Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
It may not be a surprise that at this time of the year my mind is on gifts. Did the image of your Christmas gift list just pop into your mind? The gifts you have already purchased? The ones you need to buy or that you are hoping to make? Or maybe you’re imagining the gifts that you’re hoping to receive at the end of this month? But those are not the kind of gifts that I’ve been pondering lately.
“I wish I was more skilled at that.”
I’m fairly certain that I’m not the only one who has thought that statement. Public speaking is my “that.” At least it is the one that I tend to have the biggest challenge with. Speaking in front of a group may not be quite as terrifying to me as it was even two years ago, but it is something that does not come naturally to me. Oftentimes, I wish that I could speak as well as I can write.
One of the gifts that God has given me is the fellowship of His body. Through a myriad of people, He has reminded me that each and every one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made, and a part of that is that we have different gifts and talents. We were not made with a cookie cutter, and we are not interchangeable. Each of us is a part of God’s story for showing His love to the lost. And we each have a different way to do that.
This does not mean that God can only use us where He has given us gifts. Everything we have, even our very lives, are used to His glory. He knows every aspect, every trait of who we are. In those areas that are our weaknesses, God’s glory shines through all the more (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). I know that on my own, when I lead a devotion or read the Old Testament and Epistle reading that it is not by my strength or power. It is only by God’s grace and power.
What are the gifts that God has given you? What are those areas that you have that you feel are your weaknesses, but God continues to work through you there?
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10-11)
Blessings and Love in Christ,
Deaconess Amanda
Jessica McCann
December 4, 2011 at 11:01 am
I really enjoyed this blog. I’ve seen you in passing in church. But it’s wonderful to hear your insights. Sometimes it’s hard to stop long enough to have a decent conversation with little ones along. This is a great way to connect. Thanks.