What Were YOU Created For? by Becky Dietz

I had very low, limited expectations as a young mom about God's purpose for my life.  I loved learning about Him and exploring new ideas, but because of some false teaching I'd taken in, I never pursued uncovering the gifts and desires of my heart.  I had lots of unfruitful thinking.  I was just a wife, mother, and staff wife--in my own mind.  My husband was the gifted one and got the pats on the back.  I just didn't see I had any gifts or if I did, that they were beneficial to the kingdom of God.

It wasn't until my last two kids were in high school that I ventured into the work force....and that was only as a church librarian.  But that was big wing-spreading for me!  I loved it...mainly because I loved books and was getting to choose lots of new books for the library every month.  After 5 years of being church librarian, I pursued becoming the director of a benevolence ministry our church had begun.  I got the position and God began doing an incredible thing...something I didn't even see until I looked back.  God began uncovering my gifts Himself.  I was discovering myself and my passions.  While I was librarian, I also realized I liked photography.  When our local K-Mart was going out of business, I found a Canon camera without a lens and bought it for $35.  My friend bought the lens for my birthday and we began taking photos at weddings.  We weren't the best photographers, but we were helping people who couldn't afford a "real photographer."  It was also in this same time frame that my daughter invited me to come speak at women's retreats she had for the young women in her church.  I. loved. it.  Who knew??

Through these experiences and in a relatively short period of time, God began showing me the purposes for which He'd created me.  I am passionate about teaching new truths to women.  Give me a pulpit, a stage, or a platform and I am in my element.  Public speaking is the #1 fear for most people...but I eat it up!  I love books.  I love to read and I love discussing books I've read.  I love learning...especially if I'm learning with someone who is just as passionate as me and we begin bouncing ideas or new revelation off of one another.  It's invigorating to me.  I am gifted when it comes to leading an organization and directing it.  I can see what needs to be done and know how to lead people and encourage them.  I used to feel guilty for spending so much time planning and organizing until I realized how necessary it was to be a good leader.  I enjoy photography.  I honestly don't use my 35 mm as much as I used to because my phone camera is so available.  But I've gotten some phenomenal photos with my phone and have successfully turned them into 16x20 photographs.  I love God's creation and brag on Him with my photos.  (He loves that--and gives me beautiful sunsets because of it!)

It's taken me a long time to realize who I am and God's purpose in creating me.  I hope you're already figuring that out.  I believe I'll be figuring out God's purposes for me the rest of my life.  He loves to unveil these things a little at a time.  I believe it's one of His delights--just like I can see many of my children's gifts and how God will use them before they figure it out.  It's taken me a long time...but I love being me.  I'm a unique expression of God...and so are you.  I hope you are awakened to some new-to-you passions God planted in you before you were born.  You're not just a pastor's wife.