“In Your Hand”

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 NIV

Have you ever asked GOD, “What do You want me to do with this life you’ve given me?”

In my earlier years, I used to ask the same question — a lot. Oh, I’d change the words around a bit, “What is my purpose?” “What is my calling?” I’m sure yours may be similar. And I would search for books that would address that topic. Until one day …

I simply asked GOD myself.

He started to show me things in my life that I had learned how to do well. And then He asked me, “What do you like to do?” As I pondered this query from the Lord, I saw that the things that I had learned to do well blended with the things I enjoyed doing the most. Then someone asked me, “What would you do for a living even if you didn’t get paid to do it?” Again, all things circled back to the same answers.

Then I read a passage of Scripture one day …

Then the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied. Exodus 4:2 NLT

In this monumental conversation between GOD and Moses on Mount Sinai, GOD is giving instruction to Moses to go to Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelites from captivity. Moses is likely shaking in his sandals, because at first notice of his assignment he attempted to convince GOD to send his brother, Aaron instead. But GOD had determined the man for the job was the man Moses.

Moses is asking GOD, what will he use to prove that he (Moses) is truly sent from GOD when he appears before Pharaoh. Very simply, GOD asked Moses to look at what was already in his hand.

That same old shepherd’s staff that he had been wielding for over forty years — day in and day out — turned out to be the very instrument GOD had chosen for Moses to use to fulfill his purpose.

It was in Moses’ hand all along. He just didn’t know he had it. Until GOD pointed it out to him.

• What kinds of activities or patterns do you recognize that might help you identify your purpose or calling?
• Write these out in detail, including how far back you can recall having noticed these.

Sister, GOD is not complicated — not when you get to know Him. He speaks quite clearly and simply.

Think back, Girlfriend, over the course of your lifetime. Look at the things you’re drawn towards. See where your eyes take interest.

• What activities tug on your heart even if they take you out of your routine?
• List all of these and look for similarities.
• Make notations of how you participated, contributed and felt throughout your involvement of these activities.

Too often I believe that people mistaken their calling as their ‘job’ or place in employment. That is not always the case. Consider this for a moment: GOD will allow for you to experience employment and educational seasons for the sake of ‘growing you’ into your calling. Employment and education places may not be where you are meant to flourish, but a means to an end.

Moses was faithful to his responsibilities as a shepherd for over forty years. He simply showed up and performed to the best of his ability. He used the tools of a shepherd and I’m sure he became quite proficient at twirling and hurling that staff when he needed to.

But GOD had greater plans beyond the flock of sheep. He intended for Moses to shepherd the flock of Israel. Those forty years taught Moses to be diligent, faithful, perseverant, persistent, consistent and strong. GOD took all of these traits plus the physical stamina and strength of this dutiful shepherd and groomed His man for the responsibility of leading millions of people to freedom.

Moses’ encounter with GOD on Mount Sinai introduced him to the Giver of all that Moses had received and the Giver of the power to now use these talents. Learning how to depend upon GOD for how to use his talents and skills was next on the lesson plan.

• Take an introspective look into your collection of skills and talents. Write down what GOD shows you.
• Take some time to thank Him for all of these and ask Him to show and tell you what you are intended to do with them.
• Be sure to journal as these revelations occur so that you don’t miss them.

Sweet Friend, if you are searching for answers to your questions about your specific calling in life, you must first approach the One Who breathed that life into your nostrils. Be willing and open to what He will show you. Reserve quiet time to pursue these conversations with Him — everything won’t pour out in one sitting. Have your Bible at hand, a journal, tissue box and wear comfy clothing — you may be there for a while.

• Pray
• Listen
• Journal
• Repeat

Did I mention GOD has the tendency to ‘blow your mind?’ Read it for yourself in the Book of Exodus, chapter three. If you are authentic and sincere about wanting to know what GOD has in store for you, be prepared to be challenged. Some of the best things require hard work and effort on our part. But I encourage you with everything that is within me, to GO FOR IT!

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.“ As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— 1 Corinthians 2:9 ESV

I’d love to hear all about it … feel free to share in the comments below.

I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~~

LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary