Time Well Spent: Nurturing Spiritual Gifts

Around eight years ago, I had just finished facilitating a table discussion for a women’s Bible study when one of the staff members asked if I had ever thought of attending seminary. She had heard a few of the weekly discussions and thought I had gifts that God could use in the church. I remember staring at her in disbelief. She knew I had a 6-month-old baby and two elementary aged kids at home, and she also knew I was in the process of healing from a childhood trauma. This was not the season to take on something like seminary, nor was that even a plan I had for my life. I had never even read the Bible all the way through. In my mind, I was a “baby Christian.” In fact, I had only recently returned to the church after years of being away, and I was just doing Bible study hoping to learn more about God. I certainly did not think I had any gifts to use for the church. I was just a mom surviving one day at a time. How could God use me? Surely, there were others with more experience and greater gifts.  I was confused and honestly scared. I did not understand yet that God uses every single person and every single gift. 

In 1 Peter 4:10, God’s word teaches us that our gifts are to be used to serve one another according to His purposes stewarding His grace. He has specifically chosen, in His wisdom and goodness, to grant each of us skills and abilities for His purposes and plans. These gifts are not just for us to enjoy on our own nor do we have the freedom to just cast them aside.  And it would be just as tragic for us to focus on what we lack or how we are not gifted like others. We need to remember God gives gifts intentionally, and we should be just as intentional with how we use them. Every time we say ‘yes’ to stewarding the gifts God has given us, we are cultivating and growing His kingdom, participating in His plans, and embracing the opportunities we have to serve others. 

Cultivating gifts is a process. Growing and nurturing anything takes patience, support, and the right environment. If someone has pointed out a gift they see in you, pray, and ask God how to use it for His glory. Ask others for practical ways to grow in your gifting. It takes time, but all good things take time. May this year be the year you say ‘yes’ to investing in your gifts and finding ways to use them to serve others. 

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Lord, give me insight on how you have gifted me and how I should steward those gifts for your kingdom and glory. Take away any fear or doubt that gets in the way so I can serve you and grow in my love and knowledge of you.