1 Peter 4:10-11
Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Reflection “Using our gifts”
Being a stay-at-home mum for the best part of thirty years, I know first-hand how easy it is to lose confidence in ourselves, to keep things as they are and not to step outside of our comfort zones. When someone says, “You’ve got a gift, you should be exploring it”, you dismiss it. Your life is too busy, you don’t have the time and even if you did, you don’t have the skills, or the qualifications required. Our minds and our ears are not open to hearing. Perhaps that’s why we don’t hear God’s call.
But unlike human voices, God is both patient and persistent and never gives up on calling us until we answer and respond. Having answered that call and begin training for ministry I am both nervous and excited. As I leave my comfort zone of the last three decades stepping into unknown territory, I am confident now that I do have gifts to share.
Being a parent has taught me how to love unconditionally, to have patience, to listen, to have empathy, to be non-judgemental, to be both consistent and flexible, to support, to be their voice and to be a good role model. God has given me these skills and gifts so that I may serve others. God has always known how and where and when I would use them.
God gives us all the gifts we need, and will continue to call on us guiding, and strengthening us as we put them to use but as I often said to my children when they were small, “we need to have our listening ears on!”
Prayer
Lord,
help us to listen for and to hear your call in our lives clearly.
Take our insecurities and give us courage and confidence to see our potential as you do.
Help us to recognise the gifts and skills you have given us, and to find opportunities to use and develop them.
Help us to serve others, to transform your world and build your Kingdom.
Amen.