Sharing Our Gifts

“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 4:10-11

I am a firm believer that God created each of us with unique gifts that are needed in this world. Every single one of us. We are all blessed with gifts and talents that serve a purpose for God’s glory, and we are called to share those gifts with others. But even though I firmly believe that to be true, I know just how hard it can be to figure out what your gifts are in the first place– and, at times, even harder to go and share them with the world.

As a 26-year-old, I’ve realized that finding and using my God-given gifts and talents is a process, not an end result. It’s something that I’ll be doing for the rest of my life; a process that involves a whole lot of prayer and paying attention.

I’ve prayed and asked God, What do you want me to do? What have you given me to work with? And while I know I can’t expect an answer at the snap of my fingers, I know He is listening, and I know He guides me to the answer each and every day.

But in order to receive God’s guidance, I have to slow down and pay attention. What things come naturally to me? What do I enjoy doing? What do others tell me I’m good at? When I take the time to reflect on these observations, I can usually land on some common themes: communication, creativity, and connection. And that’s where I can hear God saying, I gave those to you. 

The most beautiful part of our God-given gifts is that they are all different, each one as unique as the person that it belongs to. We might have similar gifts, but we all have unique ways of using them. As I continue to explore my own gifts, I pray that I share them in a way that brings glory to God. I hope that I can communicate His truth, create joy, and connect deeply with those around me. 

I think our gifts, no matter how beautiful and useful they may be, can only do good when we share them generously. Today, I encourage you to explore what gifts God has given you— pray and pay attention. Whatever your gifts may be, I hope you know how needed they are in the world. 

Heavenly Father, what a joy it is to be the steward of the gifts that you have blessed me with. I thank you for the unique purpose that you created me for. Help me to identify my gifts, Lord, and give me the courage to unashamedly share them with the world for your glory. Let all that I share with others point them back to you and your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.