Daily Journal: 9 February

The Right Tool for the Job

Colossians 4:17 (NIV)

“See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.”

It’s much easier to accomplish something with the right size tools, or have the right tools for the job. We wouldn’t use a paint brush to rake the lawn, or to apply makeup.

We are a tool for a purpose that God’s chosen for a reason. He created us in a very particular way. He wants us to recognise and embrace our authentic self. He wants to say, “Yes. This is who you are.”

It doesn’t matter what other people think – it’s what God thinks and what God says that matters. Do you know why it’s true?

Being and doing what God has chosen for us is the greatest way we feel whole and purposeful. It’s the only way we will achieve without feeling insecure or striving for recognition. It’s the only way we will use our gifts with a joyful motivation that rests easy.

Each one of us should paint the canvas God created us to paint in the way God’s put on our heart, with the colours He’s placed inside. Nobody else can do what we do in the way we do it. There’s no need to compete, cheapening our gift or be unable to celebrate the gifts of others. There’s no need to pretend we're someone we're not. There’s no need to try and prove ourselves. We can embrace our gifts and use them with passion, without apology or diminishment.

Proverbs 18:16 (ISV)

A person's gift opens doors for him, bringing him access to important people.

We can all embrace whatever God has placed in our hands. There is enough to go around! He will bless the work of our hands.

Deuteronomy 28:12 (NASB)

The LORD will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless every work of your hand….

I have important work to do. You have important work to do. We have important work to do.

Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose.

Our mission in life is to find out how we can use our gifts and live our life for God’s glory, with love and effectiveness.

Just before Jesus was arrested He prayed:

John 17:4 (NLT)

I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.

My prayer for each of us is that we will be passionate about knowing and completing the work God gives us to do, to find joy in it and not become distracted by lesser things. God has given us gifts. We can give ourselves to our gifts to glorify Him.