Original Design
"At times it can be all too easy to walk in who we’ve convinced ourselves we are, or who we’ve assumed we are, or even in who this world has convinced us we are."
Would you ask Samsung how to best operate your new Apple watch?
So why on earth would you seek answers on how you’re wired and for what purpose anywhere other than the designer, God?
Are you familiar with the term ‘original design’? What this refers to is the unique ‘you shaped’ ideas that God already had as he ‘knit you together in your mother’s womb’ (Ps. 139:13).
God had specific characteristics, giftings and callings in mind when he made each one of us.
At times it can be all too easy to walk in who we’ve convinced ourselves we are, or who we’ve assumed we are, or even in who this world has convinced us we are. However, Jeremiah received revelation on his original design as a prophet to the nations from God. No one else (Jer. 1:5). Peter and Andrew were told by Jesus that he would make them ‘fishers of men’ (Matt. 4:19). You are who God says you are, and you might not be fully aware of who that is yet!
Dive Deep Into 'You-Shaped' Ideas
Although we have much in common, we were never intended to be carbon copies of one another.
Often our deepest desire can be to fit in and find people like ourselves, to not feel like the odd one out. Many of us live in fear of what people think of us, opting to play it safe and simply toe the line. But why not choose fearlessness and dare to believe that God created you uniquely and with specific purpose in mind? Why not dive deep into who you were really made to be?
Maybe this concept scares or overwhelms you. You might be thinking: “But I don’t look that much different to anyone else…” Or maybe you believe that God had an original design for you, but you’ve somehow managed to miss it or even mess it up. We need only to look at scripture to see that this idea is simply not true.
Walk out fearlessly in who God made you to be. Apply to Discipleship Training School today.
Take Paul for example. One of the worst persecutors of the early Christians became an apostle for Jesus and went on to compose approximately a third of the New Testament! God had a design for Paul’s life and no matter how far he went down the wrong road, the powerful redemption, plans and purposes of the Lord caught up with him.
We should find great hope in the example of Paul and trust that although our lives have been far from perfect run-throughs, in Christ we can experience redemption, a fresh start and a renewed understanding of gifting and purpose.
Are you ready to take a step of faith and dive deep into God’s original design for you? Are you thinking ‘where on earth do I start?’ Well, there are a couple of simple but potent steps which will be of use:
1. Ask the designer
If you truly trust that there is a designer and that he has purpose to his designs, then make him your first port of call for revelation. Take your questions to the Lord with an open mind and in faith that he will answer, and check to see if what you get aligns with his written word (the Bible). It is also good to process what you hear with those God has placed around you. God promises to grant wisdom to those who ask in faith (James 1:5). Expect that God may share something with you that you didn’t even know about yourself!
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2. Assess the design
Look for the clues in how you’re wired. Your strengths are more than likely a part of your original design, but be willing to assess your weaknesses too. Have you ever felt like an overly critical person? Perhaps God has given you a discerning spirit, but instead of discerning you’ve been prone to critique and tear down. The zeal with which Paul once persecuted Christians was redeemed and transformed into a zeal that helped establish the Church! What now looks like an imperfection need not remain one with the Holy Spirit involved. Take what you see to the Lord. Put fear aside and dive deep!
"Not only is your original design exactly who God made you to be, it is exactly who this world needs you to be!"
I want to make a bold claim: not only is your original design exactly who God made you to be, it is exactly who this world needs you to be! The Great Commission is in partial fulfillment and God’s work here on earth is far from done. There are people who are dying having never heard the name of Jesus, let alone that he loves them and that he died for them freedom and salvation. The planet is rife with injustice, immorality and heartbreak: God has equipped you to do something about this.
Here's how a DTS student used running to tackle the issue of human trafficking
Don’t be afraid, be excited! Jesus bought your redemption, that you may partake in his redeeming work in other’s lives. Practically speaking, what does original design have to do with any of this? Have you ever wondered, “Is this gift/passion that I have really from God?” Do you sometimes fear that God isn’t interested in the things you’re interested in? If this is you then let me ask you this question…
Could it be that the very things that you get excited about are the things that God made you to get excited about? And could it be that this excitement and passion is key to bringing the hope of Jesus to a world in desperate need?
"However the almighty has made you, one thing is for sure: your design is not only original, but crucial!"
Barnabas’ name meant ‘son of encouragement’, and he walked out in his original design when he testified to Paul’s transformation and encouraged the other believers not to be afraid of him (Acts 9:27). Paul needed a Barnabas. This world needs you.
As God’s kingdom is built here on earth, we all have a brick to lay. Like the words of the old hymn say, ’There’s a work for Jesus, none but you can do’. Discovering your original design is realizing who you were made to be, who you’re best at being and is key to doing the unique kingdom work God has for you.
Are you, like Jeremiah, uniquely designed to prophesy to the nations? Perhaps you have an inbuilt, relentless desire to see justice done? Perhaps you are a natural joy bringer? However the Almighty has made you, one thing is for sure: your design is not only original, but crucial!
Written By:
Ramsay Stewart | YWAM Orlando Staff
Feature Image By: Tommy Rutt