I was reading last night in a daily devotional a friend gave to me, and I was bombarded by a beautiful statement that Erma Bombeck said about the gifts that God gives to each person.
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I have not a single bit of talent left and could say, ‘Lord, I used everything you gave me.’”
~Erma Bombeck (February 21, 1927 – April 22, 1996)
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. Isn’t that how God works? We start thinking of things, getting an inkling in our Spirit, and then God shows us what we need to know?
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
~1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
This is the YouVersion Bible App Verse of the Day. Like I said…God shows up.
Using our gifts. What does God mean by this? Every person on the earth has a gift — gifts even — that God means for you to be sharing. Not hiding in the ground or in the closet. I’ve often been confused about the story of the “talents.” Are these money as are inferred or are they to be considered literal talents that we are given? I believe they are!
God gives us all gifts. He gives each of us distinct abilities that only we have. Yes, many of us are good at art, but there is only one YOU who can draw from your heart spreading paint on the canvas in only the way God created you to do it.
There is only one YOU who writes from the secret place of your soul unfolding worlds, inspiration and prose onto your page or computer screen.
There is only one YOU who can talk to a friend in the most dire situation and give them hope, encouragement and love.
Gifts are different. Many people may have the same “talent.” My husband and I both have the gift of music, however — if you know my husband — his gift is much greater than mine spanning numerous instruments and genres. My gift is different from his gift but it is no less needed or wanted by God. Your gift is YOUR gift. Your gift is no greater than someone else’s gift, and their gift is no better in the Kingdom than yours. Believe this! God wants to use your gifts for His glory.
He gave them to YOU. God gave these gifts to you and only you. Receive them. They are yours to keep and use and enjoy. Is your gift writing letters? Write a letter to an old friend. A senior in a nursing home. A soldier overseas. A person in prison.
Only YOU have these gifts
Only I have my gifts. Am I using them? This is a hard question to ask myself as my stomach tenses and a wisp of anxiety fills my spirit. AM I? Am I truly using the skills, talents and abilities that God has given me, and when my time on this earth is up, can I say — as Erma Bombeck did — “Lord, I used everything you gave me.”?
Share with me! What gifts has God given you to share? One of mine is writing, but I also sing, write songs, adore His creatures and love to encourage people. So, be encouraged! God has you in this! What is your heart calling you to do? DO IT!
I love y’all! Thanks so much for reading!
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