Finding Your Place

    There are times in everyone's lives when they are lost, looking for their niche. By following the crowd and doing what is considered "normal", so many become engulfed in a confusing and destructive circle of life. Whether you're a record-breaking athlete, creative artist, or competent businessman, following instinct as opposed to God- given direction is useless. If you are a believer in Christ as your Lord and savior, then you should consider your own understanding in this area. If you are not a believer, then you should consider how Christ can save you from error in this situation.
    For a moment, focus on your greatest talent- the ability that you have had since you could remember. Where did it come from? Did you acquire a talent by simply trying to be good at something? The answer is "no." No matter what you excel in, within your power and knowledge you did not make yourself talented. You have been given all your abilities from your creator: God. He gives us gifts for His glory (1 Cor 4: 7, 1 Cr 12: 4-11). Nothing we have comes through ourselves, but from God, so how can a creation boast on itself without giving its creator the credit? It is impossible and detestable to attempt. Though we all have different gifts, such as leadership, speech, encouraging, or serving, each gift has the ultimate purpose to make God known.
    So what we all must ask ourselves is "Where do I fit in?" You may know that God has given you the ability to sing or preach, or you may still be searching; either way you are called by His purpose (Rom 8:28). Do not feel pressed for time in finding your role in life, for God makes His will known when our heart truly wishes to know it. Immersing yourself in the Bible is always a great starting place; you can even ask for spiritual advice from someone who knows the Bible well.
    Let us not become so confident in our abilities that we forget the person behind it to depend on ourselves for what is so-called "success." Ask God how he wants to use you and He will show you, relieving the stress of doing things on your own- endless labor that sows no fruits. Then, you will be on a path to true success and triumph, for when we give God our steering wheel, his wheel power is much more powerful than our own will.