Flipping through the pages of a magazine, I stumbled upon an article about the importance of knowing your body “shape."
The fashion world claims (yes, even for men) that once you discover your shape or body type then you can select clothes that will highlight your best features, allowing you to look and feel your best.
Dress for success.
It is a concept that I do believe has merit- have you ever dressed in something that just made you feel fabulous and you seemed to radiate self-confidence?
Cause and effect.
But, what about your internal shape? Could that too have the same cause and effect?
Like your external one, discovering your internal shape may take some time and energy to reveal, but once uncovered- look out! Success becomes your middle name because you have embraced the totality of your unique design handcrafted by the creator of the universe!
So, how do you discover your unique form?
Let's explore the 5 ways that God has designed your INNER S.H.A.P.E.
Spiritual Gifts:
What has God supernaturally gifted you to do?
God grants supernatural gifts to those that have accepted Christ- to name a few:
Discernment, Wisdom, Evangelism, Faith, Giving, Healing, Hospitality, Knowledge, Miracles, Prophecy, Service, Teaching, Mercy, Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues.
If you have never explored your spiritual gifts, an insightful assessment tool can be found at the below link:
Heart a/k/a Your Passions:
What do you have passion for and love to do?
“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms 37:4
To aid you in determining your passions, think about the following questions:
1. What gets you fired up and keeps you up at night? Are there certain causes that you feel strongly about? Homelessness, injustice, right to life, domestic violence, addiction, health, etc.
2. Who are the people that you have a soft spot for.. Children? Elderly? The Poor?
3. What needs are you drawn to fulfilling? What do you love to do for others and why?
Abilities & Talents:
What natural talents and skills do you possess?
We all have some natural talents and abilities. Simply put, what are you good at? What comes natural to you? Are you a natural leader? Great with fixing things around the house? Are you good at motivating others? Do people naturally come to you for advice?
Don’t sell yourself short. if given the chance, let your natural talents shine!
Personality:
Where does your personality best suit you to work and serve?
Understanding and appreciating your God given personality will help you more effectively express your spiritual gifts and heart.
I love this quote from Rick Warren-
“Like stained glass, our different personalities reflect God’s light in many colors and patterns.”
Do you.
Experience:
What life experiences do you bring to the table that have given you a special insight that may help others?
Take a moment to think about the below and their impact on your life:
• Spiritual experiences – meaningful decisions, times with God, times you felt especially close to God.
• Painful experiences – problems, hurts, trials, disappointments, losses…
• Educational experiences – favorite subjects in school, special training, special adventures and opportunities…
• Ministry experience – how you’ve served in the past.
I sincerely challenge you to explore your shape because there is success in knowing and appreciating your unique design (both inside & out!)
Embrace your shape and rock it- because you are truly one-of-a-kind!
Thank you Father that you have made each of us a wondrous creation for your glory. Place within us a desire to seek you Lord, to uncover the gifts, talents, abilities and uniqueness that you have bestowed upon us. May we embrace your call and fulfill the vision you have for our lives. Because we are fearfully and wonderfully made!
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ~Psalm 139:14