Ask God About Your Gifts And Purpose
This past week we talked about how you have to look for and discover your gifts. It’s kind of like you’re a detective on a case trying to solve a mystery. One of the steps of the search process is to ask God about your gifts and purpose. After all, He’s the one who created you! If anybody would know what your gifts are and how you are supposed to use them it would be God.
I guess you could liken it to inquiring about a painting. Who would you ask if you had questions about the details of a painting? The artist, of course. What about a book that has left you with some questions? Who would you ask if you wanted to know more than what was on the surface? You would ask the author! The creators of the works have all of the knowledge and the inside scoop. They knew what they had in mind when they created their work.
God: Artist and Author
Similarly, God is your creator. God is your artist. You are His Masterpiece.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
God is the also the author who has already written your story. Because of that, He already knows how it ends!
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)
Therefore, when you have questions about yourself and how you were made, you need only to ask God about your gifts and purpose. He will give you answers, guidance and direction. In fact, the bible even tells us to call to God and ask, and He will answer. If you are still unsure about your gifts, calling and purpose, maybe it’s because you haven’t asked. Maybe you’ve asked, but you haven’t asked God.
“Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.” Jeremiah 33:3 (MSG)
“…You do not have, because you do not ask.” James 4:2 (ESV)
“Who are those who fear the LORD? He will show them the path they should choose.” Psalm 25:12 (NLT)
God: Shepherd
In addition to being your Artist and Author, God is also your Shepherd. Just like a shepherd guides their sheep, God will guide you in the discovery of your gifts and how to use them. He will also give you a sense of purpose and direction for your life. First though, you need to ask God about your gifts and for guidance. Then, give Him permission to lead you.
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1 (ESV)
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 (ESV)
So HOW do you ask God about your gifts and purpose and get His direction? You need to spend daily time with Him in the Bible and in prayer. Then you need to look and listen for your answers and guidance.
Take Some Practical Steps to Ask God About Your Gifts And Purpose:
- One way to ask God about your gifts and purpose is to read your bible for answers and direction. The bible (aka God’s Word) is often called a “lamp”. Just like a lamp lights a dark path so that you can see which way to go, God’s Word will light your path and give you answers and direction in which to go. Reading the bible will give you answers.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)
- Another way to ask God about your gifts and purpose is to pray. Set aside some specific time to do this and be purposeful about it. This shouldn’t be just a random, fly by the seat of your pants prayer time. In fact, I’m going to give you some homework to do BEFORE you pray in the next step. So, get your quiet time journal handy.
- Look up the following bible verses and write a brief summary of the verse. These verses will serve as a foundation and basis of a prayer I’m going to give you to pray.
- Now spend some time in prayer–set aside specific time to do this at some point during the day, and don’t rush yourself. You are going to ask God about your gifts, calling and purpose and ask Him for some wisdom and direction. Ask Him what gifts you’ve been given. Question Him about what He’s calling you to do. Ask Him what He had in mind when He created you. Request of Him some steps and strategies to help you in this process. Then LISTEN for His answer (this may come as a thought, idea, or picture that you will get during this time).
“Lord, I believe you made me with special, unique gifts and talents and that you have a purpose and a plan for my life. I believe you have called me to accomplish something of value and worthwhile for your kingdom. I believe you can use me to influence and impact this world, while I’m here and even after I’m gone. You made me and formed me and you know what your plan is for me.
Please open my eyes and give me wisdom to see myself as you have made me. Help me to see the specific gifts and talents that you have placed inside of me. Begin to show me the calling and purpose that you have placed on my life. Please guide me, and give me steps and strategies that I can start to take and put into action now in order to accomplish those plans.
Your word says that I can call to you and that you will answer me and tell me things that I don’t know and that are yet to come. Thank you in advance for answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
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- Don’t get discouraged–The process of seeking God may take some time. You may not get all of your answers in one sitting. You will probably only get little bits at a time, so you will need to seek God’s direction in this area on a consistent basis.
- As you start to get some answers from God, write them down in your journal. Make note of some of the things that have come into your head during or after this prayer and/or bible reading time. When you read your bible are there any words or particular verses that either stand out to you or seem repetitive? Does there seem to be a repeated theme you’ve encountered recently (i.e. in your bible reading, in church messages you hear, in songs you hear, in conversations with people you talk to, etc.)? Write those things down.
What new insights do you gain when you ask God about your gifts and purpose? Tell us about it by leaving a comment below.
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