Discovering and Using Your God-Given Talents
As a Christian, you will eventually ask yourself one or more of three questions:
- What is my purpose in God’s plan, and how do I find it?
- I think I know my purpose, but how do I start working toward it?
- Nothing seems to be changing; how do I know if I’m on the right track?
Today, I want to answer these questions to help you:
- recognize the skills and talents God blessed you with to use for your purpose
- find out what your skills and talents might be if you don’t already know
- explore ways you can put your abilities into action
- discern whether you’re on God’s track or your own
- and make sure you don’t lose yourself in your purpose and diminish your relationship with God
The mission of your purpose, whether finding it or using it, is one of the most important—and exciting—roles in our walk with the Lord. Because we all have one, even those of us who might ask ourselves: “Why would God want to use me?” or “I’m not good at anything, so what could I possibly do to further God’s kingdom?”
Before we came to Christ, before we woke up and grew up, most of us went through life wondering what we were here for. We’d mentally wander the earth, questioning our purpose and what we were going to do with our lives; we’d think about our goals and dreams with longing, feeling like we were never going to grow our business, write the book, break out in the music industry, become a model or an actor, or even the more attainable things in life like becoming a teacher, getting a degree, or moving to your dream location in the Italian countryside.
And those of us who have fulfilled a dream or goal, as I did, realize after the highlights start to dim and the thrill of the moment settles that it wasn’t anything like we thought it would be, or maybe it was, but it left a sour aftertaste. The inevitable question behind all fulfilled dreams and met goals, no matter who you are or how much joy they bring you, always rears its ugly head: What now?
There is a reason why this question is inevitable and why, even after fulfilling a dream, we still feel like something is missing.
You’ve heard the phrase: “Life is a journey, not a destination.” I believe this phrase was created because outcomes often leave us feeling unfulfilled, even when dreams come true. Emphasizing the journey shifts focus from the end result to the experiences, growth, and learning that occur along the way. Life doesn’t stop after reaching a goal; there’s always another mountain to climb, and, in essence, we are never fully satisfied. Because we are always reaching and striving for better and more, no matter how much money we make, how many goals we accomplish, and the dreams we work hard to make come true, we will never feel satisfied.
I want to point out that the phrase “Life is a journey, not a destination” is wrong. While life is very much about the journey—our deeds, roles, and purpose in God’s plan—the destination is the most important and fulfilling part of all. While here on earth in our temporary dwelling, we should strive to reach our true destination—our Home with Christ, our Lord, and Savior—as it will be the only place and time in our existence that will be fulfilling and everlasting. Those of us who love God and live for Him don’t need a clever motivational quote to make us feel better about the realities of life and the disappointments attached to accomplished goals.
But those who remain stuck in the world, ignoring God’s calling on their lives, those making the most of a journey whose destination will end in unfulfillment and darkness, will continue to feel incomplete no matter what they do because there is a God-sized hole in their hearts.
To finish reading this post and get future posts sent to your inbox, subscribe to my Substack, UNTET | HERED.
