Seeking Character | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Seeking Character | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jodi Gardner
08/26/13
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How often do we wonder if we are who God created us to be? What if we took a wrong path, we are not capable or not in the right position for Him to use us? Throughout the Old and New Testaments, our Heavenly Father reassures us we are His creation. He pronounces in Ephesians 2:10 (NIV), "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Reflecting on Psalm 139 (NIV), King David writes about his purpose. In his conversation with God, he says, "Lord you have searched me." Why would he say this? Because, he is soul-searching! He asks God why he makes poor decisions and seeks clarification regarding his role. In this Psalm, we experience the depth of King David's longing to please God. He proceeds to write about the reassurance God provided him:

"Oh Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know, when I sit and when I rise, you perceive my thoughts from afar… you hem me in -- behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me… where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?... For you created my innermost being; you knit me together from my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place."

King David could not hide any aspect of himself from God. In coming to accept himself as the son of the Most High King, he recognized every trait had been created by God. No, God does not want us to sin. He wants us to live holy and devout lives. He wants us to channel His God-given characteristics towards His righteousness. As I reflect on King David, he modeled a well known human error … passion. He permitted his passion to be aimed towards women. When he did not have battles or a specific goal, he allowed his fervor to deviate towards the flesh. God knew David would be a passionate man before his conception.

I believe so many of us have attributes we consider faults. Maybe we are argumentative, passive, talk too much, or isolate. Are these "weaknesses" really God-given gifts we need to guide in a direction pleasing to Him? For instance, what am I'm arguing against? Could I adapt this passion to express my views into healthy advocacy? An argument, as in debate or legal cause, is a strong opinion that holds purpose with evidence. By modifying the style and technique while identifying the purpose of the argument, we can become great advocates. We can channel moments of previous abuse and neglect into fuel for petitions to support others' safety. By surrendering such hurts to God and listening intently to His calling, He can mold such offenses into His weaponry. Thus, we become great tools for our Father. Likewise with all other "weaknesses," He already knows our hurts, hangups, and stumbling blocks so why not train those perceived unbefitting aspects of ourselves into a Godly purpose. God may expose a higher meaning for them or heal wounds that hinder His avocations. Then when we search ourselves, just as King David did, we can see ourselves through the eyes of Pappa God.

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