As you walk through this journey called life you may began to wonder why you were given particular talents or gifts.  You may began to wonder what your purpose in this life is, what your calling is if you will.   Before we get to that we must first understand who we are in Christ.  “God created man in his image…male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27).  We were each made in the likeness of God.   God created us to have a personal relationship with Him.  Jesus said to His followers, “I no longer call you servants…Instead, I have called you friends” (John 15:15).   He created us for His good pleasure and for a divine purpose.  “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10).  Having accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior, we know that our steps are ordered by Him.  We know who we are and who we belong to as followers of Jesus Christ.  So what of these gifts and talents that we particularly have as Christians?  The apostle Paul phrased it this way “We have different gifts according to the grace given us.  If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.  If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy; let him do it cheerfully” (NIV, Romans 12:5-8).  God gave us gifts and talents not for ours alone but for the purpose of serving Him and serving others.  As we step out in faith and walk in the way of service we do not have to walk this path alone.  The knowledge that our steps are ordered by the Lord means that we can call on Him for guidance and direction and as we seek Him, He will answer and we will not have to rely on ourselves.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path” (Proverbs 3:5-6).  Even as we strive to follow the Lord and His plan for us, Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulations, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  This is good news!  “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).  I know this to be true and it is my personal testimony.   I have been through hardships that have caused me great suffering but as I trusted in the Lord and sought his guidance the Lord created a way out to a place of victory, gratefulness and peace.  In taking my gifts and experiences my path was made clear not just for me, but for His purpose.   Today I am living a life of purpose and working in my calling as a counselor.  It is very fulfilling to live in your purpose and to know that all that we go through will be turned around for our good.  Be of good cheer my fellow Christians and know that as you seek out the purpose of God for your life that He will answer and it will be worth it.