Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14
I wonder how many of us have spent a lot of time thinking and worrying about what our God given “gift(s)” are? There is a lot of emphasis on discovering our spiritual gifts and using them for the Lord. I know I have sought after things thinking, “Maybe this is my gift.” all the while knowing it wasn’t. Still I felt like I needed to be busy doing something because well, that’s what Christians do.
We want to be useful. I believe it’s a Godly desire to seek after what it is we are here for. After all, Adam was put into the Garden of Eden and immediately given the task of filling the earth and ruling over of every living creature. (Gen 1:28). So it’s no wonder we need a job of some sort.
Dabbling in different areas of ministry or different skills helps us grow but if we’re not careful, we may not get quiet enough to let God whisper in our ear and let us know what route He wants us to take. I’m not a girl that believes in chance. I know when God wants to show me something, He tells me repeatedly in different ways. One of my very favorite things is when He gives me confirmation over and over again that I’m on the right track. I love marveling at His guidance. I have to wonder if He isn’t up there chuckling as He watches my face light up as I realize what each “coincidence” really means. Don’t you think it tickles Him to bless us?
Are you struggling with what your gift is? Are you still looking for it? Take heart, God’s pretty obvious when He shows you what that gift is going to be. Have you been quiet enough to hear Him whisper into your heart? Have you prayed for an answer? If you really can’t come up with a gift, ask someone you trust. What do they see as a strong quality that you possess. We all have them. Stop chasing after everything and try to focus on how you can use your strongest gift for His glory. He’ll take it the rest of the way.
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matt 6:26
What a great post. I got a silly little rejection letter yesterday and discovered my ego is about as stable as a wet kleenex. I found myself wondering if I am really understanding my need to write as a gift or calling from God. But that’s the enemy. I decided to treat the news as a reminder to look directly to God for my purpose, and he reminded me that my influence starts much closer to home. Anything beyond that needs to be out of overflow, not because I skipped over investing in my kids or being active in my local church. Refocusing today, and I am at peace.
Oh that is a bummer but you have a great attitude! They weren’t the right ones to take your work! Very good points too. Thanks for the reminder!
Mel
I love the idea of God being tickled by blessing us! I also love how He affirms us over and over until we get whatever He’s trying to tell us! Great post.
Hi Mel: I like what you say that “God’s pretty obvious when He shows you what that gift is going to be”. and it is going to be “your strongest gift”. When I read your posts, it make alot sense. This is abviously your strongest gift in doing what you are doing now to encourage others. It is pretty obvious that God has blessed you and you will be successful as you are also great writer. And these are your greatest gift.
Good Morning Mel..Thank you for this post…I think I was at a spot where I was always asking God the same things. (what are my gifts)..asking so much that even if he had the answer for me I couldn’t hear anything he had to say..once I took the time to just listen it became clear..it’s funny I call it my coffee ministry..lol..it seems the Lord puts women in my life that need some sort of friend, spiritual shoulder etc..and we always meet at a coffee house..this week I have a Coffee meeting everyday…I asked God how can I help other women in need (marriage, life, esteem..etc) and here he is putting some of the most wonderful women into my life..I am so grateful for each and every Coffee Talk and my new found friendships..
Mel I appreciate your gift everyday..thank you so much!!