S.H.A.P.E. (2)

The letter H represents your heart. What do you have a “heart for” or feel passionate about? As a Jew, Paul was passionate about reaching the Jewish people: “The longing of my heart…is for the people of Israel to be saved. I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal. For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God” (Romans 10:1-4 NLT). You say, “Does that mean I must be in the ministry to know and do God’s will?” No. Nelson Mandela was so passionate about freeing his people from the evils of apartheid that he was willing to spend twenty-seven years in prison to bring it about. When your heart begins to ask, “What can I do to change this situation?” you may be discovering God’s will for you. The people who have made this world a better place all asked that question. Thomas Edison answered it by giving the world incandescent light. Henry Ford answered it by giving the world the automobile. Mother Teresa answered it by giving the forgotten and dying of India love and dignity. First Nehemiah wept over the ruins of Jerusalem, then he rebuilt its walls. What moves you? What’s in your heart? In answering these questions you may discover God’s will for your life.