It was a beautiful day many years ago when I learned of my Savior's love for me and acknowledged His name. But it was an even more beautiful day when I fell down before Him in total submission. All of my failures and sins were laid bare at His feet. This total wreck of a woman was delivered from a downward spiral and found forgiveness in a loving God. I cannot tell you the incredible joy I felt when I had come to the end of me and began my new life in Him. My thankfulness to my Lord and Savior is unmeasured. I love Him with all my heart and I can't help but praise His name! Each day that I wake is a new day to celebrate the victory I have in Christ Jesus. He has done so much for me and I am eternally grateful... But then I ask, "What now?"

I think many of us have that same question. We celebrate the Lord's faithfulness and His gift of salvation. We welcome the changes and miracles that He performs in our lives. Praise for Him is on our lips and in our hearts and we long to somehow do more. But so often, we feel we have nothing to offer that is of any worth to God. We listen to the enemy's lies and believe that God would never use anyone like us. Though we shouldn't, we compare ourselves to others who in our minds would do a better job serving our Lord than we ever could.  We mistakenly decide that because we feel we aren't talented or worthy enough to do the big, splashy things for God, we should simply give up and do nothing at all.  But God has given each of us different talents and abilities. His hands have been shaping us our entire lives. Through our experiences, both negative and positive, God forms us into unique individuals whom He has designed with a specific purpose in mind. "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10).

And, just like the master in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), God doesn’t expect us to do more than He has gifted us to do, but He does desire us to use and develop what He has given. "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'" (Matthew 25:23). 

As we humbly come before God He will use us as instruments through which others will be reached for Christ.  No matter how small or insignificant we think our abilities are, God will use them for His glory if we are simply willing to put the joy of our salvation into action. If we can sing, let us sing.  If we have a story to tell, let us teach.  If we can encourage others, let us do so.  Whatever our gift, it is no less important than another.  "There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us" (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).  God sees our actions. He knows our heart. Let us pray that our desire is to be the faithful servant!

17 Comments

  1. I became a Christian many years ago as a child. But it wasn't until about 15 years ago that I finally surrendered and He became the Lord of my life. Since that day, my life has changed and I'm still growing.

    You're so right; we're each given gifts. I think of the prayer warriors over the years who pray for others. Yes, some are gifted in more visible ways but the Lord knows even what we do that others don't.

    You write so well Joan. I'm so glad you are blogging.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  2. AnonymousMay 11, 2010

    I am learning what my gifts are and learning to use them for Him. So many years my gifts have been hidden under shame, guilt and lies - but He has set me free from that and showing me how to use my gifts. xo

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  3. You write so wonderfully, bless you.

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  4. I am so glad you visited my blog today! I have enjoyed reading yours, and I agree with Denise...you do write wonderfully!

    You are right...we all do have different gifts. Part of our journey with God is discovering - and using - those gifts!

    Great post!

    Thanks again for the visit and your sweet & funny comment. Yep, if they ever make those peppermint pork rinds, I'll be sure to let you know! lol

    Blessings,
    Beth

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  5. It's nice to "meet" another Joan out here in blog land.

    Like Debbie, I became a Christian at a young age, but didn't allow Him to be Lord of my life until about twelve years ago. Now I want to know more and more about Jesus.

    I love your writing! From your profile, we have a lot in common. Looking forward to reading more of your posts.

    Blessings,
    Joan

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  6. The comparison game -- a universal trap! I love that though our verses were different, our ideas were similar today. God really does love variety and has a certain place and purpose for each of us, doesn't He? We are the ones that question what we've been given. Not Him.

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  7. Joan, this is absolutely beautiful and so very, very true! God has given each of us specific gifts that are to be used to bring Him glory and benefit the body of Christ.

    How often we ask "what now?" wondering what God has in store for us! May we plant our feet firmly on His path and seek to follow Him no matter where the "what now" may lead us.

    I'm so glad to have found you in blogland. You have truly been an encouragement to my soul today!! Blessings to you, my new friend!!!

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  8. Wow, this was so beautiful!!

    Loved the picture too~

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  9. Wonderful testimony! And an encouraging call to service....

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  10. Powerful post, Joan. I so agree with you - we believe the lies of the enemy too often. I think that I can't make a difference in someone's life, but I need to let Him guide me.

    Thank you for sharing your heart and wisdom.

    Love & peace,
    <>< Iris

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  11. Got an error message with my first comment, sorry if this winds up being a duplicate!

    it's so nice to meet you, joan. What a beautiful post-- it's so true that we each have different gifts and are each uniquely used within His kindgom.

    thanks so much for visiting my blog! -- lou

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  12. Enjoyed reading such encouraging words. You may be new to the blog world but it looks like you are up and running fast.
    Thanks for allowing me to stop by and read your words in due season.
    Janette

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  13. AnonymousMay 14, 2010

    This is wonderful. Don't forget that God has called us to be "salt and light" and that being salt in light might just mean being a child of God and letting others see that. God loves us just because we are willing to accept His presence in our life--this can go a long ways!

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  14. We really do need to grasp this. Sometimes those small things we do for the Lord are really big things in another's life. He is so magnificent, whatever He asks us to do to serve can be so purposeful because He's behind it. Thanks for visiting me today! It is so cheerful here.

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  15. Hi Joan, This is beautifully written.

    I love what you said about God not expecting us to do more than He's gifted us for. Many of us put so much unnecessary pressure on ourselves to do acts of service because, well - it's good to serve, but if we're not gifted in that area it can be stressful.

    Also, welcome to our Laced With Grace Team! You will be a wonderful addition.

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  16. My first time over here. Loved this post. Wanted to welcome you to the LWG site. What a blessing your words will be to so many.

    God is doing such a work in all of us, isn't He!?

    Blessings to you new friend!

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  17. Nice to meet you and visit your blog, I look forward to getting to know you as part of the LWG team.

    I enjoyed your post here and this is something that I've thought of a lot lately. It is so easy to compare to others and think "if only I was _____ like ______" But that isn't what God wants us for us.

    Have a wonderful week!
    Bethany

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