Spiritual Gifts are amazing tools God has strategically placed in us that align with our calling. When God makes each of us, He also makes our quirks and individualities that make us unique, in His image. However, like an instrument in the hands of one that does not practice, these gift(s) can often be misused or not used at all if we fail to realize what exactly God has put in us, why, and what we are to do with it. "I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalm 139:14
The psalmist David praised God because he knows that the good works from Him are a gift from above (James 1:17). David displays the gift of Faith in this very verse, very well. My hope + prayer to you today is that YOU may use the gifts God has me practicing, as you read, to help reveal to you what works He has put in you. Good news, Sister (or Brother)! “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8
This verse is evidence that God knows what you are seeking + He will answer you!
Talk to Loved Ones
Our loved ones have seen us grow up; they have seen us when we develop and they witness our daily lives in a way we might not perceive ourselves. Now, it is important to take what others say, in any case, with a grain of salt. As a sister of mine says, "We have to chew up the meat and spit out the fat."; I love what this exemplifies here. We must take into consideration what they notice about our personalities because they could shed light on something about ourselves that we didn't realize before. We must also be aware that we could receive something in conversation that displeases us. But do not fret. Rather than be upset by what someone in your circle says, use it as an opportunity to grow. Obviously, if you feel something in your heart or emotions challenged, there is likely something in that cognitive dissonance that wants to teach you. Remember to have an open heart and be ready to plow up the untouched ground of your heart and be ready to receive God's will for your life (Hosea 10:12).
Pray God Will Reveal This + You Will Recieve It
Prayer is one of the most powerful starting tools I can think of, off-hand. When I have personally struggled in the past to feel God's presence, I pray right away. It is my not-so-secret weapon, and if you ask me, should be the screwdriver of your spiritual tool belt. Pray to God, if you are struggling to discover what He's put in you, that he will reveal this to you so you may further The Lord's kingdom.
What Do You Love?
My mother and I were chatting one afternoon as we discussed my love for justice. I have always been very bothered by what happened in this life that lacked justice and that has always been true since I was a little girl. I valued ethics and morals like honesty, integrity, kindness, gentleness, and patience. Before I found my calling in Ministry, she would be tickled by the "I should have been a Lawyer" joke. Because she knew how I was, always ready to call out and dispose of unethical practices in the world. This is because, even before I studied the word of God, I knew in my heart the Truth was the way, the Life (John 14:6). I knew what the fruits of the Spirit were, even before I knew that I knew. God instilled in me the gift of Wisdom because He wanted me to share that with others. I would often have others tell me things like, "You are wise beyond your years", or "You are an old soul." because God marked me in a way that was in His plan. Although it was not evident to me at that time because it was underdeveloped, it is very clear now as I speak with you today. It was also clear to others, believers and none believers that it was His righteousness I loved. I thank God for that gift to share with you.
What Do You Dislike?
"All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28. Yes; that even means the things about this world that get under your skin. In fact, these things, as I displayed with my dislike for injustice, identify what our purpose is inside of us. They are little breadcrumb trail clues to lead us on the path looking for more. If the adversary put the curse of addiction in your family, maybe you were meant to be a Recovery Counselor. If you have a disdain for unhealthy eating/junk food, maybe God's calling on your life is to be a Nutritionalist for others. Whatever those dislikes are; know your heavenly Father is using them as tools to shape your endurance, as well as the advancement of His kingdom here on Earth.
Skills + Weakness
I use to struggle with shyness. Yes, me. Happy, bubbly, outgoing Aleea thought the mere thought of being on stage, getting direct attention from a large group, or being the public eye was gut-wrenching. I often have involuntary responses like an accelerated heartbeat, sweaty palms, or shaking hands when I would just think about speaking in front of others. I first discovered this weakness in middle school in my Public Speaking class. It was required, and almost every week I had to present ideas in front of my peers. While it had its set of challenges while I worked through it over the years: I've realized a few things I hope you can take home with you today.
It. Was. satan.
It was satan in my head, trying to turn me from the path of ministry. The evil one wanted me to believe thoughts like "you're ganna mess up", or "they are all going to laugh at you" so I would refrain from speaking up and out against him. I would battle with this every time it was my turn to speak in this class. Of course, the devil is a liar and I aced that class and passed with flying colors every time. My final grade was an A. I realize now, with God heavy in my life, that God was just preparing me for my calling. I was in training and I always will be in my areas of weakness. But, God has grown me with those trials. Believe it or not, I was never laughed at and I NEVER "messed up" by giving it my best shot. I only grew.
Put Skills Into Action/Cultivate Yourself
Practice, practice, practice! It is so important to be patient with yourself while you put into practice the things you are learning along the way. God didn't create you to feel frustrated or impatient with yourself. It is okay if you experience this, but know it is just a fleshly feeling. He wants you to live in fullness and abundance even more than you want yourself to! We are to practice getting stronger in the identified areas of weakness and we are called to use the gifts He instilled in us to benefit the lives of those around us. The Parable of Talents found in the book of Matthew (25:14-30) is a wonderful parable to apply here. This parable exemplifies that we must invest the riches of our spirits. We are to take our talents and plant them in the hearts and souls of others so the good fruit can multiply.
How good is our Father, am I right? Praise God!
As always, if you prefer audible learning, the corresponding YouTube video from my channel can be found below. Thank you again for taking the time to read with me today. I pray this seed will plant it's self deep and root in your life, so you may cultivate the gifts I know God blessed you with.
Until next time, Sister.
Xoxo, Aleea
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