Friday, October 6, 2023

Last weekend, we continued our series Unfazed. With all the crazy stuff going on in the world, who wouldn’t long to live an unfazed life? The idea of not being confused, worried, or shocked by things that are happening around us sounds wonderful. But how do we do this? 

Our culture tells us we should do whatever we want in our search for happiness. It becomes all about “me.” But as we begin filling our lives with all the wrong things, we’re left feeling discouraged, empty, and unhappy. 

The Bible tells us something completely different.

Ephesians 5:18

Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead be filled with the Holy Spirit,...

Anyone who knows me at all knows I really enjoy a nice glass of wine. Whenever I hear this verse, I take a deep breath. Is the Bible telling me I should never drink wine? Not necessarily.

The wine can represent anything we try to fill our lives up with that isn’t rooted in the Holy Spirit. It could be Netflix, alcohol, social media, shopping, etc. When we allow these things to consume us, they have the potential to ruin our lives because God wants to be the most treasured thing in our lives. He created each of us with a deep longing to know him and fulfill his purposes for our lives. 

Before I knew Jesus, I tried to fill the void in my life with the wrong things. I was so unhappy. I felt unloved and unlovable. As I grew in my faith and spent more time in his Word, praying, and listening, he changed me. I learned God gave each of us unique spiritual gifts and has a purpose for our lives: to share the Gospel of Jesus. 

When I completed the spiritual gifts assessment, I learned my three spiritual gifts are encouragement, faithfulness, and shepherding. I have since learned that when I encourage people and really love them, I feel such peace and joy. It fills me up and energizes me. I believe God’s purpose for my life is to help other women realize how much God loves them and how special and unique they are. 

We live in a fallen and lost world that needs the love and hope of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit has given us unique spiritual gifts to share this message. If we don’t share it, who will?  

John 4:35

“You know the saying: ‘Four months between planting and harvest’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.” 

Questions:

What are your spiritual gifts? How are you fulfilling God’s purpose for your life? Is there something other than Jesus you’re trying to fill your life with? If so, what? And why?

Next Steps:

Complete GrowthTrack to discover your spiritual gifts and join the DreamTeam to utilize them. The world needs you!

Prayer:

Jesus, I love and adore you. I praise you that the Holy Spirit dwells within me. You are always with me. Fill me with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Help me to fulfill the purposes you have for my life. Help me to love others as you do. I praise you and worship you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

John 14:26

“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”

This post was written by Marsha Raymond, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.