Who Are You?

As we face the prospect of a new year, it is important that we remember who we are. You and I are unique. No one else has the same combination of capabilities, experiences, and opportunities that you and I do. And as Mordacai said to Esther, "Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14) As one who believes that God has a plan for each life, I would apply Mordacai's statement to each of us. God wants to use you this year to make a difference in your family, your workplace, your church, and maybe even your world.

In order for that to happen, we need to first look at our opportunities. How can we make a difference in our families, in our friendships, in our work, in our hobbies, and even in our problems this year? All of these things are opportunities for us to let our light shine, and even to walk out God's will for our lives. Remember, "For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure." (Phil. 2:13)

Secondly, we need to look into our hearts. What good thing do we really want to do? In fact, we've wanted to do it for years, but never find the time or the opportunity. Well, now is the time. Because time is something you make. Set a date to start, and plan out blocks of time to do the thing you've dreamed of doing, and then really start. Believe me, as you start to do what you've deeply desired to do you will discover an energy and a strength you've never known before. You are really doing His good pleasure, after all. And as for the opportunities, they lie right before you, so take advantage of them, and use them as they were meant to be used. Creativity is almost never making something entirely "from scratch," but is rather, taking something we already know and improving it or adding to it. God may have already given you the tools you need to accomplish your dream.

One final word of caution, we make plans but the fulfillment of those plans are out of our hands. So be patient, but also be resolute. And one more thing, delight yourself in God. Those desires, those dreams that you've had for years, they were placed there by Him. They are part of His will for your life. So, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

May 2009 be a "Delightful" year for you and yours.