I’m not good at a lot of things. If I made a list of them, it’d be extensive Here’s a sample: 

• Repairing cars
• Giving speeches
• Hiding my emotions
• Opening tight jars

I may never be good at those things or a host of others. Don’t get me wrong, I try to improve myself daily, but there will always be many things that I’m simply not good at.

And you know what? That’s OK. For me and for you. God grants us talents and abilities to play a role in his kingdom. He makes us all beautifully different.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting the first Jobs For Life class at the new Buckner Family Hope Center at Bachman Lake in Dallas. Ricardo Brambila is the founding director of the effort. In a matter of months, he’s already serving a significant group of people and helping families work toward self-sufficiency. Under God’s guidance, he is shining hope to those who had none.

As I watched him lead the class, I noticed how perfectly comfortable he was in this setting. He’s energized by being with the people he serves. He cares deeply about them. He is using his God-given talents and abilities to play his role in God’s kingdom. Ricardo loves it, and it shows. He’s where he’s supposed to be.

This week, look for places where you’re energized. Let us discover where God would have us serve. Let us play the role he wants us to play for his kingdom.  

The righteous will flouris like a palm tree,
   they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
planted in the house of the Lord,
   they will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit in old age,
   they will stay fresh and green,
proclaiming, "The Lord is upright;
   he is my rock, and there is no wickedness in him." -Psalm 92:12-15

Deeper reflection:

• What does it mean to be called by God to do something?
• What energizes you?
• Where is God calling you?

Next steps:

• Begin serving this week.
• Don’t know where to start? Check out our Volunteer Central for opportunities for you to serve through Buckner. Live out the gospel through service.