God’s plan: To be the same but unique
The same but unique
Unique is exactly what I thought when I came back from visiting two of my cousins. They couldn’t look or act differently. Their homes couldn’t be decorated more differently, with one liking more and one liking less. They appear to be polar opposites. But for all their differences, they couldn’t be more alike because they are both followers of Christ.
These two apples below are both apples. They will both taste like apples. One has some brown spots, but they’re still apples.
Unique but different
My cousins are two of the kindest, most giving people I know. Each has a big heart, and each gives generously in their own way. When I was growing up, I saw their differences more than I saw their uniqueness. I was too young to appreciate their differences. At times, I compared them to each other. But as I grew up, I learned to love each of them for their uniqueness. While I lived in Michigan and they lived in the South, I only saw them once a year. Nevertheless, they had a big influence on my life.
I came home and started thinking about them and how the Great Potter molds us for his purpose. But let me back up a minute.
A human potter in action.
While we were in Berea, KY, we decided to drive around on the outskirts. We love to find the unexpected. We were in the country with its winding roads and kept seeing a sign for “Tater’s knob.” Hmmm. That sounded intriguing. So, we keep following the signs. We came to the road where the sign pointed to this very narrow road up a hill. I told my husband if we started to hear banjos playing, we were turning around. (Referencing the movie, “Deliverance.)
The road kept going up the hill. A driveway veered to the right. As we turned onto it, we saw this rustic building with a sign on it, “Taters knob.” It was a pottery shop. To our delight, the owner/artist was busy working on her pottery wheel fashioning a vase. A few other people were there, and we all watched as she shaped the clay.
As she worked, the clay took on different shapes. With each shape, I thought it was the finished one. It wasn’t. Finally, she molded it into its final shape. It was a beautiful vase with a narrow, long neck. This is my favorite vase shape. But each shape she had previously fashioned was beautiful as well. It just wasn’t what she had envisioned for the final product.
So I wondered…..
How Does God uniquely shape us?
Now, I don’t propose to know how God decides his purpose for each of us. But I wonder: Does he begin with the idea that he needs a person to accomplish a special purpose and then proceed from there?
Or, does he create a unique person and then decide what their purpose should be? Does he decide they need to look a certain way? Do they need to have a certain personality to accomplish God’s plan? Well, we know these last two statements are not true. God can use any person for any task. It doesn’t matter what their looks or personalities are. My two cousins are perfect examples
Well, I certainly don’t know. I only know God knows what he’s doing when he creates each of us. Like my cousins, God accomplishes his purpose through all kinds of people.
So, how did God shape you?
If we are to grow mature in our faith, we need to know who we are—not who we think we are but the unique person God created us to be. Each of us is a masterpiece, intricately designed with strengths, weaknesses, and experiences that shape our identity. While his purpose for us never changes, we accomplish his purposes in unique ways, and this is essential to recognize. Then there are those times we are laid low, facing challenges that seem insurmountable. In these moments of struggle, we often find the greatest growth occurs, allowing us to emerge stronger and more aligned with God’s plan for our lives.
I visited with a recent widow this past weekend. She is laid low for the time being. We talked about how her purpose is going to look different now. She still has the same gifts, but up until her husband’s illness, they were a team. And even though we each have a personal calling, when we’re married, they often blend with our husbands. Now, my friend will proceed on her own. But even then, her purpose will fit under the umbrella of her spiritual gifts. She is still the same person and knows how she is shaped, her purpose. There will come a time again when she pursues it once again, albeit differently.
So, the question, “How did God shape you?” may not be something you can consider now because of circumstances. But when you can, it’s necessary if you are to fulfill God’s plan for you. And certainly, having and knowing our purpose gets us through the tough times.
God has a unique plan for YOU.
God has a plan for everyone. One thing I know from reading scripture is that everyone is useful in his kingdom. Your background, ethnicity, gender, education, and family history do not matter to God. He only asks for a willing heart. If you don’t believe me, read your Bible—I mean, really read it.
You will be amazed how many imperfect persons of great accomplishment God used. One, the apostle Paul, even persecuted Christians before God interrupted him on the road and turned him completely around.
A prostitute, Rahab, is listed in the genealogy of Jesus!
If you are discouraged or find it hard to believe God can use you, I get it. I think that way myself at times, , too. Even this morning, I felt the weight of past mistakes. I wondered why God continues to use someone as fragile and messed up at times as me. And yet, I’m beyond grateful he does.
Caution about your uniqueness
You were created as the unique person you are and don’t have to be like anyone else. You don’t have to think or look like anyone else.
But this his isn’t a license to “do our own thing” with no consideration of anyone else. Sometimes, we get hung up on our “uniqueness.” We are unique so that God can use us, not so we can strut around like a peacock flaunting our freedom to be who we are. “You be you” is only appropriate when the you you are trying to be is true to the mold the Father used.
I hope this post helped any of you who are struggling with knowing your worth in Christ. If you struggle with believing you have a purpose, I hope you know now you do.
Blessings to each of you.
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