Fulfillment

FUL-FILL also ful·fil (fl-fl)
1. To bring into actuality; effect: fulfilled their promises.
2. To carry out (an order, for example).
3. To measure up to; satisfy. See Synonyms at perform, satisfy.
4. To bring to an end; complete.

I was at dinner with a friend of mine the other night, and we had a discussion about "fulfillment." We talked about our different views on certain people in our lives, that we did not feel were reaching their "full potential." It was really neat because we sat there and talked about what we thought that they should be doing, and after a while realized that maybe they were already doing exactly what they should be. As an outsider we look in on people's lives and have our own ideals of what they should be accomplishing, but those ideas are not always the other person's dreams. Now by no means do I want to confuse "settling" with this topic. No one should ever settle, however they should fight for what they are passionate about.

Just because we thought that these individuals were capable of something greater in our eyes, doesn't mean that they are not already doing what God wants them to do. Think about a missionary, many of them are highly educated and could be making a fine income elsewhere, but instead they are out in the world spreading the love of Jesus. Being a missionary, does not take a lot of head knowledge but you definitely have to have a heart for people. And at the same time think about the president of a major company, heaven knows it takes a special person to hold that type of responsibility and not just anyone can do it. I say all of that to say:

"(Success) Fulfillment is not measured by the greatness that surrounds you, but rather by the greatness that dwells in you!"
-Me

(Disclaimer: This is not like one of those sermons that you heard as a kid-that says money is bad, and having nice things is wrong, I am very thankful for the nice things that God has allowed me to have...These thoughts are only written to explain that it does not matter what you do, just do it unto the Lord!)

True fulfillment can only be found in Jesus Christ. If we commit all of our ways to him, He is faithful and will continue to reveal what he has called us to do. Let's face it, aren't we the most fulfilled when we are in His will, no matter what the task?
Because He designed us all differently, some of us are meant to be the CEO's of companies, and some of us are meant to volunteer and answer the phone at the local church. All of us have different gifts and talents, therefore God will use us all at different capacities.

What are some of the ways that God allows you to experience fulfillment? Do you see that fulfillment as a result of committing your ways to the Lord?


Proverbs 16:3 (New International Version)
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed.

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.