SQUARE WHEELS
Tony Anthony
CEO @ Great Commission Society | Spearheading International Expansion | Humanitarian Aid | Global Impact | Author | Keynote Speaker
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In a world where everyone seems to be striving to fit into predefined moulds, it can be difficult to understand and appreciate the unique calling and gifts God has placed in your life. This struggle can be especially challenging for those called to missionary work and evangelism. Okay, so you’ve given your life to Christ and are eager to serve Him, but perhaps you’re feeling the weight of discouragement, especially when it seems like many around you in the local church are indifferent to sharing the Gospel.
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God has created each of us with unique strengths and gifts. Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” These good works are not generic—they are tailored to the specific strengths and gifts He has given you. Instead of trying to alter these strengths to fit conventional expectations, we should focus on finding environments where our unique abilities are not just valued, but essential.
For the missionary and evangelist, this might mean embracing your passion for reaching the lost, even when it feels like others are not as enthusiastic. Your calling is unique and vital. God has equipped you for this work with specific gifts, whether it’s a boldness in sharing the Gospel with total strangers, a deep empathy for those who are far from God, or an ability to communicate the message of Christ in creative and impactful ways.
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It’s not uncommon for evangelists to feel isolated or discouraged, especially when surrounded by other Christians who don’t share the same urgency for reaching the lost. You may wonder why others don’t seem to carry the same burden for lost souls or why they are more focused on internal church matters rather than outward mission. Remember, this is not a reflection of your calling or gifts, but rather a sign that you are uniquely positioned to fill a crucial need in the body of Christ.
Consider the Apostle Paul, who faced significant opposition and discouragement throughout his missionary journeys. Yet, Paul understood that his calling was not about conforming to the expectations of others but about fulfilling the mission God had placed on his life. In Galatians 1:10, Paul says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Paul’s focus was on being faithful to God’s calling, even when it meant standing alone.
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Imagine two men, each with a different vehicle. One is riding a bicycle with round wheels on a smooth, flat surface, effortlessly gliding forward. The other man, however, is on a tricycle with square wheels, struggling to even get his wheels to turn. It seems obvious which one is better suited for the journey. But then the terrain changes. The once smooth path becomes extremely bumpy, filled with grooves and obstacles. Now, the man on the round-wheeled bicycle is stuck, unable to move as his wheels get trapped in the grooves. Meanwhile, the man on the square-wheeled tricycle, who once struggled, is now moving effortlessly, his wheels perfectly designed for the new, rugged terrain.
This analogy beautifully illustrates the importance of aligning our unique gifts and calling with the right opportunities. At first glance, the round-wheeled bicycle seems far superior, just as some gifts might appear more effective in certain contexts. But when the circumstances change, what once seemed like a disadvantage—those square wheels—becomes the perfect tool for the job.
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As a missionary, you might sometimes feel like the man on the square-wheeled tricycle, struggling to find your place when the path seems smooth and easy for others. But God has uniquely equipped you for a different kind of terrain. There will be situations, challenges, and opportunities that only you are perfectly suited to navigate. Your calling might not look like everyone else’s, but it is precisely what is needed for the mission God has prepared for you.
This analogy highlights a critical truth: God has not called us to conform to a one-size-fits-all approach to ministry or evangelism. Instead, He has given us unique gifts that are perfectly suited for specific situations and challenges. Just as the square-wheeled tricycle thrived on the bumpy surface, your gifts are designed to be effective in the specific context and calling God has for you. Don’t be discouraged if your path looks different from others. Make sure you align yourself with God’s Word, and trust that God has equipped you for the exact mission He has set before you.
In those moments when you feel out of place or ineffective, remember that God knows the terrain ahead and has already prepared you for it. Your unique strengths are not just valuable—they are essential for the work you are called to do. Embrace your gifts, seek the opportunities where they can shine, and trust that God will guide you to the right path where you can make the most impact.
Think of your unique gifts and calling as a key. Every key is designed to fit a specific lock, and when it finds that lock, it can open doors that no other key can. If you try to reshape your key to fit locks that were never meant for it, you’ll only find frustration. But when you embrace the key that God has made you to be, you’ll find doors opening to opportunities where your gifts are not only needed but can make a powerful impact.
This is why it’s important to align your unique strengths with opportunities that allow them to shine. Don’t waste time trying to fit into roles that were never meant for you. Instead, seek out or create spaces where your distinctive qualities are acknowledged and celebrated. This might mean focusing your efforts on outreach ministries, pioneering new missions, or mentoring others who share your evangelistic passion.
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If you’re struggling to understand your calling or facing discouragement in your mission work, take heart in the words of Scripture. Romans 12:6-8 encourages us, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
God has given you specific gifts for a reason. They are meant to be used—and used well. Don’t let the disinterest of others deter you from your mission. Instead, let it fuel your passion to do what God has uniquely called you to do. Remember, you are not working for human approval but for the approval of the One who has called you.
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As you continue in your mission work, embrace your unique calling and gifts. Trust that God has equipped you for this specific purpose. Align your strengths with the opportunities that allow them to be fully utilised, and don’t be discouraged when others don’t share your vision. You are a key that God has crafted to open doors that others cannot. Let Him guide you to where you can make the most impact, and remember that in His hands, your uniqueness is not just valuable—it’s essential.
May you find encouragement in knowing that God sees your efforts, understands your struggles, and is using your unique gifts to further His kingdom in ways only you can. Keep pressing forward, knowing that your labour in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
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