Did you know that we are all given special giftings?
The Gifts
We all have a purpose in life and, before we find out what that is, we first must know what our gifts are. When you were born God’s intention was to gift you with special blessings. The Lord did not exclude anyone from this. Those who are still living in the dark have yet to ask God for their gifts. The closer your walk with God, the more gifts you receive. God will give you revelation of the Scriptures just for the asking. Have you ever encountered someone who could quote Scripture? I had a friend with this gift. He would not only quote the scripture but could also tell you where the verse was located. He did not do this to impress people but to redirect them to God. In many ways the Lord was using him to speak on His behalf. This was one of his many gifts.
When I was a child for the first and only time I had a play date with a friend. My friend had so many toys. But what I noticed were beautiful dolls that were kept on the shelf. I wanted to hold these beautifully dressed baby dolls, but she told me that we could not play with them because they were there to be admired. I never understood this concept. When I was growing up, gifts only came on Christmas and birthdays, so I played with the toys until they were worn out.
Our gifts are for a purpose; if you do not use them they will be like that pretty, dressed up baby doll collecting dust. Too many of us take for granted that if we pray all will be well. Yes, that is partly true; but there is so much more to prayer in which we can incorporate our gifts that will expeditiously help with interceding for others. For example if you have the gift of tongues, use it when you are in prayer. If you have the gift of prophecy, the Lord will give you visions while praying. Many of us have the gift of dreams; if you do not journal your dreams, you will forget them. God is speaking to us in dreams and we need to listen to what He has to say.
A few months ago a friend of mine called me to share a dream she had. The dream was about a mutual friend whose health is in dire straits. Her dream was vivid and, as she was sharing the dream, she was crying. I had for months put off visiting this friend, but it was the dream that convinced me otherwise. In the dream our friend was young, in great health and her face was beautiful. This was a warning dream for me to go visit our friend. My friend who had the dream is in constant prayer; she has many gifts: healing, prophecy, discernment and wisdom. I knew that God gave her that dream so that I could go minister to our friend, so I went the following day.
My Editor
Many times I have mentioned that I suffer from dyslexia. So when I write, I have the tendency to not add the last letter in a word, especially if it’s plural. When I proofread the sentences, I cannot catch the error.
My friend Cathryn, who is also my editor, is a gifted scribe. Her input in this Blog has helped me better understand English diction. She is gifted in writing and has always worked alongside ministries in putting out newsletters. I depend on her gifts and am forever grateful for the work she has helped me with.
Ask God
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.
17 all good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change.
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 tuned they become. Gifts come with responsibility; I have the gift to teach the Word of God, interpret it 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 will experience a restless spirit and feel a void.
Be Responsible With Your Gifts
To those whom much is given, much is expected of them ( Luke 12:48). God will open your heart and mind as to how to bestow gifts for others. It’s a simple task: give of yourself and more will be given to you.
We are individually called to serve God in a special manner using our gifts. All gifts matter: if you are called to be a mother, be the most gracious, loving mother; if you are called to drive a bus filled with screaming children, do it with a smile, silently praying for them. 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. Do not get caught up in politics because it causes division. 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.
