Live and Love Strong

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:31

When you were little, did your parents or teachers tell you that you could grow up and be anything you wanted to be? 

I remember my second grade teacher, Mrs. Wolfe, talking about some of the things we could grow up to be: firefighters, doctors, police officers, postal workers, teachers, and trash collectors.  Since I knew that trash was stinky, postal workers had to walk all day long, doctors had to see blood, and fire fighters and police officers risked their lives every day, the only good option left for 7 year-old me was to become a teacher, just like my mom and grandfather. 

When we talk to our kids about their futures, I hope we ask leading questions like:

·       What are you really good at?

·       What comes natural to you?

·       What activities bring you fulfillment and joy?

·       When do you lose track of time because you love doing it?

·       What do other people tell you you’re good at?

·       How are you different than and/or the same as your best friend? 

These questions tend to reveal a person’s God given gifts and talents. 

Traditionally, we ask people to focus their time and energy on improving their weaknesses.  What if we could let go of our weaknesses and focus instead on our God-given strengths? 

A team of Gallup scientists have been researching human strengths now for over 40 years.  What they have discovered is that people are generally the most productive and deeply satisfied when they are working and living out of their individual strengths. 

Of the over ten million people surveyed, only three million were found to be focusing on what they do best.  Gallup encourages companies to place employees in job where their strengths shine the brightest. They also suggested revamping our education system to “invest more time into the areas a child has the most potential for greatness.” (Strengths Finder 2.0, by Tom Rath, page 7)

I took the online quiz after reading the book, Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath.  Wouldn’t you know, I was right back in second grade?  Learning and teaching were my greatest strengths.  This is true for most people.  What you were inclined to do as a child is a good reflection of how God made you and what you should be doing on this earth in order to live your best life. 

Engage With God - Read and Reflect

DAY 17 – Live and Love Strong

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:31

Daily Reminder: 

When you were born, God gave you unique gifts and talents.  He wants you to use them to live your best life.  Throw off everything that entangles you, including your weaknesses, and focus on living out of your strengths.  Be strong and GO!

Real Life Reflection Questions:

1.     What are you really good at?

2.     What comes natural to you?

3.     What activities bring you fulfillment and joy?

4.     When do you lose track of time because you love doing it?

5.     What do other people tell you you’re good at?

QUICK PRAYER –

Lord God,

Thank you for giving me gifts and talents unique to me.  Help me live my “best life” by focusing on my strengths.  Lead me toward the plans you have for me as I live, work, and love strong.

In Jesus’ Precious Name I Pray, Amen

TODAY’S THOUGHTS – Find Your Strengths & Live Them Out!

Personal Bible Study- Read, record, and reflect on these scriptures. Let them seep into your soul.

1 Peter 4:10-11 –

Joshua 1:9 –