In order for us to be resilient as Christians it is important for us to pray for God to reveal to us where it is he wants us. If we are unsure about where we are wanted and optimally able to serve, when we run into a storm our propensity to bounce back is weakened. Once He has revealed his will there is a validation that should take place. So whether someone has lost touch with their purpose (call), has been separated from their call (like those in the military often experience), or simply does not have the maturity or experience to recognize their personal call it is important to determine how to either connect or reconnect with it.
As the last several months have really tested me professionally, purpose itself has never been lost, but instead impatience has riddled me like an immature school-aged child. In this there is something that I recall from several years ago that has specifically confirmed the path that my spiritual life has taken. I remember a distinct conversation with my father-in-law prior to being married that challenged what it was I wanted to do with my life. Granted, it was prior to being married to his daughter, and just shortly after I had returned home from my deployment to Iraq, so it was not really a point in my life that I was concerned about my future, I was just glad to be home and actually have a future. Now looking back, it was probably one of the most influential questions someone had ever asked me, and it is genuinely appreciated still to this day because it validates the direction my life has taken. The question makes me regularly consider the breadth of the charted path I am on, which is very humbling.
Another important piece of performing for God is maximizing our efficiency by being in a position to be used based on our spiritual gifts. This is also a part of our validation in being in the right place when it comes to service. Not all who are called are destined to be in the pulpit or in the overseas mission field. Having taken a spiritual gifts assessment multiple times and receiving the same results that align with my professional work, it leaves little doubt where the biggest spiritual impact can be made. This is perhaps the biggest reason there is incredible personal fulfillment when someone calls for guidance with resources or support for Service members or Veterans and are satisfied with the assistance received. It is even more rewarding when Christ is represented through Uniform in Christ and we are able to influence others positively with service, spiritual assessment and Christian mentoring. A part of my call that has distinctly been identified through this spiritual gifts inventory is Christian life coaching (a Uniform in Christ focal point) with Exhortation, Mercy and Leadership.
To be confident that you are maximizing the distribution of your service and spiritual gifts, it is recommended that a spiritual gifts inventory is taken. We recommend one that aligns with Romans 12:6-8, as Paul discusses the gift given to us by the Spirit but also discover what each spiritual gift represents to help recognize them in others. On this journey of discovering where you best fit in to service in the church, we want to make sure you are aware that Uniform in Christ would benefit tremendously with your presence and spiritual gifts in our ministry as we seek to shape hearts towards Christ in Montana. In short, it is important that we do some reflection on placement to fulfill our obligation for Christ. We should literally feel like our day-to-day contribution reflects God's call for our lives, and that where we serve in the church/community reflects our spiritual Holy Spirit given gifts.
In advance of showing our thanks during this week of Thanksgiving,
Uniform in Christ would like to make mention of the church that has
given at great lengths to see this ministry grow. We are very
appreciative of Hannaford Street Bible Church in Helena for its
continued generosity and its distinct focus on missions both here and
abroad. Advancing the gospel among Montana military families and
Veterans remains our mission and could benefit with your prayer and
financial support.
Please send us your comments, questions, or encouragement to
uniforminchrist@gmail.com. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
God Bless,
Ryan Luchau
Co-Founder, UIC
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