YOU HAVE A MASTER PLAN

“You are not GIFTED!” someone once told me. It surprised me, because I thought this person was secure in them self. I submit to you that the people who say such things are: prideful, jealous- of your success, angry- that you are strong enough to believe in yourself, fearful- that you will show them up, and/or, envious- of your abilities. If you have ever heard this, or anything like it, don't let the hurt dissuade you. Hold your head up – you are indeed gifted.

You do something well; we all have some sort of talent, even if it seems insignificant to you. And whatever ‘that' is, it is a part of God's master plan for your life.

There is a “Master Plan” for your life. Are you walking it out? How do you know?

Well, here are some check points to help you with your answer:

•  Are you actively engaged in your spiritual life through daily prayer?

•  Are you actively engaged in your spiritual life by joining and attending a local church body?

•  Are you listening, at all, with your spirit to the leading of the Lord? Some call it intuition or an impression.

•  Are you using any part of your life to benefit the kingdom of God ? Such as serving in an area of your church or community?

•  When you know to do something, feel strongly impressed, do you do it? Do you obey?

•  Are you teachable?

•  Do you take steps of faith even when you feel unsure?

•  Do you walk in an attitude of love?

All of our being, our spirit, soul and body must be engaged in pursuing God's plan and purpose for our life. As we use our whole being, we move toward wholeness – wholeness for every part of us.

Your prayer time is your communication with the One who loves you. The rest of the above questions are void if you don't communicate, and remember, it is two–way communication.

Being an active member of your church can allow you to use your talents and develop your gifting. Obedience is better than sacrifice . If you gave an extra

large offering to the building program, but know God really wanted you to take charge of the VBS during the summer, but you didn't, then you have sacrificed, but were you obedient? Giving to the building fund was a good deed but not responding to His leading about the VBS was disobedient. Obedience, no matter how simple, places stepping stones in front of you, preparing the way for your life, opening doors and moving you further along in your master plan. Without obedience you get ‘stuck' where you are and halt the process of continuing in your master plan.

Have you ever known a person who seems to do everything right, is in every church service and serves diligently, but you can't tell them anything? They always want to tell everyone else how to live but haven't grown or changed themselves in years. It is so important to stay teachable. Show me a teachable person and I will show you a person who has vision, is exciting, is growing and going somewhere to make things happen. An unteachable person is a prideful person, one who God resists, James 4: 6. Always remain teachable and obedient.

Faith works by love and without faith it is impossible to please God, Gal. 5: 6, and Heb. 11: 6. You cannot separate the two, faith and love. In some cases it takes faith to love certain people! “…and if I surrender my body to be burned, or in order that I may glory, but have not love, I gain nothing.” I Cor. 13: 3. You need to trust him with not only your eternal life, but with your current life. Stepping outside of your comfort zone always feels risky, but when following your spirit, it yields great rewards .

There was a time in my life that I felt impressed to follow the advice of a sage believer, and move to a nearby city. Everything I needed to make my life work was within a few miles of my home; my bank, gas station, grocery store, dry cleaner, and my son's school was all located around the block on Josey Lane . I was quite settled-in…but not really challenged or growing. When I chose to do the uncomfortable thing, follow the leading of the Lord, and step out, my life changed forever. I really didn't want to move, but I did it, unsure, because my best laid plans weren't coming together. God had a plan, and I just allowed myself to go in His direction instead of my own. And when I did, I met great people who loved me, provision for my son, my income increased, my joy increased, I even lost weight and improved my fitness!

Growing and using your talent is an important part of walking out your master plan. There is depth to who you are and self discovery is a life-long journey with many seasons. If there is an area you need to improve, the short answer is to simply give it more of your attention through prayer and obedience; eventually that area will strengthen, moving you further along in your “Master Plan”.

Begin to believe in yourself and the good plan for your life – God does!

“And I am convinced and sure of this very thing,

that He who began a good work in you

will continue until the day of Jesus Christ (right up to the time of His return),

developing (that good work)

and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.”

Phil. 1:5-7

Sher's Bio

Sher Walker is a Master Artist for the media arts. She began her career in 1984 as a production assistant in television. In 1985 she attended The Research Council of Makeup Artistry School for Film, and established her career in Dallas , Texas as a freelance makeup artist.

Her 20+ year career has taken her around the globe designing camera-ready-image for movie stars, rock stars, politicians, religious leaders, athletes and CEO's. Her work is seen on nationally broadcast programs, magazine and book covers.

Sher is an author and speaker, sharing inspiration for sound living, the importance of servant hood, and of course, makeup tips! She is also a guest speaker/instructor for major universities.

Divorced with one son and remarried with three step children, Sher resides in the Dallas , TX area balancing family and career.

**If what you have read here has impacted your life, I would be glad to hear from you! Please send me a quick email at Sher@DesignBySher.com