How are You Using Your Gift from God?

Each of us has been given a gift from God — sometimes we call them talents, sometimes spiritual gifts. But how my friend, are you using yours?

Our newest Shining Like Stars Series post asks this same question. Today, Sue Moore Donaldson shines the spotlight on our God-given gifts. I read it and felt inspired to rekindle my gifts and use them for God’s glory. How about you? I’d love to hear in the comments below.

What are You Doing with Your Gift from God

By Sue Moore Donaldson

When we use our God-given gifts, we shine like stars for Jesus.

My friend Tim ran 63 marathons in 63 days. He did it to help children with A-T (Ataxia–telangiectasia), a rare disease causing severe disability.

Amazing commitment, amazing determination, sacrifice, effort –the list goes on and on. I can’t imagine how hard that was. I liked the part where he said he consumed 7,000 calories a day. After hearing his story, I did go home and walk the dog once around the block.

Where in the world did he get such an idea?

“God,” he said.

He was a good runner and so he asked God,

“What do You want me to do with this running thing?”

And that was God’s answer. It reminds me of the Olympian athelete, Eric Liddell who said:

God made me fast and when I run, I feel God’s pleasure.”

Don’t you love that? Liddell went on to be a missionary in China. He could’ve said, “God made me spiritual. God made me a preacher. God made me an evangelist.”

Instead he picked what was right in front of him: he ran fast. And he did it for God and it gave God pleasure.

Does it make you think: What’s God given me?

What’s right in front of me?

And when I don’t use my gift from God, what a loss–to the world, to me and most of all, to the Giver of all these good and perfect gifts. He gives gifts to me, to give me joy and to give Him joy. I love the mutuality of giving and gifts and using those gifts. All for joy and glory-living.

Not living in the glory and joy? Inventory your gifts. Check if you’re using them. Thank God for all He’s given.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  James 1:17 NIV

We can struggle with acknowledging our gifts. We don’t want to be proud. We don’t want to boast in ourselves. But we can do similar damage to God’s reputation when we refuse to realize what we are good at–and even more pathetic, refuse to use what we are good at.

Years ago, in the middle of vacuuming the living room, I stopped, turned off the vacuum and said out loud, “Okay, Lord, you made me a speaker. I’ll admit it. And thanks.” I turned the vacuum back on and went on my merry way.

Does God speak when cleaning? Perhaps if I would clean more I would hear more. Nevermind. I heard Him that day and I accepted what He said. And I speak whenever I’m asked. I get great joy from that gift. That’s how I know it’s a gift from God.

And I know when I do it for Him, by Him–I give Him pleasure. And that’s what it’s all about.

Here’s a great prayer from the Puritans:

Grant me to see that Thy many gifts are but Thy
hands and fingers taking hold of me.
I give myself to Thee, for all I have or own is Thine.”

Valley of Vision, A Collection of Puritan Prayers

Start asking, “What do You have in mind, Lord (since, all I have or own is Thine)?”

Tim got his answer and ran for 63 days. Amazing. God’s hands and fingers, one step at a time.

Are we afraid to ask?

My friend Brittany said this: If we are scared and feel stuck, generally there are three things that keep us stuck:

• fear of judgment
• fear of failure or success
• fear of rejection

Love that. I can get stuck in all three at once. But I don’t need to be afraid when He’s already gifted me. I only need pray:

“Lord, here I am with these gifts from You. What do You have in mind?”

Great joy all around when you use your gift from God.

How about you?

Do you have a gift that you’ve shied away from using? Do you sense God nudging you?

Perhaps you’re using your gift from God and can inspire others by your story.

Let’s continue the discussion in the comments below.

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Meet Sue

This post is part of the Shining Like Stars series. Read all of them here.

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