S.H.A.P.E.

Dear Oaks,

Thank you for your prayers whilst I was away in New Zealand. I spoke at two conferences, led a three day course on kingdom theology with church leaders from across the north island (including ex Oak-Ian Hardcastle) and spoke at two other leaders days. It was very encouraging to see God powerfully on the move and to receive testimonies of His saving, healing and liberating work.

One of my reflections after completing a very full schedule was just how energised I feel despite some remnants of jet lag. It seems to me that one of the ways we discern our calling under God is by asking the question, “what energises me?”

I know all too well that all of us have to do some things that we really would rather not. The Christian life is about following a suffering servant (one image of the Messiah), but still it remains for me that when we minister within our calling we can be both exhausted and energised at the same time. On return on Tuesday I went almost immediately to the Breaking News Course at the Kings Head. I was tired after 23 hours of flying (Economy Class) but so stimulated at what it means to be part of a local Christian community seeking to reach others with the good news of the kingdom. I must admit I did hit “the wall” and have to retire early.

So, like me, you will be required to do un-glamorous and tiring work as a servant of Jesus. But what is it about the Christian life and ministry that truly energises? When is it that you feel truly alive and excited by what it means to follow Jesus? This is just one way you can discern how God wants to use you.

Your God given shape can be discovered in part by the following:

S is for spiritual gifts. How do these operate in your life?

H is for heart. What is your particular passion in serving Him?

A is for ability. What are your natural talents?

P is for personality. What best suits you as a person?

E is for experience. How has your past prepared you for serving God on the present?

In His service,

Mark