Fourteen years lapsed between the time Paul first tried to fit in with the apostles and when he finally received the right hand of fellowship. I'd like to suggest the hand didn't come a moment behind schedule. What use would God have had for Paul if he simply turned out to be another James? Another Peter? Another John? His mission was distinct. And so, Beloved, is yours. God knows what He's doing! Trust Him. God is busy making you someone no one else has ever been.

Faithfulness in our Christian walk requires order, some black-and-white fundamentals, but within that order is glorious room for color and creativity.

So please forgive my self-loathing. Help me to praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. I know that full well (Ps. 139:14).

God is where He calls us.

God is who He says He is. God can do what He says He can do. I am who God says I am.

I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

Moses asked God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and that I should bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" Exodus 3:11

As you search for your calling, do you attempt to find someone He is using in exactly the same way? Stop! Of the six billion people on this planet, that person may not exist—because God is creative.

You have turned things around, as if the potter were the same as the clay. Isaiah 29:16

I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 Our glorious walk with God began with an act of faith that brought us into relationship with Jesus Christ as our Savior.

Christ's vehement frustration with the church of Laodicea was that she'd be of some use! The last thing I want to tout is a works-centered faith, but we have been called to faith-centered works. Christ intends for us to be useful! Churches are meant to be viable, active forces in their communities. In

The fact that a need exists does not mean God has called me to meet that need.