From the moment of conception, God had a path prepared just for you. He created each of us out of love in his image and gave us a specific purpose for our path that he has given to no one else. No matter how long or short our path is or what it involves, it is important. Because God always “pays” his own way, he gives us everything we will need to accomplish our mission. He never asks us to do anything without promising to help us every step of the way.
Not all people are created the same, but all are equal in the eyes of God. However, because our paths are unique for us, so too, are the specific gifts and talents given to us. These are powerful gifts and God never wastes anything he gives us, especially what we need to complete our path in life. Our part is to accept them, and to develop and to use them. If we ask, God will give us the graces to develop them according to his will for us.
How do you know what your gifts and talents are? Make a list of those things that seem to come naturally for you, talents you can pick up on quickly, activities that you enjoy, or what you can easily teach, help, or share with others. Tasks that if someone asks you to do, you can confidently answer “yes” to.
Your God-given talents can be ones you are not even aware of such as being a good listener, writer, cook, great with children or the elderly, an organizer, public speaker, someone who works with the poor and homeless, homemaker, parent, financial advisor, artist, counselor, house builder, and the list can go on indefinitely. These are not necessarily jobs, but those things that help you to do your job well, and to prepare you for what comes to you on your path.
Sometimes a gift is to be used in only one way and other gifts may be used in many ways. At times we may even feel that a gift is a burden. Others may reject and never use their gifts, or not even be aware of them because they are focused on the things of our world. Sometimes people glorify themselves for the gifts and talents, or they claim them for themselves instead of giving the glory to God.
However, God never takes away a gift or talent he has given, although a person may reject and never use that gift. In our humanness, we may sometimes feel we are not capable of using such a gift, or that God would never choose us for that part of our path. God knows what we are capable of doing and even in our imperfections, we are still the perfect fit for the work he has given us. Never underestimate the power of your path or what God will have you do.
God does not always choose who we think would be best for a role in life. Look at Jesus; people thought their savior would be a king sent to save them. Instead, Jesus was born in a stable to a humble family, his father was a carpenter, and his family were peasants. Throughout your life, you will find people who society deems as unfit or incompetent for a specific task or job. Our personality, age, or lot in life does not define who we are in God’s eyes.
Remembering that it is Jesus who calls us to love, our gifts and talents are actually gifts of love to be used to serve others and bring them to God. We may find that the more we use our gifts and talents, more blessings and gifts of a greater value are given to us.
In determining how and when to use your gifts and talents, seek God’s wisdom and guidance. Use the one powerful gift that we are all given, the gift of prayer. As you start out your day always first give God thanks and praise before asking, “Lord, how do you want me to use my gifts today?How can I use all that you have given me to bring you glory and honor?”
We must be a believer and a doer to help build the kingdom of heaven on earth. God needs us to pray for others, and to use all that he has given us to help those who do not believe or know of his love. Make a list of the gifts and talents you have and decide if you are using them to bring others to Christ. Need a plan on how to use them? Go to the One who already has an assignment ready for you!
Copyright © 2024 Marsha Luke – Rights for non-commercial reproduction granted: May be copied in its entirety, but neither retyped nor edited.