God's Will

Growing up, I had no idea what I wanted to be when I got older. When I was in elementary school, I wanted to be a missionary. As time passed, that changed to a nurse. I changed my mind again and again in college and considered becoming a paralegal, a teacher, or a professor.

Were any of those roles God's will for me? I always struggled with that question. There were many times when I felt like I should work in full-time Christian ministry; other times, I thought I should be doing something else, but I would only change my mind again later down the road. Maybe you find yourself relating to that feeling as well.

I ended up graduating college with a degree in marketing and communications. Not because I ultimately realized it was God's will for me — at that time, I still wasn't sure what His calling for me was. But isn't it reassuring to know that even when we don't see God's plan for us, He has one?

What if God's will is something we don't want or think we can even achieve?

Last May, I started as a Social Media Specialist here at The Ridge. In this position, I get to use my degree and the creative gifts God has given me to help reach people for Him. If you would've asked me a few years ago, I would've said it wasn't possible. But what I didn't realize was that God was working behind the scenes the entire time. He opened the door and placed me exactly where He wanted me to be.  

Have you ever asked yourself, "What is God's will for my life?" For some, that is a simple question; others might find it difficult or even a little scary. What if God's will is something we don't want or think we can even achieve?

On Sunday, Pastor Tim reminded us that when we are in God's will, we are in our sweet spot. We all have unique, God-given gifts and abilities, and if we offer ourselves fully to God, He can use us for something far greater than we ever imagined.
Now as we have many parts in one body and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way, we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the standard of one's faith; if service, in service; if teaching, in teaching; if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.
-Romans 12:4-8
What spiritual gifts and abilities has God given you? How can you use those for Him? Maybe you enjoy photography or have a heart for children. Perhaps, you like filming videos, singing, or playing an instrument. Maybe you enjoy hosting or helping others. Or, possibly, you have gone through a life experience that could be valuable to someone else.

Remember, God's will isn't something we need to fear. God loves you so much and only wants what is best for you. Take comfort today that if you offer yourself and your gifts and abilities to God, He will open the doors and lead you precisely to where you are supposed to be.
Author: Jamie Huggins, Social Media Specialist 
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