Spiritual Gifts

In my devotion published today, I looked at what a gracious giver God is. He gives us physical life, eternal life, family, mercy, peace, wisdom, joy, grace, rest, His spirit, guidance, a spiritual inheritance and more!  This is a God who provides -- often lavishly.

I'm wondering which of His gifts you need or long to embrace today?

Another thing God gives each of us is a spiritual gift - a gift, passion or talent placed within us by Yahweh Himself to benefit others.  And, when we use or "give" that spiritual gift He has given us, He is glorified, others benefit and a portion of our purpose is fulfilled. That's a win-win-win.

As a young woman in college who'd just met Jesus Christ and encountered this notion of gifting and calling, I desperately wanted to know what gifts God had placed in me. How did He want me to serve Him? What was I hard-wired to do?  Where would I excel - how could I help the body of Christ?  I prayed soooo many prayers asking these questions, and pleading for Him to show me the answers. I constantly reminded Him I wanted to serve Him, but I didn't know how.

The answers to my questions were all there, I just couldn't bring them into focus yet.  As a teen I longed to work in an airport because I loved the atmosphere and the excitement of travel. In college, I decided to major in journalism, where I learned to write.  A professor asked me to volunteer as an editor for the school newspaper, so I did. A couple years later, my church  needed volunteers to work in the church bookstore - I happily agreed to do it. I was doing a ton of reading anyway. Then, after graduate school where I learned to research, the university in my town asked me to teach public speaking classes for them.

Today I am a Christian author, editor of  P31's Encouragement for Today devotions, and a traveling speaker for women's events across the country.  It's all there. God prepared me each step of the way, only I didn't fully know it at the time.  I couldn't back far enough away from my own life to see the big picture coming together.

One thing along the way that did help me get some of that big picture perspective, and glimpse what my gifts are and are not, was taking spiritual gifts questionnaires.  If you've never taken one, or it's been several years, I encourage you to take one today.  Here's a link to one to try.  Just answer the questions quick and honest. 

It's important to know your God-given strengths and your weaknesses. And remember, He can shine through both of those. So go take the questionnaire - it will likely take you 20 minutes or so.

Leave a comment today telling me which gift of God talked about in the devotion you need, or tell me  your top spiritual gifts based on the questionnaire or experience. On Friday I'll announce a winner to receive a copy of my new book It's No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know.

"In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."  ~ Romans 12:6-8, NLT

Grateful for God's gifts.