Thursday, June 4, 2015

Discovering What God Has Prepared For You

Hey Friend,
 
My sweet aunt passed away several years ago after a long struggle with Alzheimers.  I knew when she passed that she wanted me to have her tea cup collection.  Though her brain had dimmed those memories, a life filled with adventurous travel was captured in a collection of tea cups from all over the world. 
 
In an attempt to bring some order to our chaos of an attic, I began going through boxes of her things that had been packed away since her death.  It was sort of like a bittersweet Christmas, opening and unpacking the boxes one by one.  When I got to her tea cups, however, it was like uncovering buried treasure.  One by one, I carefully brought each one to the light of day again.  Beautiful, ornate, colorful, carved, embellished, painted, gilded tea cups from every corner of the world.  I cradled each one as I unpacked them. 
 
All meant for the same purpose, but each so unique and different from all the rest.
 
I kind of had to chuckle, too, as I thought of my husband's reaction when he first laid eyes on my collection of 50+ coffee cups.  I can now say that I come by it honestly...it's in my DNA lol.
 
Like those cups, we are all created for the same purpose - to be in relationship with God - but how we go forth and be His image bearers is so unique and different from all those around us. 
 
Many times (and I am now in my fifties), I have said that I'm still trying to discover what I want to be when I grow up. 
 
What if what we are meant to be was already pre-ordained, and in different seasons, we are meant to be different things? 
 
For we are his (own) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus (born anew) for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (living the good life which he prearranged and made ready for us to live).  (Ephesians 2:10)
 
The Message version of this verse adds even more depth:  He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing. (Ephesians 2:10)

My job, then, as I see it is to work at uncovering my purpose, which God has created in me, in the season that I am blessed with.

Just as I brought each of those tea cups, unique and different, into the light of day, God wants to unwrap each of us to love and serve Him in the unique style in which we were created to do so.  Hmmm....

So where does that leave the pitfalls of:

jealousy?

comparison (Facebook)?

insecurity?

fear?

pride?

Basically it leaves them in the dust. 

God has given us each our own package that only we can unwrap.

God has a special plan for me...it's up to me to discover it.

Life is meant to be a collaborative effort not a competition.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."  (Jeremiah 1:5)

Being a lover of words, I quickly had to reference the word "consecrate".  In this instance it means: to make or declare sacred or holy, to be set apart.

In both the passage in Jeremiah and in the words from Paul to the Ephesians, the principle comes across loud and clear...

Before God formed you in the womb He knew you.  He set you apart from all the others.  He already has prepared work that only you are meant to do.  He has prepared a way for you in which He wants you to walk that is different from the walks of all the others.  You are created for good works.  He loves you.  You have a purpose. 

We are all image bearers.  We are all born anew and are called to take the Good News to all the Nations.  Exactly how, and where, and when, and what that's going to look like is going to vary greatly from image bearer to image bearer. 

Our job is to seek Him so that we may discover the plan God has prepared for us.  We can know, with joy, that Christ will fuel our steps if we are walking in His will for our lives.

So how exactly do we discover what God has prepared for us?

Seek Him with a sincere and open heart.

Take inventory of yourself and how He has created you. 

What makes your heart skip a beat?

Don't worry if what you are called to is "seen" or "unseen", in front of others or behind others...for ALL are important in God's economy.

Don't be surprised if He calls you to something outside your comfort zone!! (If someone would have told me a few years ago that I would be championing a Christian School in Pakistan, I would have told them they don't have both oars in the water).

Pray and wait expectantly.

Enjoy the discovery process.

Know, without a doubt, that God has a perfect plan designed especially for YOU!!

Okay...so what kind of tea cup are you?  Go discover it...the world is waiting!!

Dear Lord, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  I thank You that You have created me in Your image and that You think so much of me that You have set me apart and created for me a purpose that only I can fulfill.  Help me to seek You, to discern what is, and what is not for me to do.  Guide me in the path that You have prepared for me and then give me courage to go forth and be Your image bearer unto the Nations.  In Jesus' precious name I pray, Amen.


Be blessed...

Ps. Update on Redeemer Christian School:  Many more children are seeking refuge inside the walls of the school.  Pray for us as we step forward in trust that God will provide as we slowly enroll more students.  If you feel so led, will you partner with us?  Fact: $120. will provide for an education for one child for one year.  That's $10/month.  If you can commit to seeing one child escape the streets and receive the hope of a Christian education, would you consider covering a year, or half a year, or even two months?  It's amazing how a little can go a long way!!

Send checks/funds to:  Bev Rihtarchik (put RCS in the memo line)
                                   103 Silver Lining Lane
                                   Cary, NC  27513

Please continue to pray for the safety of the director, teachers, helpers,  and children.  Thank you.
 
Next week I'll be takin' a break to enjoy visiting with company...I invite you to catch up on some posts in the Archives...Happy Summer!

29 comments:

  1. I'm a tea cup girl myself! When we moved my children began to unpack a few boxes, amazed at how many I really had. Each one has a story. I'm a non-clutter kind of girl but these are treasures. : )

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    1. Suzie,
      I just love displaying part of my aunt's tea cup collection...it makes me feel like a little piece of her is still here with me. She was such a delight and loved the Lord. I just know she's having tea with Jesus and that makes me smile! Glad to know you're a sister tea cup lover :)
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  2. Dear friend, this may just be one of my favorite posts of yours. Just goodness here. And all stuff I really, really needed to read. Sorry I haven't been by lately. Always in my prayers. Forever grateful for your friendship. xoxo

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    1. Beth,
      Just like a good friend coming through my door...it is ALWAYS a joy to see you!! You have been on my mind and in my prayers as well! I'm glad I had something good to offer you today...I miss you!
      Love and, of course, ((hugs)),
      Bev

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  3. Love the thought that God has a plan for us in each season of life - our job is to unwrap that plan. Love it!

