God created each of us for and with a purpose — a purpose which welcomes us to intentionally pursue our God-given assignment. Knowing who we are forms our design. Our assignment, however, refers to what God calls us to do in cooperation with Him.
My father farmed the land just like his father and grandfather before him. The choice to farm seemed to be a natural “fit” for an occupation which he became successful at doing. When my husband and I eventually took over the family farm, he sighed with relief. “I never enjoyed farming,” he said. “It was the only way I knew I could support my family.”
Though I honor my dad for his sacrificial devotion and commitment to his family, how sad to spend your life without personal satisfaction in your work. Many others, for various reasons, lack the courage to try something new, investing months and even years without pursuing their God-given assignment.
What was my father’s assignment? Perhaps, his highest call was to care for the needs of his family. Maybe, there was much more God had for him.
God’s plans for us, in partnership with Him, are in perfect harmony with how He created us.
“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.”
Psalm 139:13-14
Uniqueness
God uniquely created each of us. It may take a lifetime of exploration to discover our God-given assignment, but He will leave hints along the way. By answering a few questions, we may discover clues to our uniqueness.
- What do we have the most passion for?
- Where have we seen the anointing and favor of God?
- What naturally brings joy and satisfaction?
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.“
Proverbs 24:3-4
God has planted within us “rare and beautiful treasures,” waiting to be discovered! Among the collection of those treasures is your uniqueness. Developing your God-given assignment will be an ongoing adventure discovered through wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.
As we refuse to imitate others, we embrace our uniqueness.
Faithful
Just as the faithfulness of God rests upon us, He calls us to be faithful. When we show ourselves to be faithful in the little things, He entrusts us with even more.
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
Matthew 25:21
For many decades we followed my father’s example in farming the land. By God’s grace, we were able to raise our boisterous family surrounded by open spaces for them to roam and explore. But then a shift came. We sensed God leading in a new direction. The transition away from the farm flowed smoothly as God led us into places we never dreamed. Had we refused to listen to His direction, we would have missed meaningful relationships and significant opportunities for ministry. By the grace of God, these changes have transformed our lives in so many ways.
Do you sense God directing and leading you into something new or different? Is there something you have wanted to try, but lacked the courage for — perhaps a new hobby, occupation, or ministry? Though it may feel like a great leap of faith, even minor changes may bring increased potential and fulfillment to your life.
Clues
For us, God’s leading never comes with His audible voice. Usually, we sense His direction through little inklings and nudges. But two signposts consistently mark God’s path — the first is His peace and the second is confirmation by people we trust.
Some clues to your God-given assignment might be:
- Prophetic words from trusted pastors, elders, or parents
- Places you see the most blessing or fruit in your life
- Natural or spiritual gifting in an area
We all struggle with aspirations rooted in pride or human desire. To experience the true fruit of our God-given assignment, we must be willing to lay everything on the examining table before Him. Wrong motives will pollute or disfigure our assignment, rendering it useless. I’ve followed the error of wrong motives more often than I care to admit!
“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.’“
Isaiah 30:21
Pursue
Farming wonderfully provided for us and our family! I am grateful to God for the privilege of those years. There’s no substitute for the excellent training we received on the farm, but I wouldn’t give up where we are now to go back!
As we accept change and partner with God, we discover the fullness of our God-given, pursuing all He has for us. May we apply the His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding as we steward our assignments. Though God can do anything without us, He has chosen to do nothing apart from our cooperation with Him.
“I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]”
Philippians 4:13 AMP
Without God we can do nothing, but with Him we become self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency. How wonderful! It is all to easy to limit or hinder our God-given assignment because of past experiences, both positive or negative. As He strengthens and empowers us to fulfill His purpose, may we pursue it with excellence.
God ipromises to infuse (us) with inner strength and confident peace. Then, we will reach the fullness of our God-given assignment.
Prayer
Lord, grant us the wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to pursue our God-given design with excellence. May we confidently place our hands in Your hands and our feet upon Your feet as we walk through each day. May our hearts be filled with anticipation for all the changes You have in ahead of us. Whether the years behind are many or few, You are not finished with us yet. Greater things than these You have waiting.
How awesome are Your ways, O Lord! How perfect You are! In You are goodness and blessing. We desire to experience You moving in our lives in increased ways. May we become a conduit of transformation, releasing Your light and life through our God-given assignment. We embrace your design for us and commit ourselves to faithfully align ourselves with Your perfect plan.
O, Lord! We love You. Praise You, Lord! You are not done with us, yet.
Amen.
**********
Wonderful to know we have a God-Given assignment designed by the creator and if we tryst His plan and his leading it will come to fulfillment. Praise His Holy Name.