Made For This…What Were You Made For?

A couple of days ago this question was asked, “What is your made for this?”

That question caused my insides to churn in a good way. Like a country full of butterflies in my stomach.

So, here I go.

I feel like my made for this moment has changed through the years. Not to say I was wrong in the past, but I had to journey to where I am at. And the mysteries of God may lead me to a new moment in the years to come.

In college I thought I was made to be an accountant. I graduated. Earned my degree. Passed my CPA. And worked day in and day out as a CPA.

But I have come to learn that me being a CPA isn’t what I was made to do. This is my occupation to allow me to learn and grow in other areas.

But God instilled something else in me.

So often I hear people quote this verse

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

But God has more than one plan. He has plans.

So for years I was a closeted writer. Only a few people knew I wrote. I tried for years to get my books published, get an agent, get a foot in the door. But it never happened. I would get good feedback, but “We are going to pass. It’s a good story, but you are unknown.”

So I continued to write secretly.

My second book I wrote was an inspirational book to encourage people to chase their dreams God gave them. I tried to get it published. It failed again.

I sat it in the corner in my closet for a decade. But occasionally I would dig it out and read it. I soon realized, what if God had me to write this book not to encourage others, but to remind myself to keep following Him? So I felt at peace. I had a book God gave me to remind myself He is faithful through the journey I have been on. And He will be faithful for what comes ahead.

Years passed and other books were written. No deals.

Finally I let a few people read my books. I opened myself to be told, these are awful and to stop living in a dream world.

But I was told they were good. Like, really good and to release it. (I have learned to have those friends who will tell you the truth and not what you want to hear.)

So after a year of waiting I released my first book.

I felt a nervousness that the secret is out. I’m a nerdy guy who sits at home in his free time and writes. But then reviews started coming and the majority praised the book.

I’m nothing special. I’m just a guy who wrote a book and released it. But I hoped it caused other people to think their dreams were possible.

So I pulled out my little book I used to encourage myself and released it.

I wanted this book to be used to help other believers chase the dreams God has given them.

But I have learned that as people age, many stop dreaming. I have been told by someone that I use the word passion more than anyone else they know.

They may have been saying it as an insult but I took it as a compliment because we are called to be different. We have Christ in us and we should be changed. We should want to share the Good News we have in an outlet we love. So I have chosen writing.

The interesting part of my writing journey is even though 10 years ago I thought this was my made for this moment. It isn’t.

I like to write. I like to concoct ideas and create characters and plot lines that will keep people guessing.

But do you want to know what I love?

I love helping people discover their made for this!

Since releasing my books I have discovered a group of people who dream but didn’t know what to do.

So now I have a circle of people I would have never met that I get to encourage on their journey. We discuss our various ideas and encourage one another.

I know I may be strange. I tend to not have a large group of adult friends but more acquaintances. But I have a good small group of friends who love and support me.

So I spend some of my time leading a group of middle school and high school guys. I see potential in the students of this day.

When I talk to adults about their dreams, many don’t dream. Many don’t get excited very much.

When I talk to students about dreams, they have them. Their eyes light up on things they want to do.

So I pour into them and their love of video games because God can use that. I pour into their enthusiasm in golf because God can use that. I pour into their creative side because God can use that.

But so often we lose that sense of wonder. We lose that butterfly feeling and we succumb to being an adult.

And our dreams die.

But I’m here to say God is still dreaming of what you can do for Him.

You may say, I like to paint, or I like soccer, or I’m good at baking, or I love to landscape my yard. But how can God use that?

God can use all of our skills and talents to further His kingdom. It’s when we don’t use what He’s given us when I believe we sadden the Holy Spirit.

If you don’t think God can use your love of painting, have you ever looked up the sky with the swirling blues and clouds. God is a painter and creator.

And have you ever looked at a kangaroo with its powerful kicking legs? Is there no reason for the kangaroos? Then there is a reason for your soccer skills as well.

Why only bake for yourself when there are people who long for a nice meal or the education to provide for their family.

And God causes the grass to grow and the flowers to bloom. He called Adam to tend the ground.

Our God is a creative God who can mesh our skills with His plans to come up with an incredible journey with Him.

God can use your talents to lead other people to Him.

But you have to trust Him and allow Him to use you.

I often tell people that if you expect everything to go well when we follow God, you are wrong, I’m still waiting to break even on my books.

But if you measure success in the eyes of man, you will never reach it. It’s like selling your soul to the world. There is nothing there to gain.

But I tell people,

Success is the act of obedience. And ultimately when you follow Him, you grow closer to Him. And that is the real success. Knowing Christ more.

So even though my made of this moments have evolved through the years, I’m excited to see what He has in store for the days to come.

So, if you ever need encouragement or help finding your made for this moment. I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey.

Come on, walk with me. Who knows what journey is ahead.

Peace

If you are interested in my Dream Chasers book!

Here is a recent review

I loved this book. I knew after the first page that I would. Its simple truths stirred my spirit and reminded me of the faithfulness of God. If you need a pick me you, I would suggest that you read this book. It will bless your soul. If you are feeling a tad bit spiritually sluggish, this should get you back in tune. I am glad I picked it up to read. It was the set time for me. I want to read it again and create a music playlist of all the songs mentioned. I was too far along to start but this book should be reread periodically to catch its insights.

Amazon Customer

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