I had the privilege of going to a women’s prayer retreat this last weekend. One of the many things that I realized, as I sat by a river reading and praying, is that I have denied the gifts given to me by God. You know, He is just so generous with His gifts to us, and so many times we either don’t realize what they are, or don’t develop them, or we neglect them.
When we develop what He has given us, it flourishes – and blesses us and those around us. I did that when I was younger, and enjoyed sharing my voice and my music. After years of neglect, however, I thought that my gift for writing gospel and praise songs was gone. Boy, was I wrong! While I sat by the river, after my wonderful sisters in Christ had prayed over me, I wrote a song. My voice isn’t what it used to be, but I can make it stronger with practice and I will. It had been a while, but it came to me and once it was written down it became a little earworm. That’s what they do, you know, the good ones – they just kinda stick there, acting like your own soundtrack for the day. When I shared it the next day during our Communion service, I just knew that my Father in Heaven was happy with me. It is well with my soul, and He helped me understand that.
Romans 12:6-8 “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; for ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”
What are your gifts, and how do you use them?
Looking back, I see the consequences of ignoring/neglecting my abilities. My husband has said from the time we found each other again (a whole other story) that I have a song for everything, but what he didn’t realize is that those songs were just the ones other people wrote. I was ignoring the inner voice, the one that writes the songs, and not only likes to have a song for everything but creates them. After ignoring it for a while, I just didn’t hear it anymore, and then without realizing it I had pretty much stopped singing. Oh, I would sing in church or along with the radio, but the soundtrack to my life had quieted. When I was hit with PTSD and had to medically retire from my law enforcement career, it all but stopped. I didn’t even have my music to help pull me out of the dark hole I was in, because I had neglected it so badly. I praise God for my wonderful husband and family and for the others who helped me along the way.
Have you neglected or ignored your gifts? If so, what do you feel were the consequences of that?
We all move forward in life ( you can never go back), and I will move forward and develop what God has given me, using it to His glory. I know that as I do that, it will grow and bring back my little soundtrack. It won’t be the same as before, but with God’s grace and the Holy Spirit to guide me, it can be better!
My prayer for you (and me) today is that you will discover and use your gifts, and that as you do you will see the fruit of your efforts.
Blessings, Elizabeth
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