Pulse Check: Aligning Our Path to God’s PlansSample

What has God graced me to do?

There are few things more incredible than witnessing someone operate in their extraordinary gifts—whether in athletics, the arts, or academics. As humans, we are naturally drawn to watching others excel in their talents. While gifts themselves are remarkable, because they are an extension of God’s grace, they reach their full potential only when partnered with Him. His grace, through our gifts, gives us the ability to go further and do more than we ever could on our own.

After practicing gratitude and recognizing our growth, aligning our lives with God’s plans requires us to acknowledge the areas where He has intentionally gifted us. We do this by asking: What has God graced me to do?

The Potential Pitfalls

When we are unclear about the areas where God’s grace flows in our lives, we run the risk of:

• Overcommitting to the wrong things – We find ourselves pouring our time, energy, and efforts into tasks God hasn't called us to.
• Neglecting our God-given gifts – We miss the joy and fulfillment that come from operating in our gifts and instead, pursue worldly success.
• Operating out of our own ability – We rely solely on our own knowledge and strength rather than God’s grace.
• Comparing our gifts to others – We focus more on how God has gifted others than discovering how he has graced us.

This lack of clarity can lead to burnout, unfulfilled purpose, and misaligned priorities, moving us further from God’s plans.

The Power to Transform

If pursuing God’s plans for your life feels overwhelming, you’re not alone – and you’re not wrong. God often calls us to serve in ways that exceed our natural abilities. But when we gain clarity about what He has graced us to do, we find the confidence and courage to prioritize His will over our personal ambitions.

The Pursuit to Honor

Grace is where our gifts meet God’s favor, turning ordinary efforts into extraordinary outcomes. These areas where we naturally shine, experience unusual influence, or find favor with others without striving reveal more about His plans for us. When we identify God’s grace in our lives, it helps us embrace His purpose and reminds us to remain dependent on His power to accomplish His plans.

Reflection

Take a moment to make two lists – one with your natural gifts and the other with your most recent wins. Where do you see God’s grace? What does this reveal about God’s plans for your life?