spoke, becoming excited at the possibilities she was beginning to see as we worked through various obstacles, mapping out a plan of action to bring victory in her situation. Her cause became my cause, and I was ready to labor alongside her to see her dreams become reality.
When all was said and done and she was leaving my home, I almost didn't want her to go, although I knew she had the ammunition she needed. If I had any doubt before, it was clear as she left peaceful and ready to take on her challenge that the label of "Encourager" fit me like a custom made silk glove. It felt good, it felt right, it felt natural...and I loved it. I wanted to seek someone else out and encourage them!
You see, it's not that I "have it all figured out" or carry a wallet full of credentials that qualify me to tell someone else what they should do in life, it's just that I believe in people and find great joy in encouraging them to "a more worthy endeavor". Somewhere along the line I heard that phrase and it fits who I am and what I do well.
I am an encourager, and that makes me happy. With God's help I will continue to encourage others to do their best and be their best for Him at every opportunity. I can't help it, it's in my spiritual DNA.
God bless
