Discerning Your Assignment

If you’re anything like me there was a time in your walk with Christ where you had to think about where exactly you fit in. In life in general and in the local church. I’ll be talking about how to discern where you fit in at your local church. I can’t actually say I’ve got mine completely figured out yet but these are some of the methods I’ve used to try and help me out. 

First you need to find your desire. Really look into your heart and see where it burns you. Meaning what’s the one thing that you have a burning passion for. What unquenchable thirst do you see in your life consistently? This may take some digging or you may know it right off the bat. But once you figure out where or what your desire is you will be primed to discern your calling .

Secondly , in what areas has the Lord gifted you?

This is something you’re probably going to want to seek out others to help you with. While you may think you are an awesome artist, objectively a 5-year-old could paint a better picture than you (I’m talking about myself here, haha). But finding the areas in which the Lord has gifted you will be crucial in combining them with your desire. You might be gifted in several areas. If that’s the case, picking out a few that are your strongest will help you tremendously. 

Finally look for opportunities. This one , along with the others, takes some prayer. While only you can discern your desires, looking for opportunities will take a measure of time and others close to you to pluck out the right opportunity. Having many eyes and ears who know your desires and giftings will increase the amount of opportunities you come across. And when I talk about other people I’m meaning elders in your church and close friends. 

Desire, gifting and opportunity. These all are to be looked at through a biblical lens.

1 Corinthians 7:17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

Similarly:

1 Peter 4:10  As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Looking at both of these passages we see that God grants us these things. His plan for us is greater than we know. We see different giftings are given to each of us by his abundant grace. Figuring out what the gift is or where we are to use it takes time and effort on our part. We may spend the rest of our days doing so but keeping our faith at the forefront of the search and looking through a biblical lens will ensure we are glorifying God in the process.