Your SHAPE Shows Your Purpose
By Rick Warren
“Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you.” Jeremiah 1:5 (The Message)
Do you want to live a life of purpose and meaning? Think of what you do well—and find ways to do more of those things. Then think of what you don’t do well—and find ways to do less of those things.
God created you to be unique. He shaped you in a specific way for a special purpose only you can fulfill. In Jeremiah 1:5, God says, “Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you” (The Message).
No matter what, you can rest in the truth that God is working in your life and that he shaped you to succeed. He shaped you in advance for those plans. God’s plans for your life didn’t start the moment you were born. Those plans started before your birth, when the Bible says God shaped you in your mother’s womb.
But here’s the best part. The way God shaped you reveals how he wants to use you. How do you discover the unique way God made you?
I like to use the acrostic SHAPE—your Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. These are the five things that make you, you. And, by looking as each of these areas, you’ll begin to understand what God wants you to do with your life.
Spiritual gifts are God-empowered abilities for serving him that are given only to believers. For instance, some gifts motivate you for ministry—like serving, teaching, encouraging, leading, giving, showing mercy, or offering biblical insight.
Heart refers to the bundle of desires, hopes, interests, ambitions, dreams, and affections you have. It’s what you love to do and what you care about most.
Abilities are the natural talents you were born with. God wants you to do what you’re able to do.
Personality affects how and where you use your spiritual gifts and abilities. You’ll use your gifts in different ways from anybody else.
Experiences teach you lessons that help you mature. They also help you minister to others going through similar experiences.
My friend, when God made you, he broke the mold—there is no one else like you. My prayer is that you will find freedom and renewed energy as you live and serve according to your SHAPE.
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Discover God’s Unique Purpose for You!
God has a unique purpose for your life—a mission only you can accomplish. And we want to help you discover it with the SHAPE Bible study.
This six-session video and workbook Bible study, written by Pastor Rick and taught by Erik Rees, will help you discover the unique ways God takes your spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences and uses them all for his glory.
The SHAPE Bible study is our thanks for your gift to help more people embrace their God-given purpose through Daily Hope, so request your copy below when you give.
Thank you for your partnership!
*Video is available in DVD or streaming formats. The workbook will be mailed to you.
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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
