Finding Your Place: Accept Your God-Given Strengths

Have you ever noticed that not everyone can do the same things?  I've noticed this with a couple of my grandchildren; they are both beautiful and healthy but have very different abilities!  One was born to be 'on stage;'  she is a natural entertainer and, even while very young, is comfortable performing in front of a large crowd.  She can sing, act, and do anything on stage without getting nervous!  Another of my grandchildren is a stone-cold academic and a top-tier athlete.  She scores near-perfect in almost all of her classes, memorizes vast amounts of information easily, and is growing up to be an excellent cross-country runner.  They are both amazing – but so different!  Thankfully, as they have grown up together, they have come to appreciate each other's abilities and skills without any of the jealousies young siblings so often have.

 

I mention my grandchildren and their gifts and abilities because God has given them different gifts and skills to be developed and used for various reasons.  In one part of his letter in the Bible, the author James mentions 'gifts from God' and gives us insight into the nature of these gifts.  He says, "Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."  James 1:17

 

Here are a couple of things I've gleaned from this passage, and others in the Bible, about what we can consider gifts from God.  First, if there is something good in your life, consider it a gift from God!  God loves us and blesses us simply out of the goodness of His character and grace.  He gives us gifts for the same reason we give those we love gifts – to bless them and bring joy to their lives!  Another thing to remember is that God intends us to use, develop, and enjoy these gifts!  One may have to practice and learn skills and face down fears and insecurities, but the result is the ability to use and express those gifts to their fullest, bringing joy and inspiration to our lives.  Another thing: God wants us to develop and use our gifts to bring glory to him and draw others into a life-changing relationship with Him through Jesus.  Our gifts are ours, of course, and God gives us complete freedom to use them as we choose, but He wants us to accept them fully, develop them, and then use them in this life, bless others, and bring joy into our lives.         

Let me challenge you to identify whatever gifts and abilities God has given you and then develop them to their fullest. Use your gifts to bless others and share the good news of Jesus as you serve him daily.

 

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