In Chapters 30-31 of The Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren uses the acrostic SHAPE to list and describe 5 factors that illuminate the unique combination of capabilities with which God equips us for our calling. Rick summarizes this process at the beginning of Chapter 30:
“Before God created you, he decided what role he wanted you to play on earth. He planned exactly how he wanted you to serve him, and then he shaped you for those tasks. You are the way you are because you were made for a specific ministry.”
Our everyday experiences continue to support God’s shaping process.
Spiritual gifts- we need to be receptive to possible new uses for our gifts
Heart- the hallmarks of Christian service are enthusiasm and effectiveness
Abilities- we may have untapped abilities God wants to use to His glory
Personality- our ministry style must be consistent with our personality
Experience- painful experiences are God’s primary preparation for ministry
Pastor Warren then comments on a powerful truth about painful experiences: “The very experiences that you have resented or regretted most in life- the ones you’ve wanted to hide and forget- are the experiences God wants to use to help others. They are your ministry.”
Tomorrow’s blog: “God’s Power in Our Weakness”
