The Godly Override, Part 1: Shift Your Gift
The next two ECC articles are going to be linked under a single concept: that of the Godly Override.
What the heck is that?!
It’s a multi-purpose term I’ve developed over the years to describe situations where we humans make diligent plans in one direction, we coordinate our lives and our careers around this or that thing…and then God steps in and goes ‘here, let’s do something different’.
Now, this term — which I want to clarify is a positive thing, since God knows better than we do and these Godly Overrides are always, always, always for our good; even if they don’t feel like it — can be used for a lot of things! Projects, purchases, relationships, even little things like finding ten dollars on the ground! The focus for the next two articles is, of course, going to be on Godly Overrides and our creative gifts and talents.
This first article is going to ask the question: is what you think your gift is, really truly the gift God gave you?
Before you start to panic, this question does not necessarily apply to all creatives. I’d say a significant percentage of creatives who are diligently seeking after God’s heart already know the answer to this. The talents and skills that God has given them are incredibly evident and they have no reason to ask the question above!
This is more for the Christian creatives that are actively pursuing something and just…don’t seem to quite mesh with it. Maybe it’s a specific art or writing style that they love and want to chase after, but no amount of practice makes perfect and doors keep closing all over the place. Maybe it’s a specific genre or media they’ve spent most of their lives trying to pursue, but are really getting nowhere for the Kingdom of God. Victories are small and hard-fought, if they come at all. Maybe it’s a lot of outside pressure from mentors, peers, society, friends, and family to go a certain creative route, complete with “oh, you’re doing so well!” or “you’re really talented in this!”.
This is for the Christian creative that’s had a nagging feeling in their gut or spirit that something’s just not quite right with their gift or how they’re using it. The one that feels unfulfilled, spiritually, even though they are seeking after God’s glory, will, and Kingdom and have been for some time.
It comes down to a single idea: what you think your gift is, may not be the gift that God has given you at all.
And you have full permission to ask Him and seek His counsel on it.
Now, that last sentence is the key. Don’t go throwing out all of your drawing supplies and buying fabric to dramatically switch careers from comic book cover artist to fashion designer. Take some time. Stride boldly up to the Throne of God and ask Him what He wants you to do with your talents and abilities. Lay your creativity at the foot of the Cross and seek His will over your talents and abilities. Listen as He guides you internally and externally. Keep an eye out for which doors are opening and which are closing. Open your ears to wise counsel from trusted mentors, friends, and peers. Spend time thanking God for making you creative in the first place! And surrender that creativity back to Him to do with as He pleases.
You will, more than likely, find the answers you are looking for (even if it takes some time to sort out!).
And, finally, if God’s direction is in a totally opposite way from what you wanted, it is okay to mourn the plans you had made. Don’t hold onto them tightly, don’t try to pursue them after God has clearly directed you elsewhere. But take that mourning to God as well. Let Him fill you with peace in His plan and His purpose on your life!
Putting it into Action
Did anything in this article resonate with you and where your life is right now? Have you felt like you are struggling against what you are currently calling your gift, rather than growing in it? Take some time this week to go to God in prayer. Ask Him to reveal to you if what you are pursuing is really the gift He has given you or if there is something else He has in mind. It may take a while for all of the puzzle pieces to fall into place, He may have you go through a season of trial-and-error, but it will most certainly be worth it in the end!
And, if God does call you to shift what you view as your gift, it is okay to take a little while to mourn! Take the time you need to process through this creative life change. Keep watch that you don’t become bitter or angry towards God, but allow yourself to feel sad over the path and gift you through you had.
“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
“...for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
“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.”
