Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as … Jeremiah 1:5
Often I remind my audiences that the most valuable possession we own is our story. Everyone has a story and as long as we are alive on planet earth it is continuing. I have found that the secret to living out my story with joy lies in my ability to see how my story lives within, and compliments, God’s story—the BIG STORY. However, That is not often easy.
If you are anything like me, I find myself not liking the story I am watching unfold in our world right now. In fact, I must admit I sometimes find myself getting angry and fearful. When this happens, though I don’t want to admit it, what I am really doing is questioning the Author. Lord, this surely cannot be Your script here.
Think of it this way: what would it be like if an actor playing their role in a movie, a violin player in an orchestra, or a role player on a sports team, all decided they did not like the script or game plan? The truly professional people in these situations often know very little regarding the finished product and are comfortable with their unique contribution or role.
That is what God is looking for in all of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus. Is it hard? Amazingly so. Why? Because our human nature wants to control—have something to do with the trajectory of the story. I am convinced that God is calling all of us today to take our hands off of the wheel—He has got this, and simply focus on the role He has called you and I to play.
In our opening verse, Jeremiah 1:5, the Lord is speaking to Jeremiah and letting him in on his role. I left you guessing regarding the ending of that verse to make a point. If that were God talking to you or me, we would be begging here, yes Lord, can you please finish that sentence? Of course, you know in Jeremiah’s case He did go on to say, a prophet to the nations.
So, at this point in the conversation you may be having some thoughts like this—sounds good Vince but what if I don’t know my purpose or role? I know I would probably be less inclined to worry about where we are headed if I knew my part in the story. First, I must say that last statement is not necessarily a given. Even though we may have a good idea of our role it does not guarantee freedom from fear and anxiety.
In my case, I do know what God is calling me to do—the part I am appointed to live out. However, for me to stay calm in the middle of the storm I find I must continually do two things. Stay focused on going deeper in my relationship with Him, and hone the gifts He has given me to live out my call.
Perhaps some of this might be helpful to those of you who know your purpose but I want to close by addressing many of you who would say, what if I don’t know my purpose or role? Then it’s time for you to go on a treasure hunt! Here are some suggestions I would ask you to pray over first and then explore:
- Seek God afresh every morning and pray He show you how He sees you—Lord, when you look at me, what do you see?
- Ask your friends and close acquaintances to weigh in with how they see you. Be prepared and open when you do this.
- Discover how God wired you uniquely by taking the Natural Gift Test on our website—click here. (if you need help understanding the results email me your questions. vince@otm.co)
- If you sense God calling you into something, step out in faith and ask Him to shut the door if it is not the right direction. Sometimes this means getting out of your comfort zone.
- Make sure you are connected in a life-giving Christian community that meets weekly for spiritual growth, support, and accountability. (this is very important)
George Mueller, one of the most remarkable men of faith in the last two centuries, had a unique six-step plan to determine God's will:
(1) I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own regarding a given matter. (2) Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression. If I do so, I make myself liable to great delusions. (3) I seek the will of the Spirit through, or in connection with, the Word of God. (4) Next, I take into account providential circumstances. These often plainly indicate God's will in connection with His will and Spirit. (5) I ask God in prayer to reveal His will to me aright. (6) Thus, through prayer to God, the study of the Word, and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgment according to the best of my ability and knowledge.
I have distilled this down to four things that need to line up to be confident it is God’s direction:
- Are you reading it in the Word? (This is not a casual closing of the eye and letting the bible flip open to see what it says. Rather, as you are praying for God to reveal His will, can you see a pattern in what you are reading?)
- Are you hearing it by His Spirit? (It will not likely be an audible voice but keep seeking His face and ask him to whisper to you—He will. It is hard to sense His perspective until you first experience His presence.)
- Is it being affirmed through wise, Godly counsel? (Ask trusted Godly people within your sphere to weigh in on what they are sensing about the direction you believe God might be leading you.)
- Is it consistent with your current circumstances? (Make sure your family situation, finances and logistical needs are being considered.)
I want to leave you with our ministry’s Three Unalterable Facts:
- God knows you and created you for a special purpose (Jer. 1:5, Isa. 44:2, Eph. 1:11, Eph. 2:10, Prov. 23:18)
- God has equipped you with special gifts toward the satisfaction of His purpose (1 4:14, 1 Pet. 4:10)
- God wants you to discover what your purpose is (Eph. 1:18)
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints Ephesians 1:18
Please enjoy this 12-minute message from Vince helping men understand the importance of praying over their household and property.