Inspiration Through: Assignments

Over the last few months, I've been having this feeling that I needed to revive these weekly devotionals. To be truthful though, I just didn't "feel" like it. While it really doesn't take much out of me to type these up and hit "publish post," it was more of a fight between myself and actually wanting to do it. I honestly gave myself every reason as to why it wasn't needed for me to bring them back. From thinking "people aren't really reading these, so it doesn't matter if you do them or not" to "you've got enough going on in your life right now so there's no way you can re-commit to doing those," I literally convinced myself for months that these were not important. But after church on Sunday, I was reminded just why I had to bring them back: it was assigned to me to do this.

When we think of the word "assignments," it's usually tied to something dealing with school or work.

What I've learned over the years and what I'm continued to be reminded though is that assignments are given to us multiple times in life and for different reasons. Although many of us may not be sure of what our assignments are, that doesn't negate the fact that we have them. And if you aren't sure what your assignment is at this time in your life, that's one of the most important questions you could ask.

I can admit that I've left some of my God-appointed assignments undone because of my own fear. I've felt inadequate to complete them or had feelings that my input on the matter just wasn't important. What God reminded me during Sunday's service, however, is that if He sends you on the mission, it's because no one can complete it like you. God won't send you somewhere or to someone if you can't solve the problem at hand. And, more importantly, He does not want you to walk away from an assignment unless it's solved. Unfortunately though, we all make the mistake of leaving things too quickly at some point because of how we feel and that's not how it should be.

Likewise, the way that we look at our assignment could be a reason as to why we can't complete it.

Sometimes, we're called to do things that we're not necessarily "into" doing. I'm OK with admitting that this is something I haven't necessarily gotten a full grip on dealing with. If we start to work on those assignments with a bitter or angry attitude though, it can cause us to miss what God is doing for us and through us for someone else. The biggest lesson that I've learned during my time of frustration when in the midst of an assignment that I either wasn't prepared for or excited about doing from the beginning, is that you have to remember that God sent you for a reason. No matter how small or seemingly minuscule the task may be, it was big enough to be assigned to YOU and strategically done so by God. That in itself should be enough to keep you going. The thought that God chose you out of all the people on the earth to complete this particular task is special in itself. You weren't chosen by accident or coincidence. Again, it was through His strategy.

It's really easy to run away from something you've been assigned to. It's even easier to start something and decide by yourself that "the season is done" because you're tired of doing it. But our assignment — regardless of what it is in that season of life — is to do what you've been called to do in the way you're called to do it. There are people out there who need you to come through in the areas God has assigned to you in order for them to do their part. It's important that we stop letting things distract us from that. And that includes our own tiredness and weariness. Can you imagine if Jesus let a distraction come in when you went to Him for the things you need? Or even to ask for forgiveness? I sure can't and don't ever want to.

My ask: If you are in a space where you don't understand what your assignment is or have abandoned your assignment, spend some time this week communing with God about that. Ask Him to make it clear to you what you need to know about that assignment and for strength to push through even when you don't feel like you can (or should). Likewise, if you are currently in an assignment and find yourself having bouts of bitterness or anger built up toward it, be reminded that God has chosen you to do this for a reason. Remember that how you react to the things God gives you can reveal a lot about yourself, your motives and your heart. Assignments — depending on your perception — can be punishments or privileges. The label you give them for your story falls on you.

"I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do." — John 17:4

Until next time!

With Creative (and Completing) Thoughts,

-Kp