I’ve been falling into the trap of ‘looking at others’ too much lately. It’s a very old snare the enemy uses with me. I can really see the bright and shiny gifts and talents the Lord has given to SO many others. I mean WOW! Such creativity, and art, and music, and ability to sing and write songs, and build things, and fix things, and create companies and jobs, and so many other incredible ways, gifts and talents. And I’m reminded I’m just an “average Joe”. I don’t see that I’m really good at anything like all these other people. I have friends that I marvel at, and their abilities. They are extremely talented. And yes, I know they all work really hard at it. But some from the very early in their lives their gift was so evident. I’ve often asked the Lord, “What are my gifts that you’ve given me?” I’ve often felt like I didn’t have much to offer or give to others, or that I was really good at anything.
Then the Holy Spirit began to remind me of stories from the Scriptures.
In 2 Kings 4 the story of the widow and her little bit of oil and how God used that tiny bit and multiplied it to get her out of debt when she offered it to God in obedience. Then He reminded me of the story of the little boy and his two loaves and fish in John 6:9 and how Jesus took that small thing and fed five thousand people with it. I was reminded of Jesus’ parable of the talents. All these scriptures came rushing to my memory. And I knew, it wasn’t about the size, or beauty, or ability, or worldly worth .. it is about giving what HE has given you .. when He asks for it .. to be given to another .. in His name. No matter how small. Maybe it’s just an act of kindness towards someone else. Or words of gratefulness and love to a friend and how much they mean to you. Or an act of service of trying to help someone, without trying to be seen or recognized for it. Or just sitting and spending time and really listening to someone. These little gifts given in obedience to the Lord … that He will multiply in ways you can’t even fathom.
Then I was reminded about the rich man in Luke 12 who tore down his barns to build bigger ones so that he would be .. comfortable and relax .. and what was required of him then? His soul. He wouldn’t be able to use the thing he stored up for himself. “To whom much is given, much is required.”
So of course I began to repent and begin to ask the Lord what He wanted me to ‘give’ to someone else today. And I got a few ‘assignments’. So I’ll try my best to be faithful and obedient to carry those out. I was then reminded again of all the HUGE things and blessings He has given me. I began to praise Him for His generosity towards me. Being grateful for all He has done.
Let’s not slip into the snare and trap of .. envy, but instead ask the Lord what He wants you to give away today that He has blessed you with. Is He asking you to be creative? Then ask for His inspiration. Some of really enjoy what He has given you. We see His gift in you. Is He asking you to be faithful? Then be loyal and full of joy. Is He asking you to be obedient with anything? Then do it with your entire being, and He will multiply it. However small .. offer it to Him .. today. Then listen for His instructions and watch what He’ll do …
Father help me to be faithful to carry out the assignments you’ve given to me today. Walk with me Jesus, and give me the words to say Holy Spirit as I talk with others today.
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