Did you know that we are all given special giftings? When you were born God’s intention was to gift you with special blessings. The Bible speaks of these gifts and how we are to develop them. Romans 12:6 -8 states “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophesy, let us prophesy in the proportion of our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering: he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”
I do not have the gift of cooking; it feels unnatural for me to follow a recipe and nine times out of ten things goes amiss. Mike, my husband on the other hand has this gift and can whip up a delicious meal in no time; he methodically follows recipes and adds his own flair. Mike is also a numbers guy and I am not. I have never been able to balance a check book, but I can intercede for the needs of many.
By now, if you are an adult you should have already recognized your gifts. If you have not, it’s because you have not asked God. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or showdown of turning.” (James 1:17) Yes, that means that our gifts are not only free but perfect. We ask God to direct our every path and for the wisdom to know what we are called to do in His kingdom. When you finally discover your gifts, the more you exercise them the more fine tune they become. “To those who much is given much is expected” (Luke 12:48). Gifts comes with responsibility, I have the gift to teach the Word of God, interpret and to share it with others. If I were not doing this it would not be considered a sin but if you are not using your gifts, you are restless and feel a void. My sister Norma is called to intercede for others and when she prays, it is for hours or until she gets a breakthrough. When she is out of her element there is an imbalance in her spiritual walk.
During the recent news report of the 9/11, a story was shared about a stockbroker who had changed his career path due to the attacks. He became a doctor, this was his real calling and it took a catastrophe to redirect him, the gentleman added that he was never happier.
We are individually called to serve God in this crazy world and were picked to be born at this time. Gifts matter and if you are called to be a mother of four, be the most gracious mother, if you are called to drive a bus filled with screaming children do it with a smile. If you are called to run a corporation do it with the wisdom of God. If you are called to teach be the best teacher and pray for your students. If you have been gifted with your hands, use them to glorify God. If you are called to serve God, do it with all your heart.
Give of yourself to others and your blessings will be many. “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38)
