Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Last year, I convinced my brother Sam and my cousin Ruth to go through GrowthTrack with me. In Week 2, after learning about spiritual gifts, our little “student section” was buzzing with excitement. We were all talking over each other, thrilled to share our gifts.  

It is amazing to watch someone discover their spiritual gifts. Similar to the joy of Christmas mornings, you can see the sparkle in their eyes, the glowing smile, and the humble pride in their words as they learn what God has given them.

However, spiritual gifts can be intimidating, too. God gave us our gifts to help others, but stepping into his plan to do so can be hard and even scary at times. We wonder if we are good enough. Do we have what it takes? 

In Exodus 3-4, we read about a man named Moses, who God called to lead the Israelite people out of slavery. Right away, Moses presented to God all the reasons that disqualified him for the job. He wasn’t an important person, the people might not believe him, he wasn’t good with words. Each time, God told Moses, “I will be with you.” 

1 Peter 4:10-11

¹⁰ God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. ¹¹ Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

God gives us these gifts. They aren’t some natural skill or hobby, but a divine tool for us to draw people to God. Because all of us are uniquely gifted and wired, we are all able to encourage and connect with others in different ways, even if we don’t recognize it.

After going through GrowthTrack, I felt God pushing me to join the prayer team. I was nervous to pray out loud for people I didn’t know, but I decided to try it out. Through serving on the prayer team, I have been moved to tears by people who are hurting and afraid, and how God is using me to offer them a little bit of hope. 

It is easy to deny God’s gifts, to say we aren’t good enough or don’t have what it takes. But there is nothing better than being able to use your gifts to make a difference. 

Questions:

Do you know your spiritual gifts? How have you seen God use you to inspire someone else? Where have you felt God pushing you to use your gifts?   

Next Steps:

Go through GrowthTrack! This is a great way to learn not only what your gifts are but how you can use them regularly. Find a friend or two, and try it out. 

Try joining the DreamTeam or a Group to experience God using you to make a difference while growing your relationship with him! Some of my favorites are the LivingItOut team, the Kids team, and the Prayer team, but all of them are incredible ways to serve God and love other people. 

Prayer:

Father, thank you for the amazing gifts you have given me. Sometimes, I take them for granted or am afraid to use them. I know you are with me no matter what and that you want to use me to do incredible things. Please, give me the courage to step out and follow you. I love you. Amen. 

Series Theme Verse:

John 14:26

“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”

This post was written by Lydia Snyder, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.