I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Psalm 32:8 AMP

Years ago when I was in college, one of my classmates had on this really good-smelling perfume that I noticed as soon as she entered the room. She told me what it was and I couldn’t wait to get myself a bottle. Around Christmas time, a friend and I went to a department store and I headed straight to the fragrance section to get that same perfume. To my dismay, the fragrance didn’t smell the same way on me as it did on my classmate. It really didn’t smell good on me at all! Slightly taken aback, I decided not to purchase the fragrance. The salesperson saw the disappointment on my face and tried to make me feel better by telling me that not all perfumes are for everyone. She went on to explain that when purchasing fragrances, you have to be mindful of what suits your body chemistry. Recently, I thought about that embarrassing moment and it struck me how often people get into situations based on what they see others doing without really considering if that is really what God wants for them. I’ve done that more than a few times in my life, but most tragically, I have been guilty of doing that even in ministry.

Years ago as a new Christian, I used to desire to join ministries that were highly visible and popular. Usually, I would see someone else participating in an activity that seemed appealing, and then I would set out to do it too.  There was no prayer involved at all. I never bothered to consider how God wanted to use me. I kind of handled that part myself, based on what I wanted to do. The problem with that method was that I didn’t understand my purpose according to God’s will and so even my sincerest efforts would be ineffective. Oftentimes, I would become frustrated because it seemed effortless for others, but it was an absolute chore for me—-a clear indication that I was serving in the wrong capacity. I learned the hard way that it didn’t matter how good something may look. If God didn’t have it for me, then it simply would not work out.  I could go and pursue it if I wanted to, but I would only end up exhausted and frustrated.

When we operate in the will of God, God gives us everything we need to be effective in that capacity and we don’t become weary. But we have to get to a point where we are content with God’s will, whatever that means for us individually. Everything just isn’t for everybody. At first, this reality was painful for me to hear, but then I got excited because it just speaks to how creative and unpredictable God is. He is anything but predictable. He didn’t design cookie-cutter lives for all of us to live. God’s plan is dynamic and extremely intricate. God has specific roles for each of us to play in His plan, so being content in whatever state we are in and being obedient to follow His leading is the key to success in all areas in life. We all need to maintain our focus on Him and not what others are doing, or even on our own personal desires. Spend some alone time with the Lord and allow Him to take the reins in your life. He has something especially for you, and no one will ever be able to imitate it or take it away from you, simply because He said it’s yours.