As we grow and mature in our relationship with Christ, we experience a corresponding increase in confidence and contentment. This growth extends beyond our spiritual life and begins to manifest in other areas, particularly in our significant relationships. What we may not fully grasp is that our growth and maturity are equipping us to impact God’s Kingdom according to His specific plan for our lives. As we intentionally align ourselves with God’s purposes, our significant relationships will gain greater strength. They’ll be fortified by our unwavering faith in
1 Peter 4:10-11 (NLT) emphasizes the importance of utilizing the spiritual gifts bestowed upon us: “10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever!”
It’s not uncommon for some of us to feel a bit insecure in this area. However, it’s crucial to address these insecurities before entering into marriage. Ephesians 1:3 reaffirms that God has blessed us with all spiritual blessings because of our union with Christ. He hasn’t withheld any spiritual blessing but has ensured our completeness in Christ. We should view our time on earth as a valuable training ground for learning to exercise faith. By acknowledging and effectively utilizing our spiritual gifts, we become sharper and wiser. We can then better serve others and glorify God in our relationships.
When it comes to recognizing and utilizing our special gifts, we don’t necessarily have to make giant leaps. Starting small can be just as effective. We can begin by contemplating our best qualities and discerning what sets us apart. These qualities, which we confidently endorse for ourselves, can guide us towards a greater level of confidence in God’s purpose.
We tend to hold ourselves back by thinking that living out God’s plan and purpose is
undertaking. We often make things more complicated than they need to be. Jesus Christ said himself in Matthew 11:30 that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. He’s full of peace and grace and doesn’t force this life of love but guides us in it. So, we can be confident that God hasn’t fashioned or intended this purpose filled life to be complex or frustrating.
Romans 12:6 (NLT) reminds us, “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.” God created us and predestined us according to the purposes of His own Will. He’s not lacking in any way, and never misses a beat. Therefore, we can have confidence that we are uniquely specialized to carry out what He has ordained. He ensured that we were born with everything we need to be a blessing and to influence and impact those we know and love for His Kingdom.
A while back, when my schedule was a bit lighter, I used to stay up late watching cooking shows on TV. Desserts were always my favorite feature. I grew up surrounded by women who were awesome southern cooks and bakers who could really burn in the kitchen. They didn’t need recipes; a pinch here, a sprinkle there, and a masterpiece of southern cuisine was born. I never really considered baking myself back then; I was too busy enjoying the delicious treats my family whipped up. My aunt’s pound cake, for example, would literally melt in your mouth. I just assumed that level of skill was beyond me. But then, one day, something sparked my interest while watching those TV shows, and I decided to give baking a shot. From homemade chocolate chip cookies to caramel cake from scratch, I tried it all.
At first, my baked goods didn’t exactly hit, but with time, I started to get the hang of it. “You really outdid yourself with this one, girl!” my family and friends would often say after sampling my homemade treats. Although there are times when I don’t bake for a while, there’s always a little voice inside me that says, “It’s time to get back to it.” Baking has become a habit ingrained in my life because I’ve chosen to give in this way. Whether single or married, I’m committed to it because it’s one of the ways I strive to be a blessing.
There was a time when I doubted whether being a blessing could be as simple as giving folks desserts. But I’ve come to realize that it truly is. The Spirit constantly reminds me never to overlook the small or simple things because they mean so much to others. Heaven rejoices when we honor God by blessing others. When we do things well and use whatever gifts we’ve been given to bless others, God receives the praise.
That’s why we can never hide the gifts God has given us. A mere hunch or a casual interest can lead to an incredibly important opportunity that positions us to live more fully for God. So, let’s build our confidence in our gifts, talents, and abilities. Let’s use them for God’s glory and watch how He uses them to significantly increase our fulfillment and satisfaction in life! ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Small Things Matter!” written by Kim Times, edited by Fran Mack for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2016. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.