A Place Just for You
by: Charles R. Swindoll
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Of all the places in the world, where do you think would be easiest to grow closer to God? “At church,†would seem like a logical answer. After all, you talk and learn about God at church, and you’re with people who feel similarly about God. But if you’d like to grow spiritually, perhaps the best way to see God’s hand in your life is to serve the body of Christ in the place God has prepared especially for you.
Find Your Fit
Do you know how to find the perfect ministry fit for you? Ponder the following statements. Which one sounds like you?
I have an unusually strong desire to study God's Word.
I spend a great amount of time praying for other people.
I would rather share the gospel or give my testimony than do anything else.
I seem to be very perceptive and discerning of other people's motives and purposes.
When there is no leadership in a group, I will assume it.
I have a compelling desire to see others learn and grow.
I have a clear understanding of the gospel and can easily relate it to others.
I am already helping people when others are still talking about what to do.
Make Ministry Your Own
Did you find a few statements that say, "That's me"? You may sense already where God has gifted you. Your spiritual gift will be one that naturally fits your skills and abilities. Study the verses such as Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4:7-16, and 1 Peter 4:10-11 and ask yourself and others which ones may apply to you. You may find your place in the gifts category commonly called "service gifts," which include skills like administration, faith, and helping. Perhaps you're more comfortable in "support gifts" like teaching or evangelism. Be open to discovering something new about yourself -- you just may be surprised! If you think you're only the behind-the-scenes type, try teaching a children's Sunday school class -- you may find the perfect fit in ministry! Just as it's easier to steer a moving car, it'll be easier for you to find your perfect fit if you first try out a variety of ministries. As you develop and mature in your area of giftedness, you'll realize how naturally your spiritual gift can be used to build up the body of Christ.
Once you discover your areas of strength, the adventure has only begun. Now that you know the tool you possess, don't just store it in your garage. Get out and use it! Make it a lifetime goal to practice your gift, learn about it, and talk with others about how to apply your gift to your maximum potential. Here also is the perfect place to affirm others who possess strength in areas different than yours.
So, go ahead! Step out in faith, expecting God to direct you to the place of ministry prepared by God especially for you. Remember, "The body is not one member, but many . . . God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as he desired" (1 Corinthians 12:14, 18). Isn't it time you discovered where God desires to use you?
When Christians serve in their areas of giftedness, they generally function less in their own strength and more in the power of the Holy Spirit. As they rely on God, ordinary people can accomplish the extraordinary!
For a more in-depth study of how to discover your spiritual gift, IFL recommends Unwrap Your Spiritual Gifts by Kenneth O. Gangel (Wheaton, Ill.: Scripture Press Publications, Victor Books, 1983).
This article has been adapted from Insights Newsletter, from the Bible-teaching ministry of Charles R. Swindoll (Plano, Texas: Insight for Living, July, 2000).
• Insight for Living (Tuesday, September 25, 2001)
http://www.oneplace.com/Articles/Print-Friendly.asp?article_id=110
by: Charles R. Swindoll
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Of all the places in the world, where do you think would be easiest to grow closer to God? “At church,†would seem like a logical answer. After all, you talk and learn about God at church, and you’re with people who feel similarly about God. But if you’d like to grow spiritually, perhaps the best way to see God’s hand in your life is to serve the body of Christ in the place God has prepared especially for you.
Find Your Fit
Do you know how to find the perfect ministry fit for you? Ponder the following statements. Which one sounds like you?
I have an unusually strong desire to study God's Word.
I spend a great amount of time praying for other people.
I would rather share the gospel or give my testimony than do anything else.
I seem to be very perceptive and discerning of other people's motives and purposes.
When there is no leadership in a group, I will assume it.
I have a compelling desire to see others learn and grow.
I have a clear understanding of the gospel and can easily relate it to others.
I am already helping people when others are still talking about what to do.
Make Ministry Your Own
Did you find a few statements that say, "That's me"? You may sense already where God has gifted you. Your spiritual gift will be one that naturally fits your skills and abilities. Study the verses such as Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4:7-16, and 1 Peter 4:10-11 and ask yourself and others which ones may apply to you. You may find your place in the gifts category commonly called "service gifts," which include skills like administration, faith, and helping. Perhaps you're more comfortable in "support gifts" like teaching or evangelism. Be open to discovering something new about yourself -- you just may be surprised! If you think you're only the behind-the-scenes type, try teaching a children's Sunday school class -- you may find the perfect fit in ministry! Just as it's easier to steer a moving car, it'll be easier for you to find your perfect fit if you first try out a variety of ministries. As you develop and mature in your area of giftedness, you'll realize how naturally your spiritual gift can be used to build up the body of Christ.
Once you discover your areas of strength, the adventure has only begun. Now that you know the tool you possess, don't just store it in your garage. Get out and use it! Make it a lifetime goal to practice your gift, learn about it, and talk with others about how to apply your gift to your maximum potential. Here also is the perfect place to affirm others who possess strength in areas different than yours.
So, go ahead! Step out in faith, expecting God to direct you to the place of ministry prepared by God especially for you. Remember, "The body is not one member, but many . . . God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as he desired" (1 Corinthians 12:14, 18). Isn't it time you discovered where God desires to use you?
When Christians serve in their areas of giftedness, they generally function less in their own strength and more in the power of the Holy Spirit. As they rely on God, ordinary people can accomplish the extraordinary!
For a more in-depth study of how to discover your spiritual gift, IFL recommends Unwrap Your Spiritual Gifts by Kenneth O. Gangel (Wheaton, Ill.: Scripture Press Publications, Victor Books, 1983).
This article has been adapted from Insights Newsletter, from the Bible-teaching ministry of Charles R. Swindoll (Plano, Texas: Insight for Living, July, 2000).
• Insight for Living (Tuesday, September 25, 2001)
http://www.oneplace.com/Articles/Print-Friendly.asp?article_id=110