“You are unique.” How many times have you heard that in your lifetime? It’s a familiar phrase, but have you ever really taken the time to consider it? Take some time to think about your personality, gifts and talents. What does your uniqueness say about God and His purposes for you?

I’ve learned that knowing myself and my uniqueness is part of knowing God better. The better I know myself, the clearer God’s purpose for me becomes. And I am always learning more, which keeps me growing and reaching further for what He has ahead. As I learn what I am good at, I begin to see what I can do for Christ. I have a clearer picture of His character, plan and purposes and how I fit into them.

How about you, my friend? Here are some things I know about you:

You were created with unique gifts and abilities. You really were! Have you considered your gifts and talents? When you consider your gifts, do you realize that they weren’t given to you simply so that you could enjoy them? They were give to you so that you could serve God, His people and His purpose on the earth. You have a mission, my friend. Have you discovered it yet?

You were made to fit. You may feel like you don’t belong. You may feel like you haven’t found your place yet. That is okay. But know, believe and be firm in the fact that there is a place for you. There is! Even if you feel like you don’t fit. There is a place where you fit. Your adventure is to find it!

It can be discouraging as you look around and see others flourishing. You may feel like they have the place that belongs to you. But, here’s the thing I have learned and can encourage you in: There is room enough for everyone.

It has always been my desire to write. I have always known that writing was in me. I have felt called to write a book. But as I looked at the book market and the hundreds of thousands of options out there I would ask myself, “Why would anyone want to choose what I write when there are so many other options out there?” I questioned whether my writing could make a difference. Then I joined a writing community called Compel Training (Click to find out more).. Over and over the teachings have emphasized that there is room for everyone. What each writer has to say will reach a particular group of people that no one else will reach. This encourages me to pursue my call to write. What matters is not the size of my platform, but that I am faithful to use my gifts and talents as God is calling me to do.

The same is true for you. The world needs your contribution. There is room for you!

You were meant to belong to His Body. We are one body. Jesus’ Body. As part of His Body, you are in Christ. In Christ! Whatever He put in you is also in Him. You have access to all that is His to help you fulfill your potential for His glory.

Because you are in Christ, you are a part of every other person who is in Christ. Think about it. We aren’t just a bunch of individuals when we are in Christ. We are the Body of Christ. One body. One being, so to speak. Every part works together with different functions (I Corinthians 12). As you discover how you are meant to function, you give power to every other part to function as they are meant to. When you fulfill your potential, you help the Body of Christ become all that it is meant to be.

You don’t belong to yourself. “Each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:5) Not only do you belong to the whole Body, they belong to you. When you fulfill your divine potential it strengthens them and when they are functioning by design it strengthens you. What you have helps them and what they are helps you. Isn’t that awesome!

It’s taken me a while to really believe it, but when I write it strengthens you, even if you don’t read it. Why? Because I am doing what God has called me to do and using what He has given me for the purpose of bringing glory to Him. Because I am in Christ and you are in Christ, you are strengthened. I know that my life is not my own. I have been bought with a price and, therefore, I want to glorify God in my body and my spirit which are God’s. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV)

You and I don’t need to fear someone else’s success. We can celebrate it and help them succeed. When you help another fulfill their potential, you are serving the whole body. Your part matters. Your gift matters. Someone else’s gift is not a threat. It may be different from yours, but when they succeed it helps you.

You are not out there on your own. You are a part of something so much bigger than yourself. You are not alone, Dear One! You are in Christ. Because you are in Him, you belong to Him. And because you belong to Him, you belong to everyone else that is His. And, by the way, they belong to you!

Key thought: Your uniqueness is needed.

A Scripture to consider: “So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

A YES challenge: Take a gifts assessment and consider some ways you can fulfill your divine potential for God’s glory and the good of His body. Here’s one to try: Spiritual Gifts Assessment (Click the title)

Prayer: Lord, it’s hard to see how my small part really makes a difference. Help me to grow in believing that my uniqueness matters. Help me to know myself better so that I can better fulfill my purpose and strengthen the whole Body. Thank you that I am in Christ and belong to You and every other person who is in You. Amen.‬‬