DAY 102 - WHAT AM I GOOD AT?
KEISHA SESAY, WORSHIP TEAM VOLUNTEER
“In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.” - Romans 12:4-6 MSG
I have found myself asking God, “What am I good at?” “What are my spiritual gifts?” “What did you put me on the world to do?” I know if I ask any of my friends or family members they would say positive and reassuring things to encourage me and remind me of who I am, but sometimes in the day to day motions I get stuck. Anyone else? I know that I am good at some things and that God can use the talents He gave me to bring more people to Him, but how do I use my talents if I don’t know exactly what they are and how to discern them?
I work in the retail industry, and I had a moment with my boss and I told her “I know I am called to ministry and I don’t know how much longer I can last here.” She then said something that I will always hold on to. She said “I know you’re called to ministry, and why can’t you use those gifts here? Why can’t you do both? This can be your ministry.” Typing this out might sound like she was pushy, but I can assure you she wasn’t. When she said that a few things came to mind.
Being kind to people is Jesus’ heart and can be my ministry.
The retail world doesn’t know Jesus and I can minister to this specific world.
I have divine encounters every day that could change eternities.
I have multiple opportunities to show Jesus’ heart through clothing people and letting them see their body as beautiful and wonderfully made.
Clothes bring a certain level of confidence and while that confidence is being stirred, I get to have the Holy Spirit work with and through me.
I get to bring a little bit of Heaven into the retail industry. (if you know me fashion is my favorite so add Jesus to that…? Best of both worlds.)
All of these thoughts came through my mind because my boss reminded me that where I am is my ministry. Isn’t that what the Church is all about? Showing Jesus outside of a physical church building? I have a part to play in Jesus’ Kingdom and that is to show His fruits to people who haven’t met Him yet. That is a huge gift and it is something I am good at.
“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.” Romans 12:6 NLT
We are all good at something. We all have something that God created us specifically for. He thought of you, and wants to use you for something that will only happen if you let your gifts be your ministry. I know when some people say spiritual gifts, they think of gifts that only have to be used in a church building, but can I remind you that we are all a part of one body, according to Romans, and we all have different gifts? I think if God created every single person with the same gift the world would be bland and then we would be at competition to see who can use that specific gift the best. We can’t all be thumbs in the body of Christ.
I truly believe that if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, your gifts can be anything that you do that brings God glory and that will essentially turn into worship back to Him. It’s an endless cycle, you use your gifts that He gave you, He smiles and is proud of you, and continues to refine and make you more like Him when he walked with sinners and ordinary people on this Earth. God is worthy of everything you do in the day to day reflecting off his Holy Spirit into your workplace, schools, offices, and homes. We each have a privilege to not only carry His Spirit everywhere we go, but to also show His fruits to everyone we encounter.
That is our gift, it might look different for each of us, but it’s from the God who created you and I and we should use this gift to the best of our ability because He is worthy of excellence.
Questions:
What are your gifts? Ask the God to reveal those to you, be opened to the idea that it could be to show the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
How can you act on these gifts? If you already are, is it excellent?
Write down the fruits of the Holy Spirit; focus on one each week, how can you be more intentional with that trait in your day? Ask God to reveal divine appointments He has set for you, and ask Him for opportunities to use these traits.
“View the circumstances of your day as ordained appointments, and view those times when God brings people across your path as opportunities for Him to inhabit those moments. Pitch the tent of meeting and see what God will do.” -Zach Neese