Eph 4:7

“But to each one of us, grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”

The grace of God = the help of God.

The gifts mentioned here are not in terms of salvation but rather function. It’s about what you are created and called to do.

God didn’t just gift you and leave you. He gifted you and graced you. The One who calls you sustains you.

Our challenge is that we forget. Maybe we get some level of success in our gifting and think we are the cause of it. This is why God reminded the Israelites to remember God.

Deuteronomy 8:18
But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

“Self-made” people are just people with relational amnesia.

For some, lack of success leads to striving, but God works in us so we can work it out (Philippians 2:12-13). This is learning the "unforced rhythms of grace."

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

• Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG)

Whether or not you’re successful in the area of your gifting, can I encourage you to start each day remembering God? Ask him to help you. Thank him for helping you.

And then remember, God did not call you to be successful. He called you to be faithful.