Stars and Scars: Part 4 of 4

Steven Lake Posted on Posted in Life Well-Lived

Both STARS and SCARS are indicators of life purpose. God gives you these highlight moments to prepare you for the unique assignment you were created to fulfill.

STARS are the best experiences of life. These moments may be so powerful that you want others to experience the same thing. For example, God has given Paul S. leadership roles throughout his life. Paul loves to lead and is always on the lookout for younger leaders. Paul’s assignment – his calling – is to equip emerging leaders for effective ministry. Is one of your STARS pointing the way to your own purpose?

By contrast, SCARS are the worst experiences of life. When you go through a hard time you become more sensitive to others who are going through the same thing. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” God comforts us so we can comfort others. So, for example, those who are divorced often want to support others who are going through divorce. Is one of your SCARS pointing the way to your own purpose?

STARS and SCARS are both gifts from God. They build your character, make you stronger, and show you why God put you here on earth.

© 2009 Steven A. Lake

About

Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.