Ready to RiseSample

Unwrapping God’s Gifts

Parents love to watch the joy on their children’s faces on Christmas morning. What would happen, though, if the kids just stared at the gifts under the tree but didn’t feel worthy to open them? 

Many of us live this way on a daily basis. Especially women. 

Our Creator, our heavenly Father, the ultimate parent, has lavished on us a generous wide range of incredible gifts, talents, skills, and abilities. All too often we are like hesitant, nervous children, questioning the gifts under the tree. 

Sometimes we’re afraid of the gift. We don’t understand how it works, and we’ve forgotten that it’s okay to learn. 

Or maybe we tried that gift, but other people were critical of it.

Or maybe other people felt uncomfortable with our gift, which in turn made us uncomfortable.

Maybe the gift became burdensome. It upset the balance of our friendships and other relationships. So we put it back in its box, resealed the wrapping paper, and put it back under the tree. 

There’s nothing wrong with embracing the way God has wired you, gifted you, and created you. It is wonderful, because you are wonderfully made. Read Psalm 139 for confirmation. There is nothing wrong with saying yes to who you are in God! There is nothing wrong with saying yes to the gifts and skills God delighted to give you! Those gifts are part of His plan for you to represent Him in the world. 

Surely it’s time to say yes to who you are and how your Creator has wired you. Surely it’s time to identify the gifts under the tree and the ones you have tucked behind the tree. No more hiding your gifting and calling it humility; no more being trapped by fear and shame. Unwrap the gifts your Creator has given you. Enjoy them and use them to represent Him in and through your life. Use them in service to a cause bigger than yourself. 

What is a gift God has given you that you feel embarrassed to use or cultivate? Why do you think that is?