Finding Your Focus

The Saturday before last, I went to a fellowship at my church where the topic of discussion was "Finding Your Focus". I knew I just HAD to be in there because focus is definitely something I need at this point in my life. I feel like I've been all over the place recently. You may feel that same way too, so I'm sharing some of the key points from the presentation. The fellowship aimed to help you answer the questions "Are you looking for the answer to what your life is all about?", "Are you busy doing lots of activities, but still lacking direction?", and "Do you want to know what God created you to do?" My answers to that...Yep, Yep, Yep lol.

Now, the speaker definitely wasn't promising anyone they would walk away from the presentation with all their questions answered, but she did give methods to help identify the clues that would point you in the right direction. We all want to live a purposeful and fulfilled life and knowing God's plan is the first step in making that happen. Whose plan is better than His?...not yours lol. The acronym the speaker used to help us on the journey to finding our purpose was EQUIP. She explained how everyone is equipped to perform whatever God created them to and here is how she broke it down...

E- EXPERIENCES: Your experiences in life can help teach you what your purpose is. The things you go through in life...your trials and tribulations and even good times...could very well be training for whatever area you are to serve in. For example, many of the people who start organizations that help change the lives of millions, have been personally affected by the cause they are fighting for. Your experiences give you a testimony, passion for the cause, and conviction.

Q- QUALIFICATIONS: These are your skills, abilities and training. These are the things you've learned and mastered along the way that will aid you in accomplishing God's will for your life. Maybe you went to school to be a teacher and in addition to teaching, He leads you to using those skills to facilitate a youth group. Maybe you have great leadership abilities and a love for kids & athletics and your skills are needed to start a recreation center. 

U- UNIQUE SPIRITUAL GIFTS: These are your God-given gifts and talents...the talents you were born with. You can be trained to become better, but this gift was there at the beginning. Singing is a good example of this. You can't teach someone to be a Whitney Houston lol. You either have it or you don't. One important thing the speaker made note of on this point is that our gifts are for others. They weren't given to you to selfishly pursue only what makes you happy. They were given to you to better the lives of others and the One that gave them to you in the first place directs all of that.

I- INTERESTS: What are the things that interest you? What are the things that you could do for hours in your spare time? What are the things that bring you joy? This can also give you clues as to what your purpose is? This could be fashion, music, studying/research, hair & makeup, etc... I forget the example she gave, but I think it had something to do with hair and makeup... Maybe you could provide your makeup and hair services to a woman trying to get back on her feet that can't afford those things at the time. 

P- PERSONALITY: See what happens is...sometimes, I'm in church and I'm really feeling what the person is saying so I forget to take notes lol. That's what happened on this point...BUT we all know what a personality is...it's your temperament...the unique qualities and traits that make you...you. Are you passionate, bright and bubbly, serious, adventurous, talkative??? These personality traits can also give you clues as to what your purpose is.

I recommend that you focus on each one of these points for a period of time and see what you come up with. Also, keep in mind that we're wonderfully made, dynamic individuals that were made to do more than one thing and it's up to you to pursue the goal that's laid before you. Keep a good circle of people around that are also seeking after the same lifestyle you are to keep you on your path...this is IMPORTANT! Crabs in a barrel are REAL lol. (Ecc 4:9-12) She also gave verses as an example of a good prayer for knowing God's purpose (Eph. 1:17-19).

Be a blessing...and Stay Inspired.