God and Me: Devotions from Time of GraceSample

God and My Gifts

In a track meet or in a wrestling match, it would be grossly unethical for the judges and referees to intervene to help a player. The athletes are supposed to be completely on their own. Judges are not supposed to show favoritism or get involved in helping a competitor.

Is God your judge? Absolutely. The Bible leaves no doubt of that. But he is a judge who is committed to helping you succeed in your life (according to his standards of success). He not only gives you personal gifts and skills; he steps in to make you better than you are. Imagine that! God is not merely passively watching you. He actually intervenes in your life's history to do things for you to lift you up to greatness.

Listen to the shepherd/king/poet David: "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great" (Psalm 18:32-35).

God needs and wants you in his kingdom-building work. God thinks you are a valuable part of his team. God thinks that you have an important role to play. God thinks you are worth investing in. God actually stoops down to make you great. Seriously!