Spiritually GiftedSample

What Are My Gifts?

Think about when you first started kindergarten.

You were just a boy, likely mostly focused on finger painting and not punching other kids.

Now, think of when you graduated high school.

No doubt, over those many years, some talents emerged.

Some of us were good at math, while others excelled at writing. Some were artsy or musical, and others thrived in science or technology. Some nailed gym class, while others excelled at computers.

Most of us were a mixture of these, with a few key gifts rising to the top.

Now, it’s doubtful that many, if any, of us were visited in kindergarten by an angel who declared, “Thou shalt be good at sports!”

Rather, our natural giftings emerged over time as we tried different things and learned quickly that some areas fit us and, just as importantly, others didn’t.

I’ve found that the process is remarkably similar to prayerfully discovering spiritual gifts.

Many of us are waiting for a profound “God-moment” to show us what He’s gifted us with, and that does happen (see today’s passage above).

But more often, men learn how God has gifted them by simply prayerfully exploring spiritual gifts, trying them out, and seeing what fits.

When I was starting as a pastoral intern at my first church, my lead pastor did something brilliant:

He made me try everything.

In my first year, I helped a little in many areas. I served briefly in kids and youth ministry, preached, sat in on administrative board meetings, spent time with the treasurer, did a few hospital visits, shadowed a pastoral counselor, worked in the kitchen—you name it, I probably did it.

By the end of that year, it was very clear where the Spirit had gifted me and where He hadn’t.

I knew easily that I wasn’t called to be a children's or youth pastor—experience showed that I lacked the grace and temperament. Administration exhausted me, and other areas just felt like work.

But I came alive when I was teaching and when I was strengthening and encouraging God’s people.

We don’t need to wait for a burning bush to learn how God has spiritually gifted us.

We simply need to boldly try gifts out and let God show us where He is at work in us and through us (and where He is not).

As we do, we “fan into flame” these gifts within us and use them to bless those around us.

Prayer: Lord, as I prayerfully explore different spiritual gifts this week, I ask You to clarify what You’ve given me so that I can please You with them and be a blessing. As I am faithful in trying things out, I pray You are faithful in revealing Your work and Your will in me. Amen.

Reflection: Over time, what natural gifts did you learn you had by trying them out? What spiritual gifts have you learned that you have by trying them out? What spiritual gifts are you most curious about?