Shaped for ServingDevotionalServing is the opposite of our natural inclination. In our immaturity we may have been more interested in “serve us” rather than “service.” In Isaiah 43:21 NJB, God says, The people I have shaped for myself will broadcast my praises.” God formed every creature on this planet with a special area of expertise and the same is true with humans. Each of us was uniquely designed or “shaped,” to do certain things. Before architects design any new building they first ask, “What will be its purpose? How will it be used?” God has planned exactly how He wanted you to serve Him, and then He shaped you for those tasks. You are the way you are because you were made for a specific ministry. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph 2:10 NIV) You are not an assembly-line product, mass produced without thought. Instead, you are a custom-designed, one-of-a-kind, original masterpiece. God would not give you abilities, interests, talents, gifts, personality, and life experiences unless He intended to use them for His glory. Proverbs 27:19 NIV says, As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” Your heart reveals the real you - what you truly are, not what others think you are. Just as we each have unique thumbprints, eye prints, and voice prints, our hearts beat in slightly different patterns. In the same way, God has given each of us a unique emotional “heartbeat” that races when we think about the subjects, activities, or circumstances that interest us. We instinctively care about some things and not about others. These are clues to where you should be serving. What is your passion? What are your interests? We know we are serving God from the heart when we find ourselves loving what we do. No one needs to motivate us or check up on us when we are enthusiastic about it. Finding yourself in this place is the first key to discovering what you were shaped to do. Figure out what you love to do - what God gave you a heart to do - and then do it for His glory. PrayerLord, I see that you shaped my life to do something very specific.
Thank you for making me a one-of-a-kind person. I will listen to my heart as you show me my place. I will discover the clues that you have placed in my life. Help me to see what I am passionate about and to do it with all my heart. In this, I will bring you glory, in Jesus’ Name.
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