So I talked about how you spend your money, but how do you spend your efforts? And by efforts, I mean – what you’re good at and your giftings. I once heard Stef Liston say that you don’t always have to work on your weaknesses and to work on your strengths. God also helps us to know our strengths and callings through prophetic words. This was a reason why I actually started this blog so I’m a fan of this quote! Where has God graced you?
Do you know what your gifts are? Do you know what you’re good at?
There are things that I know I’m ok at, like listening to people, but there are lots of things that I know I need to work on more and get better at or know more about.
Spiritual gifts can sometimes be different to things we are practically good at, like listening in my case. There are many different spiritual gifts that are outlined in 1 Corinthians 12…
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.”
We are encouraged to want the gift of prophecy as it is a selfless gift! If we have it, we are able to bless others by bringing what God wants to say to them. However I can’t think of anyone that I don’t know who can’t prophecy, but some have a clear anointing over them to bring prophetic words to others. It is something we should all want!
“Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.”
The gift of tongues is also something we can ask God for – it’s a fantastic gift as I often find myself running out of words to say when I pray, so this is where the gift of tongues steps in! It’s fantastic.
These aren’t the only gifts God gives us though; sometimes there are more practical gifts…
“And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.”
1 Corinthians 12:28
Do you know what your spiritual gifts are? If you don’t, here are a few pointers that I think will help you to find out...
1. Ask God
Our God loves to give us gifts! In Matthew 7:7-11, it says this very clearly…
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
Ask confidently! He will never turn you away.
2. Ask someone who you know that knows and loves you
Sometimes our friends can be our best critics. I have certain friends who I trust to tell me where they think I am going wrong sometimes. But they are amazing encouragers and also reassure me in the right places! Our friends see us in a way we don’t see ourselves, so ask someone else what they think your strengths are.3. Think about what gets you excited
That’s it! What do you enjoy doing? What makes you excited!
If we are not using our gifts, it is like not opening presents that we have been given. For example, imagine being given the most beautifully wrapped box, where you know there is an amazing gift inside. (Some shops have really lovely wrapping…Tiffany boxes are lovely!)
Without unwrapping it, we can’t be fully efficient in what God has called us to do. Our churches are also missing out! The Bible uses the illustration of a body not functioning properly if each one is not playing its part. God has created us as Christians to be ambassadors of His kingdom! Once you know what your gifts are, then ask God to give you opportunities to use them. He isn’t going to ignore you; He has given you your gifts for you to use and wants you to use them!
What are you waiting for?! Open your box – there is something truly amazing inside!!
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