Understanding Your Shape

Pastor Bob Alderman

FBC Rio Grande City

brobob@brobob.org

40 Days of Purpose Journal

Day Number 31

I am glad no one else can be me! One is enough!

The world would be a sad place if we were all the same – no variation, no difference in culture or ideals; everyone with the same attitude and background. YUCH!

God, in His wisdom, made me and is Lord of my past. I may have made a bunch of poor choices, but He is in control of using those bad choices for His glory.

I notice that God often places those who are different together. Maybe so their grinding together can polish and sharpen them both?

As a pastor I am often placed in situations where I am expected to do things that I am not especially gifted in doing. These duties are very hard for me, even if the task is simple. I find it easier, and more enriching, writing Biblical commentary on a piece of scripture that may take months to complete, than changing a light bulb that may only take a few moments. One seems like an extreme job that I will put off as long as possible while the other doesn’t even seem like work.

This is because of the SHAPE God has formed me into. I enjoy doing the work He has called and prepared me for and find those other tasks very difficult.

I have been blessed by God to have a wide range of experience, probably more than most people. I have worked on a farm, a gas station, a feed store, installing HVAC and other appliances, served in the Air Force in North Carolina and Western Europe, worked home, commercial and industrial construction, served in local government and served several churches. I have traveled in 6 different countries and enjoy a wonderful family life.

My experiences are truly wide and they are an important part of my growth and purpose in Christ. He is the Lord of experiences. He is able to take my most major faults and weaknesses, forgive them, restore me and use them to His glory and for His people.

My SHAPE is in God’s Hands. I must use the SHAPE He has given me to serve Him by serving His church.

This will bring God joy.

I want to make God smile.