Step Three: Commit It All to God
Because I am a reasonably responsible person with a variety of interests, said Cathy, a Professional Educator, I often found myself in leadership positions organizing and directing activities at work, home and church. I did everything from planning taco dinners for 200 youth to directing the children's musical. Since I had the necessary skills, I felt it would be selfish to say no.
As the years passed, I burned out. Serving was no longer a joy. I would begin a project thinking, I can't wait until this is over! I was frustrated and exhausted. The bright spots during that time were teaching a jr. high girls Sunday School class and the times when youth or women came to me with a problem. I loved helping them find answers and encouraging them with God's Word.
Then I took the personality assessment tool in The Intentional Woman process and my scores indicated that I am fast-paced and motivated by influencing others. Details can be especially annoying to someone with this personality. No wonder I was exhausted. I began to understand why it was so rewarding to see those I taught and counseled take steps toward spiritual and personal growth.
I started saying no to those tasks that clearly fell out of my natural behavior tendencies. Not only were they contributing to my burn out, they were tying up my time and preventing me from doing the things God had equipped me to do. More importantly, I learned that when I took on tasks outside my giftedness, I was denying someone else the opportunity to use their gifts for the glory of God. As I surrendered my life, personality, gifts, and my yesterdays to God, it drew me into a closer walk with Him a walk of dependence and joy.
The ultimate positive outcome of knowing who you are, where you have been, and what you prefer is surrender to the One Who created and liberated you. God delights in you with your specific temperament, personality characteristics, gifts and interests.
He wants you to understand who you are, so that:
(Adapted from The Intentional Woman: A Guide to Experiencing the Power of Your Story by Joan C. Webb and Carol Travilla. Published by NavPress)
As the years passed, I burned out. Serving was no longer a joy. I would begin a project thinking, I can't wait until this is over! I was frustrated and exhausted. The bright spots during that time were teaching a jr. high girls Sunday School class and the times when youth or women came to me with a problem. I loved helping them find answers and encouraging them with God's Word.
Then I took the personality assessment tool in The Intentional Woman process and my scores indicated that I am fast-paced and motivated by influencing others. Details can be especially annoying to someone with this personality. No wonder I was exhausted. I began to understand why it was so rewarding to see those I taught and counseled take steps toward spiritual and personal growth.
I started saying no to those tasks that clearly fell out of my natural behavior tendencies. Not only were they contributing to my burn out, they were tying up my time and preventing me from doing the things God had equipped me to do. More importantly, I learned that when I took on tasks outside my giftedness, I was denying someone else the opportunity to use their gifts for the glory of God. As I surrendered my life, personality, gifts, and my yesterdays to God, it drew me into a closer walk with Him a walk of dependence and joy.
The ultimate positive outcome of knowing who you are, where you have been, and what you prefer is surrender to the One Who created and liberated you. God delights in you with your specific temperament, personality characteristics, gifts and interests.
He wants you to understand who you are, so that:
- you can come boldly and freely into His presence with authenticity and integrity as the person He designed you to be.
- you can appreciate yourself as the recipient of His delight.
- the false impressions you have about yourself can be eliminated, releasing you to serve others and take responsibility for your own growth.
- you can praise and worship Him with your whole being.
- you can learn to accept your strengths and your limitations, releasing you from the pressure of unrealistic expectations.
(Adapted from The Intentional Woman: A Guide to Experiencing the Power of Your Story by Joan C. Webb and Carol Travilla. Published by NavPress)