Tools of Purpose

“You had something there… but you were never brave enough to use it.”

Words we fear.

What has God given you and how does He want you to use it? This is a question we are constantly longing the answer to. If you begin a Google search on life’s purpose, it quickly becomes a tangled up mess of opinions and abstract thinking that can leave you feeling the answer is unobtainable.

Some believe that we have been given the tools we need and it is completely up to us to be good stewards, using them to the best of our abilities. Then there are those who believe that God has planned out every specific detail of our lives and we have no control. I am not here to debate right or wrong thinking… once again this is simply my outlet to share my thoughts and invite you in to dig deeper.

My beliefs lie somewhere between the two… I hold the opinion that God provides “tools” to us continually throughout our lives, these are provided as supplies for our assignments. We have the free will to stray and use them outside of their intended purpose, OR we can view them as gifts given to help us pursue the plan that God has masterfully created for our lives. Leaning in and trusting when these “gifts” do not come wrapped up with pretty paper and bows…but reveal themselves through trials and painful struggles.

I do understand what it feels like to be overwhelmed by life, fears and pain. I have also been in the position of struggling to find the ambition to pursue anything…including getting out of bed in the morning to face another day.

Unless we strive to take our tools from the toolbox and use them, we will never achieve the purpose we were designed for; ultimately to be a reflection of God (created in His image) during our time here on earth. Displaying love for others in all we do with every tool we have… the means and the vessel to reflect the love we have been shown.

DO NOT be ignorant of your tools and your significance.

What tools might you have that you haven’t considered? Do you possess strength that comes from suffering that could be a survival guide for someone in need? Have you overcome something with courage that someone else could lean into? Have you recovered from something that tried to take you down and didn’t win? I’ll say it again…Share your story!

Maybe your tools are creative? Can you provide love to others through your talents? Maybe you paint, draw, construct, write… is there someone that could benefit from the gifts you have been given that are meant to be shared?

Do you have spiritual gifts? Maybe you are a teacher, counselor or leader that can supply someone with hope, guidance or restoration.

Maybe you have the gift of mercy… kindness and understanding that could change a life, provide a second chance to someone that desperately needs it.

If you still don’t believe that you have special tools or gifts… you are wrong. We have all been given the ability to be someone’s friend, which often times will be the most important tool we use.

Where do the tools you’ve been given intersect with your passions? This is where you can trust you are on the right path. There is one caveat to this…success alone is not always the best barometer, it may not lead to fulfillment. God’s tools are not provided to get us noticed or increase our bank accounts. Although sometimes these things are a result, it’s finding a need and meeting it for someone else that allows our gifts to serve their intended purpose.

So… what stops us?

Fear of rejection? Lack of confidence? Past hurts? Thinking “it’s too late”. Believing “others are better”. Doubting it’s our gift. Not trusting His prompting? Fear of judgment? These are all fear based. Do not be afraid to use what was lovingly given to you… uniquely for you.

Remember, very rarely are we provided a complete picture. God’s plan is revealed step by step and requires patience. This patience builds a continued TRUST in what He is doing that we can’t see.

No need to pursue something that has already been provided – it’s not outside in the world somewhere… it’s inside.

Keep your eyes open for opportunities to be there for others. Ask and allow for guidance to lead you to those opportunities. When He shows you a chance to make a difference… Choose to respond, shine your light and use your tools!!