Ephesians 2: 10, Esther 4: 14, Exodus 4, Psalm 23

Jon & April Hunter

Last time we wrote we talked about the works God had prepared for you to do before the world was created, our need to accept this, be happy about it and join in with God in the adventure He has planned for us. You are Gods chosen solution to a lifetime of opportunities.

But how do we do this? How do we unlock the potential that the Father has put within us?

First off, do not fall into the discouraging trap of comparing yourself to others. No two snowflakes are alike, and even when melted down, they refreeze back into their original design, God is a God who planned a universe of infinite variety. In the same way, God has given you your own design, so it's fruitless to try to copy others when God has gone to such great lengths to make you unique!

You may think your church leaders, friends and youth leaders are so much more useful than you are, but none of them are you. God has a design for you that fits your unique personality, gifts and opportunities and He designed you for it.

Secondly don't copy other peoples ways of doing things. If you and your gifting are unique, be willing to use them in ways that reflect your character, and don't try to mimic someone else.

Though I respect the man, I will never be Billy Graham, I will never be as good a preacher as Billy Graham has been, I will never win as many people to God as Billy Graham has, but if I'm true to the things God has put in me I will communicate to people Billy Graham could never have reached, and I will say things Billy Graham never said. If I tried to be Billy Graham I would probably just frustrate what God wants to do in my life.

Also, don't feel as though you're not good enough. Moses was one of the great leaders of the Old Testament. God chose him to lead His people out of Egypt. However, in Exodus 4, we see his initial reaction to the task set before him. He shrunk in fear because he was convinced he wasn't good enough. He was missing a key point. It wasn't about how good or bad he was, it was about how great God was, and with God's help, Moses could accomplish any task God gave him, and he did just that.

It's often easy to be get caught up in the wrong things, either because someone has pressured you into them, or you might just be the type of person who wants to do everything! So thirdly, back off from what God hasn't called you to! When the wrong person is in the wrong job, they are often worn down, discouraged, and unfruitful. What's worse is, they are missing out on doing the things they are truly gifted and good at as well as preventing others from doing what they are called to do. It's important for you to realize the things, issues, or people you are really passionate about, take inventory of what you are good at doing, what your personal style is of working, and then see where it is you fit. And for those of you like me who try to do everything, remember that sometimes God has called us to rest! (Psalm 23)

The fifth thing to do is, bring the walls down! Apply your Christianity to your passions, your friendships, your hobbies, the everyday places you go. Esther was a beautiful young girl who just happened to catch the eye of a powerful King. When she realized her people were in danger, she couldn't see a way out of it until her uncle reminded her that it was more than likely that God had placed her in the palace of a powerful king, as his most beloved wife for "such a time as this."

I'm probably one of the only Christians in my rugby club and kick boxing class. If I don't apply my relationship with Jesus in these situations, who will? It doesn't mean I constantly preach at my non Christian mates or Rugby team. It means that I allow my faith to work itself out and shine through in whatever I'm doing, whoever I'm with. Looking at it this way, the possibilities are endless for God to use us!

Last thing, don't think you earn Gods favour by doing good works. Remember the prodigal son from our first study? As we see in this story and as I know so well from my own life, God's love and favour is unconditional. It's His grace that allows us to respond to His great love by doing good works. Allowing God to use you is personally fulfilling, it advances His purposes in our lives and the lives of others, but it by no means makes God love us any more than He already does. That would be impossible!