How do we know what God wants with us? What is it that He has created us to be, to do?

How do we find His will, His desire, His vision for our lives?

These questions seem to constantly rouse Christians’ hearts, sometimes with anxiety and concern, sometimes with hope and excitement. Whichever reaction you find yourself experiencing,

it’s related to your belief about God. It might even be the difference between

knowing about Him and truly knowing Him.

Take the parable of the talents for an example.

Matthew 25: 14-30 is a story about investment.

We’re told that “a man” gathered his servants and delegated responsibilities to them depending on their varying abilities.

Then he went away on a long trip.

Upon his return he met with the three servants to settle accounts. The first servant, who was entrusted

with 5 talents, doubled those assets.

The second servant was given three talents

and he likewise doubled the endowments.

Both were rewarded with

“entering into the joy of their master.”

The third servant… Well, his end turned out different.

Why?

Let’s look at what he believed about the master.

He judged him to be a hard man.

This belief caused him to fear so he hid his talent.

When the master asked for an explanation he made excuses and returned what he had been given without appreciation.

All was removed from his cautious life and given to those

who were willing to take risks for the master.

That third servant then lived in outer darkness,

far removed from the master’s joy.

How does this apply to the questions of future and destiny that rumble in our hearts?

Consider this:

1. God’s entrusted to you His best gift – life through Jesus Christ. He longs for you to live it with abandon.

2. When you don’t trust the Lord and live in fear of the unknown, you miss the opportunity to

fulfill the dreams of God.

3. When you risk a challenge in Jesus name,

invest your life in something beyond yourself,

you find you’re living in the Master’s joy.

This doesn’t guarantee liberty from suffering and trials.

On the contrary, it might even invite such hardships,

but your focus is not the outcome of your investment.

Your center is completely Jesus – a fulfillment that goes beyond human measurement of success.

Knowing Him defines “meaningfulness.”

So today, invest you talent in simple, yet profound ways.

Look for God in the lives of those who need His touch.

You might ask, “Who’s that?” Well, continue reading in Matthew 25; this is a good place to start…

Instead of avoiding the hungry,

give them something to eat.

Instead of ignoring the thirsty,

give them something to drink.

Instead of walking passed the stranger,

invite him to join you.

Instead of buying more clothes,

clothe the naked.

Instead of preserving your health,

serve the sick.

Instead of being selfish with your freedom,

visit those in prison.

If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to Jesus, you'll find both yourself and Him. Matthew 10:39

Love mercy, do justly = His will, His desire,

His vision for you.

Micah 6:8

Thank you for investing to help us show mercy to widows

and bring justice to orphans.

Below are photos capturing the meaning of our lives...