S.H.A.P.E.: Finding and Fulfilling Your Unique Purpose for Life

The mismatch has caused these individuals to come to a point of total frustration with their jobs. God did not create you to live in a state of frustration or discouragement; he intended you to experience deep fulfillment that only comes from being who he made you to be.

Don’t wait to begin using your spiritual gifts until you understand all the details about how they will be expressed in your life.

Connecting with your God-given passions transforms your everyday life. Passions make work seem like play. And our gifts and passions ignite like spiritual rocket fuel, propelling us to new heights of service, when we mix them with our natural abilities.

. Because there are so many different kinds of needs to be met, you need to narrow your focus. Consider several primary categories:

Paul uses a great word picture to show the importance of strengthening what God has given us when he tells young Timothy to “fan into flame” his gift (2 Timothy 1:6). Imagine smoldering embers that burst into flame as you fan them. This is exactly what happens when you develop the gifts God has given you—they become more powerful and purposeful for

God has instilled a unique personality in each one of us for his glory.

I see this more often when working with people who clearly have the gift of pastoring or shepherding, but won’t acknowledge it, often because they don’t have the “right” title or official position.

God is continually looking for ordinary people such as John who are willing to let him use them to make a difference

8 The personality God created in you is meant to be embraced because it is a reflection of your overall S.H.A.P.E.—the way he made you in order to use you for his glory. God does not create anything that does not have tremendous value and enormous potential—and he will not use anyone who does not have a willing spirit.