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    1. Kathryn,
      It is truly amazing how God continues to unfold new plans for me in each stage of my life...I'm doing things now that seemed like dreams when I was a mother of preschoolers. It is exciting to unwrap each plan and I look forward to what God has in store for the next 20 years :) Thanks for your encouragement...
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  4. I love your teacup analogy and know that God does have a plan for each of us. I also believe as you do that the plans look different for different stages of our lives. I have shared before that now I have entered the world of retirement, I have just as much to look forward to because God has big things planned. I am ready and know that my job is to be ready and embrace what is next. Keep writing these beautiful God-honoring words. #RaRalinkup

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    1. Mary,
      Thank you for your encouragement! Your words are always so uplifting. I do believe that God has big things in store for you in your "retirement". Some of the Bible's greatest heroes were just getting started around our age lol :) You are so right to be ready to embrace what God has in store for you next...it's bound to be a wonderful adventure!!
      Blessings to you my friend,
      Bev xx

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    2. I loved reading this a second time this morning. Enjoy your break!

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  5. Dear Bev, firstly your coffee cup selection is a beautiful treasure. I love it when you said we are consecrated, set apart, pre ordained. God has plans and works on us daily to bring them to manifestation.
    God Bless your dear heart for your sincerity.
    PS. Thanks for stopping over. I always appreciate your visit and kind comments too.

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    1. Thanks Ifeoma,
      I love my collection of my aunt's teacups too...seeing them out just feels like a little part of her is always near. I, too, took great comfort knowing that God has set me apart and you're right, He works on us daily to bring those plans to manifestation. So glad you popped by :)
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  6. Good morning! I'm your neighbor from #TellHisStory. I've always struggled with finding purpose. I've come to the same conclusion that you have stated; we are all designed to have relationship with Him. Thank you for your encouraging post and I absolutely love the coffee cup analogy.

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    1. Samantha,
      Hi neighbor :) Yes, indeed, our ultimate purpose is to be in relationship with Him...everything else is secondary. But take heart, He has set you apart as well. He's got great things in store for you!! Unwrap and watch...
      Blessings,
      Bev xx

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  7. I love the idea Bev, that God has given each of us our own package to unwrap. How true that is. Beautiful idea. Cheering you on from the #RaRalinkup with Purposeful Faith.

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    1. Kelly,
      Thank you , as always, for your contagious enthusiasm. I needed some cheering on today...thanks for giving my heart a lift!
      Blessings and ((hugs)),
      Bev

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  8. I'm with Beth above. This may be my favorite post of yours, Bev. I love the practical list at the end of how we can discover our calling! I love the adventure of knowing that even in our 50's, God has new plans for us!

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    1. Betsy,
      Thanks...as always...I appreciate your input! Hey, we're in our 50's...Biblically speaking we're still young whipper-snappers lol. I know God has lots more in store for us :)
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  9. I love the comparison with the tea cups. Thank you for reminding me that the thing God has me to do is special!

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    1. Kaylie,
      Yes, indeed, you are special and His plan for you is something unique that only you can fill! Our God is pretty ingenious!!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  10. Love this. My mom gave me all her tea cup collection long before she died. I love them and been wanting to blog about them. Now I have some ideas. Loved this blog. And hey I just turned 65. Good grief where did the time go? I still feel 18 and most days act like it.

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    1. Deborah,
      It's kind of amazing where we can draw our inspiration from with writing. My aunt's tea cups just had a story that needed to be told. How special that you have your mom's collection - something I know you treasure. Hope my post gave you a spring board for ideas?! And 65 is YOUNG. Some of the Bible legends didn't come into their own until very late in years :) Keep acting 18 !!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  11. Beautiful post, beautiful tea cups...so precious to compare them to our purpose...love Phil,3:10a Amplified...my determined purpose is that I may know Him...❤️

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    1. Beth,
      Every time I look at that tea cart with the cups, I am reminded that God has a very special purpose for me - for all of us! I love the verse you pointed us to in Philippians ... great reminder :) Thanks!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  12. "God has given us each our own package that only we can unwrap." Amen, Bev. Wow, what a collection that must be! I love coffee and tea cups, too. :-) I love this analogy you draw between us and the teacups and the way you walk us through some of the pitfalls we often fall into. I certainly have fallen prey to several of those. Thanks for always pointing us toward the Light, my friend. You are a blessing.

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    1. Abby,
      All of us writers and bloggers - we're all different tea cups that bring our own unique beauty into the world. Each of us is needed for the individual viewpoints and style we offer. Would definitely be boring if we were all the same. The enemy would love to snag us in the pitfalls, but I pray we can all steer clear of him. So thankful for your encouragement sweet friend!
      Blessings and ((hugs)),
      Bev

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  13. Mmm, so good to my heart. Just the reminder I needed today that my path looks a little different, and that's okay!

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    1. Ally,
      Yes, your path is different and it is wonderful as well! Celebrating what makes you, uniquely you :)
      Blessings,
      Bev xx

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  14. Lovely, lovely, Bev! Trusting God to unwrap the hidden treasures, even as He cleans out the stuff that has no place in my heart ...

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    1. Linda,
      I love what you've said here...that God does things simultaneously...unveiling treasures while cleaning out the junk...Amen!
      Blessings friend,
      Bev

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