Much Needed StrengthSample

Time and Talent

Ready: “This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”—Romans 13:11

Set: Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw tackles his time intentionally, whether with his in-season regimen or with an openness to serve the needs of others in the offseason. He recognizes one of his greatest abilities—to snap his famous curveball across the plate and baffle hitters—is not his final achievement, but a vessel to gain glory for the Giver of his arm. 

“God gave me an ability to throw a baseball,” Kershaw said, “He chose me for a reason, and I want to honor Him with that.”

Giving his life to serve requires an effort that he gives gladly, and part of Kershaw’s path to such success has been allowing God to lead. Where he’s ended up, well, that’s where Kershaw steps into the work and determines what he will do with what’s been set before him.

“You can’t control the talents He gives you, no doubt about that. But you can control the effort you put forth with them,” Kershaw says.

There’s strength in surrendering time and talent to God’s service, to let Him lead and fill us with the grit and tenacity to keep preaching His Word through our actions and how we love. And it takes a strong heart to bend and soften so God can mold it for His purposes.—Sarah Rennicke

Go:

1. Are there areas in your life where you should be spending more focused, intentional time?
2. What talents has God given you, and what will you do with the time you’ve been given to use them?
3. Ask God for strength to surrender to how He wants to use your talents for His glory. 

Workout: 

• Ecclesiastes 3:1
• Psalm 90:12
• Matthew 25:14-30

Overtime: Father God, You give me so much. Nothing that I have has been earned on my own accord. I pray that I may use my talents to tell the world about You and Your gift of salvation, recognizing that every second on this earth counts. Amen.