Day #33: Friday, February 5th

It's Time to Use It

Scripture References:  Rom. 12:5, Eph. 5:17, Gal. 6:4, 2 Cor. 10:12​

Devotional

“Since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be.” (Rom 12:5 MSG)

God shaped you for a purpose, and He expects you to make the most of what you have been given.  Don’t covet what you don’t have.  Instead, focus on the talents He has given you to use. Eph. 5:17 says, ​

“Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to.”

Assess your gifts and abilities.
Take a long look at what you are good at and what you’re not good at.  Make a list and ask others for their candid opinion.  Spiritual gifts and natural abilities are most always confirmed by others.  Ask yourself:  Where have I seen fruit in my life that others confirmed?  Where have I already been successful?  

Many teach, “Discover your gifts. And then you will know what ministry you’re supposed to have.”  Instead, why not start serving, experimenting with different ministries, and then you’ll discover your gifts.  Until you’re actually involved in serving, you’re not going to know what you’re good at.  Try doing something you have never done before.  In so doing, you may discover a gift you never saw before.

Consider your heart and personality.
Ask yourself:  

• What do I really enjoy doing most?
• When do I feel the most alive?
• What am I doing when I lose track of time?

Examine your experiences for lessons.
Review your life and think about how it has shaped you.  Paul also warned, “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” (Gal 6:4 NLT). Don’t allow Satan to steal your joy by comparing yourself to others or conforming your ministry to the expectation of others. “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” (2 Cor. 10:12)

Take advantage of every opportunity to serve and sharpen your serving skills by being who God made you to be.  It’s time to use it.​

Prayer

Lord, you shaped me for a special purpose.
Help me to embrace what you made me to be good at.
When I don’t know what to do, I will commit to doing something.
Then lead me to my true heart’s desire.
Use the experiences of my life to teach me how to serve you.
I will not compare my gift to others.
It is time for you to use what you put in me.