The Call: DO (Natural Abilities)
God is a doer. In six days He created the world and everything in it. On the sixth day God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27). Like God, youre a doer.
God has work for you to do. He created you with everything you need to complete your work. Nothing about your makeup is haphazard or coincidental.
Whats your work? The answer isnt complicated. Its to use your natural abilities and spiritual gifts to serve others. Its that simple. First well look at abilities; next time well examine gifts.
God hardwired into you certain natural abilities. These abilities come so naturally that you may not even be aware of them. You do certain things so well and so effortlessly that you tend to think everyone can do them. Not so. Ask your friends. Theyll tell you what your strengths are.
Listed below are some categories and related terms to help you identify and use your strengths.
Analytical: Assess, Diagnose, Discover, Investigate, Solve
Communication: Speak, Write, Listen, Explain, Respond
Creative: Artistic, Design, Imagine, Musical, Perform
Entrepreneurial: Compete, Negotiate, Risk, Sell, Start
Interpersonal: Cooperate, Empathize, Encourage, Facilitate, Support
Leadership: Achieve, Envision, Guide, Influence, Inspire
Organizational: Arrange, Calculate, Compile, Manage, Plan
Practical: Assemble, Build, Install, Operate, Repair
Which category is your strongest? Identify, use and develop it.
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.
