God Speaks through Gifts and Abilities
Adapted from Hearing from God Each Morning
A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps….
People often wonder, What I am supposed to do with my life? What is my purpose for being alive? Does God have a plan for me? One way God answers these questions is through our natural gifts and abilities. He leads us to understand our purpose through the skills and talents He gives us.
A God-given talent, or what we often call "a gift," is something we can do easily, something that comes naturally. For example, many great artists know just how to put shapes and colors together, so they enjoy painting, sculpting, or designing buildings. Many songwriters hear music in their heads, and they simply write down these melodies and/or lyrics to make beautiful music. Some people have natural abilities to organize or administrate, while others are gifted as counselors, helping people sort out their lives and relationships. No matter what our talents are, we derive great pleasure from doing what we are naturally good at doing.
If you are not sure of your purpose in life, just do what you are good at and then watch God confirm your choices by blessing your endeavors. Don't spend your life trying to do what you are not gifted to do. When people work in jobs where they are not gifted, they are miserable—and so is everyone around them. But when people are in their proper places, they will excel in their jobs and be a blessing to their employers and coworkers. If we do what we are good at doing, we will sense God's anointing (presence and power) on our efforts. We will know we are operating in our gifts and that doing so honors God and ministers life to others. God speaks to us through this anointing, giving us peace and joy to know we are fulfilling His plan for our lives.
Prayer of the Day: Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus and ask that You guide me to understand my purpose through the gifts and talents You’ve blessed me with. Thank You for those gifts and talents and forgive me when I’ve overlooked them or taken them for granted. Help me to excel where You’ve gifted me, so that I might bring blessings to those around me, amen.
