I am insecure. There, I said it. I just wanted to clear the air before I get started because this topic is a sensitive one and I don't want anyone to think it doesn't apply to me. Because, really, I have struggled with this more than I can even put to paper. I want you, before you keep reading, to think about what you're good at. What 1 thing (or 2 or 3 or 4) is it that you know without a doubt that you are good at or unbelievable passionate about? Be thinking about it and we'll come back to that...
I went last week to a convention for the largest essential oils company with 27,000 other people, expecting to learn about earnings potential, marketing, and those types of things. Instead, I came back inspired in every aspect of my life. In my effort to serve as God created me to serve, to live my life to the fullest in every way, to appreciate what I have been blessed with, to create an amazing future for my children by teaching them to serve, and so much more! But, as I got home, I started doubting myself the moment I walked in the door. Because that's how it goes, right? You feel super stoked and pumped up to do something and you feel like a super human who could conquer the world, as long as you are among others who treat you as such. Then, you get home to 2 toddlers who you adore, but they're toddlers. They don't exactly know what it means to encourage you in your call, they just know you feed them and kiss their owies... So, you start wondering if you had it wrong and you really just heard someone else's word.
I'm here to share with you what God told me when I asked Him to continue that work in my heart. 1 Peter 4:7-11 (NLT) says, “The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 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! Amen.”
Do you see all of these times when you are told what to do? "Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay." "Use [your gifts] well to serve one another." "Speak as though God himself were speaking through you." "[Help others] with all the strength and energy that God supplies." These are all times when you should hear that God gave you gifts that you are supposed to use for His glory. He loves you and created you for a purpose. He gave you strengths and talents that should be used to draw people to Him. Use them.
By doubting your ability to do what you feel called to do, you are telling Him that He didn't know what He was doing. Do you know that that is disobedience? That is like having a job that you have the tools to do and telling your boss that you can't because the tools aren't the ones you want. Then, you get fired. Don't be afraid that someone is going to think you're arrogant or cocky because you know you're good at something. They're opinion isn't the one that matters. Stay humble and let God lead you and guide you in the best ways to use those gifts. By being disobedient and not allowing Him to speak through you, who is missing out on what He wants to say through you? Who is being short-changed by not hearing about the love and awe He has for them?
If you feel like you have no idea what your gifts are, just start somewhere. He'll show you if you ask Him. Please let me pray for you if you feel like you are lost with no direction. You will not need to follow someone else's path. Don't just go with someone else's dream... What is your passion? What makes you feel like your heart is going to beat out of your chest, or like you're going to cry all the tears in your face? Start there. Are there things that excite you to the point where you can't sleep afterward because you can't stop thinking about how good it made you feel? Find ways to keep doing those things!
I love you!
Until next time,
Mikyhla
This is so true, and something I need to constantly be reminded of. I love that He's put special gifts inside each one of us!
ReplyDeleteI believe I am a speaker. When I have had the opportunities this seemed confirmed over and over. But since we moved 8 years ago, I have not pursued it like I did when we first arrived. I started doubting it was my calling at all. A couple of days ago I was asked to speak. I felt alive and as if I was doing what I was made to do. And yet, those doubts sure do ease in, don't they. I appreciated the line you said about doubting God about our calling is like questioning he knows what he's talking about. I want to speak, but I also want his guidance in all of this.
ReplyDeleteHi Anne! I am so sorry I never responded to this comment! In true, doubting-my-reach fashion, I forget to check and see if anyone has commented! Thank you for letting me know that the words God has given me were for you! I will definitely be praying that He continues to pursue you in your gifts and guides on precisely how to use them!
DeleteI'm always amazed at the workings of God. He and I were just having a conversationabout these things. He gave me a task to do online. On the way to do it, and I will do it, this site caught my eye. I don't remember saving it. God has said these things to me as well, but I'm a writer and picture maker, a collage artist who doubts my work for God will sell in the world. I'd love to speak to the assemblies, as He's suggested, but I doubt myself, and that anyone would pay to listen. He's said to speak, if they listen or not. He's said to publish the word I write. He's said I can be an artist of the word...using it to create pictures. I doubt I can make a living at it, it's not sold well so far. I could use some real encouragement here. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.my name is Beth
ReplyDeleteBeth,
DeleteI just want to say if you feel God has given you a gift, then keep using it for him. Wait till he opens the doors, otherwise, they weren't meant for you. If God gives us gifts he's the one responsible for the results. Too often I get in trouble when I am looking at others, dare I say, even those who are doing what I long to do. But God is working on our characters. So, if I believe that God has given me words, I am merely to share them where he shows me, as often as he tells me.
The thing is, God is the provider. Somehow we believe it's up to us. I have made money with my writing, but not enough to live on. The world could look at me and think I'm successful. But they'd be using their standards. A friend of mine once told me we are responsible Christians when we respond to what he tells us. What is he telling you to do today? Do that.