GOD'S GOOD GIFTS

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”. 1 Peter 4:10 NIV 

In the past, Pastor Thumbelina has told us one of the questions she hears a lot of is, “I don’t know what my purpose is. I don’t know what God wants me to do.” Or something very close to those words. Be honest, haven’t we all thought that same thing once or twice? I sure have!

James 1:17 NIV says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting  shadows.”  Sometimes we go through life without pausing to reflect on what God has already placed within us. We’re too busy trying to figure out what we think God wants us to be or do. Actually God already figured that part out. He has already placed certain gifts within each one of us. We may admire others’ talents and overlook our own (guilty!) forgetting  that our Creator designed each one of us with the utmost care. God has given every person unique gifts- not just for personal fulfillment, but to be used for His purpose.

Recognizing those gifts begins with gratitude and humility. Its about acknowledging that God, in His wisdom, has equipped you with something valuable. Perhaps you have the gift of encouragement, creativity, leadership, compassion. Maybe it’s more practical like cooking, organizing or even repairing things. All these gifts can be used for God’s glory! When you recognize your gifts, you open the door for God to work through you. Your talents, passions and unique abilities are not accidental. They are gifts from Him, entrusted to you for His glory and His purpose.

It's very easy to sit there and think “Well so and so does that so much better or he/she is way more talented/ gifted than I am. Why should I bother?” Once again I go out on a limb and say we’ve all had those thoughts. We think our gifts are too small or insignificant to matter or have much value. But God never measures value the way the world does. He honors faithfulness over fame. Remember the story of the 5 loaves and 2 fishes? I’m sure that little boy didn’t think his lunch could be useful or valuable in any conceivable way, yet he was faithful and offered it regardless. Jesus fed 5,000 people, and there were leftovers!

Maybe one of the greatest challenges many of us face is believing that gifts have been given to us by God in the first place. It’s easy to convince yourself you’re too ordinary, too broken, or too unqualified. God says otherwise. Ephesians 2:10 NIV say’s “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” God’s handiwork – carefully created with purpose and intention. He didn’t create you empty-handed. For some their gifts may be immediately recognizable and endless. For others they may be quiet and understated, but still valuable and deeply needed.

You don’t have to feel gifted to be gifted. You simply need to remember that God tells the truth. And His truth says you are chosen, equipped, and empowered! Every single one of us is gifted by God. Don’t let doubt rob you of your calling. Rather, ask God to open your eyes to the gifts within you, and to give you courage to walk in them.

PRAYER:

Dear Father,

Sometimes I struggle to believe that I have anything special to offer. But Your word says I am Your handiwork, created with purpose. Help me to believe that truth deeply. Show me the gifts You’ve placed in me and give me boldness to walk in them. Use me, Father for Your glory.

Amen