What is Your Gift?
In speaking to women across the nation for years, it amazes me how many feel they are not “gifted.” When I ask, “What is your gift from God?” they appear puzzled and confused. How about you?
As you continue your pursuit to identify your purpose, I hope our discussion of personal mission, vision, core values, and culture provide perspective. Take a moment and reconsider your thoughts concerning each. If you’ve missed any of these, you can find them on the Your Refreshed Life website.
The next topic we want to explore giftedness.
Whether you realize it or not, if you are a Christ-follower, God equipped you with a gift to share during your journey here on earth. One or many are bestowed by the Holy Spirit. I don’t know if more are given to those who develop and exercise their gifts, but I do know the Holy Spirit of God gave you at least one. Paul explains this to the Corinthians.
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines” (I Cor. 12:4-11).
There are more gifts also listed in the Bible.
For example, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your] faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully”(Romans 12:6-8).
So, as your mind flows over your life story, can you remember a time when God demonstrated His gift to you in your life?
If you are struggling to identify this, ask several of your closest family and friends. They can give you perspective.
It’s important as you consider your purpose and the use of your time, that you develop the gifts God has given you. Not only will it be pleasing to God but it will also bring you an immense sense of meaning. And if you find that over time you simply and subtly forgot your gifts (or neglected to use them), ask God to stir these up within you again. They are the equipment God has given you to fulfill your purpose.
There is one verse assuring you that God’s gift within you is forever present, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable [for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call]” (Romans 11:29 Amplified). Identify and thank Him today for the gifts the Holy Spirit has apportioned you and ask the Lord how you can begin using your gift again today!
If you have any questions or want to discuss this with me, please contact me at info@yourrefreshedlife.com. I’m waiting to hear from you.
