Good things happen when God's people fulfill their unique assignments.
I was talking with a person in our church yesterday who received a note of encouragement. The words came from a friend who singled her out for the role she has played in life and the ministry of SRC. The impact of those words put wind in her sails and lifted her spirits at a critical time.
What amazed me is that the "encouraged person" said that she hasn't been affirmed like that in twenty years. I know this individual. She is not given to hyperbole.
That incident got me thinking about a portion of an interview I read in Preaching magazine with the noted pastor and author, Max Lucado.
Preaching: if you could offer a word of counsel to a young preacher just starting out, what would you say to him or her?
Lucado: I would really encourage the person to seek out his or her unique ability, the unique assignment. You know, try to discern what kind of role you have, what are your spiritual gifts, and do the most what you do the best. All of us have to do some of what we don't do the best; but as we stay in ministry, it's wise for us to recognize that some of us are called to be visionary leaders, others are called to be pastors, others are called to be counselors, so never apologize for your unique assignment.
This morning my heart is encouraged because an individual in our church took some time to grapple with their "unique assignment" from God. I watched first-hand the impact that was made in the life of another part of our church family because of it.
I think Lucado's words are ringing in my ear, not only because of that note of encouragement and how powerful it was, but because his words are the echo of what God says quite clearly in Romans:
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8 ESV
One person's unique assignment is to notice the work of God in and through others, then to put pen to paper in a heartfelt word of encouragement. Part of my unique assignment is to tell the story.
What unique assignment has God given you?
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[1] Michael Duduit, "Preaching And Story: An Interview With Max Lucado" in Preaching September/October 2013, page 11. You can access the article online at www.preaching.com.