One-Shot Deal

One-Shot

Definition:
Achieved with a single attempt or action; done, produced, or occurring only once."a one-shot deal"

Our mighty Creator is so powerful and so perfect, it only took Him ONE SINGLE SHOT to make YOU. Because He is that awesome and makes no mistakes, YOU are a “one-shot deal”.  There is only one of you in this world. This was done unmistakably and for an amazing purpose, as God has a reason and a purpose for all His creations.

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." -Psalm 139:14

Sometimes you may catch yourself wondering and trying to figure out what your purpose is or why you are even here on this earth? Difficult circumstances can easily drive you to questioning yourself and your place in this world. Some of you may actually be in a comfortable position, but still have that unsatisfying feeling that maybe you should try to be someone different or achieve something different. 

On a personal note, tons of people look at me and question my position today. Heck, I even sometimes wonder myself what I am doing. As a young female with plenty of God-given abilities and talents, I too wonder if working in the family firearm business is really where I am suppose to be.  I know, I know, I’m unique, right? Thankfully, I do realize that I am unique and I realize God has His purpose. When comments are made by others and self-questioning starts in my head, I simply answer - “God has me exactly where He wants me right now." :) 

To all you readers, I’m here to tell you to rest assured that if you are attempting to follow in His light and let Him be your life “overseer”, you are right where He wants you and He is currently, or will soon be, using you for a divine purpose. Divine purposes give you spiritual fulfillment and spiritual fulfillment always answers your questions of "why?" or "what?" Why am I here? What is my purpose?

God placed you here on this earth and gave you special talents and gifts that can be used for the good of people and purpose of shining His light. Never underestimate the position God has allowed you to be in. Plus, He opens new doors and takes you into a deeper spiritual journey as you continue to trust in Him and His purpose for you.

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.” -Jeremiah 1:5

God knew you before you were born. He knew all the wonderful and special parts about you. He knew that if you believed in Him and accepted Jesus into your heart, all the special parts He gave you would enable you to shine bright for Him.

Once you choose to let Him live in your heart, you are called to shine His Light in some form or fashion... to be a spokesman for Him - to not be afraid or ashamed of the gospel. You are called to stand out in a positive way and not fall into the ways of the world. If you simply stand out by being a faithful follower of Christ, you are serving your duty. 

 

Whether you chose Jesus earlier or later in life, He is now a part of YOU and Him being a part of you, separates you from being just like the average Jo Blow. You are a more special you than ever before. 

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." -Romans 12:2
~

“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching’”-Romans 12:6-7

No matter what profession or job you may have, God can use you for His glory. Whether you are a missionary, preacher, teacher, salesman, doctor, financial advisor, entertainer, soldier, law-enforcement officer, cook, stay-at-home mom, etc., you have been given the the special talents you possess and the unique personality and heart you have by God, and He expects you to use them to help reach others and shine His light.

If you question your talents and traits you are blessed with, please take a moment and think about all the times you made someone smile or gave just out of the goodness of your heart. There are so many things someone can do or say that simply reflects His love. Big or small, it all counts and it’s the job you have been given by the Master. 

Never underestimate your purpose. Don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t hurt to aim for a bigger and better one! There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a greater desire, but be sure it’s for God’s glory and not your own. God rewards those who’s hearts are sincere. You never know where He may lead you!

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”-Proverbs 16:3

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” -Ephesians 2:10

“You are diminished if you hide yourself under a bushel, keeping your skills, talents, insights, joy, and pain hidden away from others. God wants you to share yourself. He created you with a uniqueness that enriches the world when you give yourself to the community around you.” -Uknown

Remember, you are a one-shot deal - don’t diminish yourself!

Aside of the positions you are currently in and the roles you play, and if you take anything from this, please remember that you are absolutely made beautifully. No matter your race, no matter your sex, you have been given a special personality, special character traits and special interests that all make you YOU. Always remember to be proud of who you are, because you were fearfully and wonderfully made by an almighty God who loves each and every one of His unique children equally.

God wants you to be who He made you to be. Don’t settle for who others want you to be or expect you to be. Don’t settle for what satisfies the world, settle for what satisfies God. Don’t let the world’s intention for you override God’s original intention for you.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” -Matthew 10:29-31

Another reminder: It’s a slap in God’s face to insult or make fun of His creations. Never insult yourself and never insult someone different than you. Instead, be thankful for your qualities and abilities and appreciate those of others. Leave any judging behind, as that is the Lord’s job.

Important side note: When I say be “you”, I mean be the God-fearing, Christ-following “you” with no shame in your Christian game or in the positive qualities God has blessed you with. Unfortunately, we as humans are born into a sinful nature, so to actually be ourselves is technically not what we should be. Be aware that the ungodly will encourage others to “be themselves” and not care what others think, but it’s important for you to understand the difference between and know if the “you” you are being is the sinful “you” or the God-fearing “you”.  I just wanted to make sure this was clear before I leave you with this final following verse. :)

“To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” -2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

GO IN CONFIDENCE, BE PROUD, AND BE YOUR ONE-SHOT DEAL SELF!

Thank you for taking time to read and I hope it blesses you in the year to come! 

Happy 2016!

~Lindsey Gray