About two years ago I attended the National Day of Prayer here in the north country. Our guest speaker that year was Dr. Crawford Loritts, a wonderful godly man with a passion to spread the Good News wherever he traveled. At the end of these prayer celebrations we typically have a Q&A time in another room with a smaller group of people.
It was at this time God allowed me to have a little one on one with this godly man. We began to talk about our purpose in life, what it is that God wants us to do here on earth -- how God had a specific purpose for us and it was up to us to find out what that purpose was.
I shared with him my thoughts on this subject as the Holy Spirit led me. “Brother,” I said, “I believe God has given us all special gifts, but it is up to us to find out what they are.” When we find those gifts, there will always be one that stands out among the rest, one we are most passionate about. I believe God wants us to pursue that gift, because He will equip us to perform it with excellence. Therein lays our purpose in life.
I was truly humbled when he agreed with me and continued the conversation with these words. “Joe there is one more piece that I would like to add to the equation”. Obviously I was all ears and by now on the edge of my seat anticipating his response. This gentle man of godly wisdom simply said, “Out of our brokenness comes our strength!” Simple words? Yes. Powerful words? Yes again!
OK men, so what exactly does that mean? Let’s see if we can make sense out of that simple yet powerful statement. First of all we need to realize we are all broken; that's right, all of us. That also means we are all in need of restoration from that brokenness. Just look into the Word of God and see all who we hold in high esteem were broken men, and sinners all! We are no different. It is the work Jesus does in us that heals our wounds, and leads us in the right direction.
Men, whatever God has restored you from, and has given you victory over, that brokenness is now a strength! You see men, you can now minister in full confidence to someone else dealing with that very same issue that was once a problem for you, by applying the very godly principles you used to gain victory. “Where you were weak, now you are strong.” You can now be used for the Kingdom! So go forward and share the true treasure of the ages, “The Living Word Of God!”
So let’s condense this formula, and then give it a try. Let me know how you make out!
Find out what my spiritual gifts are.
Select the one I'm most passionate about.
Pursue that gift, always leaning on the Holy Spirit for understanding.
Find an area in my life where God has restored me and given me victory.
Use that victory to help someone else gain restoration in their life.
That's it men, five simple steps. Now there is one sure way none of this will ever work. Read it but don't apply it. No, I'm not fooling around. If you don't take any action none of this will work. Let this day be the start of your new life in Christ. Become doers of the Word, James 1:22