1Corinthians 12:4,7 (KJV) “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. [7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”
God often encodes purpose in the GIFTS, PASSIONS, and BURDENS He places within us. Our natural abilities, spiritual endowments, and deep concerns about particular issues may point toward our calling and purpose. God equips us with what we need to fulfil what He has called us to do. Purpose and gifting walk hand in hand. The Bible says, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith” (Rom 12:6). The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to us for the purpose of our specific assignment here on earth. The Bible says, “... If we can teach, we should teach” (Rom. 12:7; CEV). In other words, once you discover the gift of teaching in you, engage in the teaching ministry; it is an aspect of God’s purpose for your life. Therefore, it is important that we take out some time to identify our God-given gifts.
Again, our “God-given passions” are many times, related to God’s purpose and plan, and assignment for our lives. Godly passions are: what we love, what excites us, what brings us joy when we engage in it. These things often point to our divine purpose. The Bible says, ““It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Phil. 2:13; KJV). The “will” refers to the desire or passion; the “doing” is the execution of that divine purpose.
Finally, sometimes God encodes purpose through a “burden”, that is, a deep concern or compassion for a particular need, injustice, or area of brokenness. What breaks your heart in the world may reveal what God has created you to help heal. In summary, God often encodes our purpose in our gifts (what we can do), our passions (what we love to do), and our burdens (what we can’t ignore). Glory to God!
Written by: Pastor Andrew A Esemudje