In my last post I shared about a revelation I had last week: each of us, we are to be a gift from God to those around us; He has an express purpose for us in their lives.  I have been convicted by this.  I realized that I have thought of others in a relatively egocentric way – how they are impacting me or what purpose the relationship has to my walk or to my life.  Sometimes this translates to thinking what a blessing it is to have so-and-so in my life or to have encountered that person at that particular time.  Sometimes this translates to finding the meaning for me in a difficult relationship that feels like a curse or struggling to see God working in my life when someone brings me a trial.

God is now showing me what I heard in a Bible study a few years ago when we were discussing “difficult people”, “Maybe you are the difficult person in someone’s life.”  This is so true and can be the case whether we know it or not.  The flip side is: maybe you are the blessing.  So as God’s people, we are called to be the blessing, not the curse.  The gifts He gives to us are to share, to bless.  We can bless people materially, but we should also bless them spiritually.  We are to love, as Christ love first loved us (1 John 4:19).

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say,

For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving the needs of the believers…will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 2 Cor 9:8-12 NLT

Well, here is the neat thing God did with my realization…He confirmed it.  At our homeschool community on Thursday of last week, the students were doing a science experiment.  The director linked this lesson to a previous one by a Bible verse.  Seeing that nature follows rules reminds us that every living thing fulfills a purpose set by the Creator, and in that way, is obedient to Him, as we should be.

But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
    or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
    or let the fish of the sea inform you.
Which of all these does not know
    that the hand of the Lord has done this?
In his hand is the life of every creature
    and the breath of all mankind. Job 12:7-10

It occurred to me then, that for the most part, man is the only creature that struggles to fulfill God’s purpose.  The sun shines, the birds nest and sing, the wind blows, the Earth turns, bears hibernate, lions hunt, cows moo and produce milk…they do what God has ordained for them, they know and perform their role.  They fill the niche that He has set for them.  But what of me?  Do I bloom where I am planted or chafe against a change that God has instituted in my life?  Do I respond in a Christlike manner, as commanded, or do I simmer and splutter and spew when the heat is applied by someone in my life.  Am I a blessing, do I point to God by my words and actions?  Or am I a curse, letting my flesh reign and dominate my interactions?

As you can see, I am left with more questions than answers.  First and foremost I must begin to look for, and pray about the purpose that I am to serve in the lives of those God has entrusted to me – not just family and friends, but also others who simply cross my path – the grouchy grocery clerk, the impatient driver, the giver of careless words in a social interaction – how is He calling to serve, to minister?  What was I created to do this day, at this time, for this person?

And how about you? How is He calling YOU?  Who is He planning for you to bless?

justAgirl…just like you!