"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." 1 Peter 4:10
I love to watch people use the gifts God has given them. My friend, Bill, is a huge encourager. Wherever he is, he is breathing God's love into others with a genuine compliment or a word of praise for a job well done. My husband, Dana, teaches his Sunday School class with a heart for God. His dedication to his study and preparation each week shows through in his passion for getting the Word out to us (he has text-taught our lesson these last five months). I have two friends who are the best gift-givers. Their love language must be 'gifts', I have received sweet packages in the mail and even a 'doordash' during this pandemic. Nothing will stop them from giving me love through their 'gift.'
When we use our gifts, Jesus adds His blessing to our offering, and we reach people in ways we couldn't on our own. Jesus makes our gift complete.
"But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift."
(Eph. 4:7)
Do you use your gift God has given you? Have you thought about what that gift might be? Maybe you have a desire to start a ministry through teaching or singing or serving in some way. It may not be something in the church (think and look outside the box). Pray and ask God to direct your thoughts to wherever He can use you, and desires to use your gift. He will show you, just make yourself available and step out in faith.
"Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men." And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." (Eph. 4:8;11-12)
Our Lord may have a wonderful blessing waiting for others through your gift, but He wants to bless you through it too. Whatever your gift may be, may it glorify God and may blessings pour out from and to you.
I love you & He loves you more!
P.S. If you find yourself reading this devotion please leave me a "Hey" or "Hello" in the comment section below just so I can know who passes on these Country Roads. It would do my heart good. Thank you.
Lord, May we seek to study and know You and learn what our God-given gift is and use it to praise and honor You. Reveal to us the gifts You so generously give and may we use them to further Your Kingdom. May those gifts be used in every part of our life to show others Your love. In Jesus' name. Amen.