Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Sometimes we find our purpose when we think we are absolutely purposeless.

This is one of those moments where I believe God put me in the right place at the right time to help me see I matter—because I experienced this myself earlier today.

I returned to my desk after a very confusing meeting this morning, feeling a sense of defeat. You see, I just transferred to a new department at work, and I thought to myself, “Did I make the right choice?” I was questioning if I belonged in the role I stepped into.

I can relate to what Jerry from the movie Jerry and Marge Go Large felt when his line shut down at work—lost, confused, still wanting to do more but not knowing what that looked like. It's a feeling that is hard to shake, like being afraid of something you can't see and don't even know why. 

Luckily, we don't have to be afraid when we remember who we are in Christ—his beautiful masterpieces made new. We are each created with our own unique gifts and personality to complete God’s plan for our life.

Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

One of my co-workers must have been able to sense my frustration, because after our meeting, he told me not to worry, that things have a way of falling into place. He was so right! 

Just a few hours later, still feeling discouraged for no obvious reason, God let me see why I belong in my new role. I had another meeting with a client that I had never met before. He was so excited to meet me. He completely understood why I was there, even though I still wasn't 100% sure. His confidence in my qualifications reminded me exactly why I wanted the new role in the first place.

God will never cease to amaze me in the way he works. We won’t always be aware of how stepping into our God-given purpose positively impacts others, but we can be confident that God’s plans are always good.

Questions: 
Do you know your gifts and how you can use them? Have you ever doubted your ability to carry out God’s plan?

Next Steps: 
Learn about your spiritual gifts and how you can help others find their purpose by going to GrowthTrack. 

Memorize Ephesians 2:10 so that you can bring it to mind during times of doubt. 

Flash Fiction is back!! If you want another fun story that captures the theme of this week’s movie, you can find a Flash Fiction story below this post, on the homepage of our app, or have it sent to you directly by texting FICTION to 419-419-0707.

Prayer: 
Father, thank you for the subtle ways you show me that I am here on purpose for a purpose and that I matter to those around me. I am so grateful for the life you have provided me. Allow your blessings to flow through me and into those around me. Help me show others they have a purpose as well. I pray that all your children come to understand their unique purpose so that we may empower each other as one big family. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 1:20
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

This post was written by Casey Stengel, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.