“Observe people who are good at their work— skilled workers are always in demand and admired; they don’t take a backseat to anyone.” Proverbs 22:29 (MSG)
In the grand scheme of things, I feel like it took me forever to define my gifts and talents. Even when God pointed them out to me, I was hesitant to connect with them because I personally hadn’t put any value on them.
During what I consider a mid-life crises (although only 30 at the time), I asked the Lord, “What was I created to accomplish in my lifetime? Your Word says we are created in Your image and that we are to leave a legacy. You have given me this timeframe in history, this family, this shot. What is it You have on those pages You’ve written for me?”
He placed heavy impressions on my heart and memories on my mind. He took me back to my high school years, English classes and teachers, writing and poetry contests. I even remembered the name of an Honorable Mention poem, “The Mirage.” He pointed out the times I had received high school awards or recognition for even my half-hearted attempts. He reminded me of my grade scores and how reading and writing came easily to me.
But, truth be told, my motivation to enter any contest was always because of the awesome grand prize. In my mind, writing was what everyone was required to do in school whether or not they chose to enter contests.
As He reminded me of these things, I was open to the idea that part of my contribution would have something to do with writing. But I had to ask, “God, school accolades are one thing. This is the real world, and my desire to punctuate correctly is non-existent (which continues to be true … just ask my editor), so You’ll need to tell me where to start.”
I began to position myself in a way God could lead me. I took writing classes; I joined a writing group, and I also jumped at the chance to be part of the startup for a non-profit writing group in Hampton Roads. The non-profit allowed me to create and facilitate a writing workshop series that delivers a workshop a month for 10 months out of the year. I’ve written a column for a trade newsletter, and I’ve written for a local paper magazine that has a great circulation in Hampton Roads. And even though I’ve put this blog off since 2012, I’m now writing on a regular basis. I’m still learning and listening to where God wants to lead. This maturing process has spanned 24 years.
Any chance you’re still wondering what your contribution to this life is going to be? I have a strong suspicion it’s going to be something as “ordinary” to you as mine was to me. It’s going to be something that already comes easily to you, so you haven’t given it much thought. Or it’s that thing that makes you feel like you’re in the zone, and every inch of you comes alive. Maybe you already know your talents or how you’re gifted in a certain way, but you’re not sure how that translates to leaving a legacy.
Imagine your gifts and talents have been lovingly wrapped in your heart with God’s own hands. He’s as excited as any Daddy to watch His daughter draw close and peel away the layers to discover the beauty He’s already placed inside.
Carve out some quiet time with God. Ask Him to draw out and highlight your talents and how you’re gifted. Ask Him to show you how to use those things in a powerful way. How does He want to use you through your gifts and talents to leave a legacy for those around you and generations to come? Write down any impressions you get, words you feel, visions you see. Search the Bible for what God says about the things He’s showing you. Highlight various parts and talk to God about them. Continue to talk with Him about what He’s sharing, and then position yourself in the way you feel He’s showing you.
Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t come right away. Remember, if Satan thinks you’re getting ready to find out what you’re created to do for the Kingdom of God, He’s definitely going to make some noise. Your gifts and talents are exactly what Satan is after. If he can steal them, you’ll never be aware of the full potential of your talents. To silence your talents is to silence your passion, which in turn will silence your joy. He wants to cut you off at the intersection where you would find the passion God has tailor-made for you, the one thing that will fill your heart with contentment and a dance of pure joy.
A future without passion/joy should be a future we’re not interested in.
Beware; Satan will have you measure yourself against everyone and everything around you. But always, always remember, your value should not be defined by popularity because popularity is driven by emotion. Value is found in uniqueness or rarity. Originality + Rarity = an Immeasurable Valuable.
Here are some of the things Satan said to me then and still says to this day: What needs to be said has already been said. You don’t have anything new to say. Who cares what you have to say besides your friends and family?
Whenever he taunts me, I remind myself—and him—that he is a liar.
I’m grateful to God that He answered when I cried out to Him. He didn’t discourage me with the amount of time it would take, nor did He overwhelm me with the full picture, which is still developing in my heart. It excites me that the adventure continues. There are new things to learn, new experiences and new goals to achieve. There is a lot more life to live.
These questions are in no way a substitute for healthcare professionals or any level of professional counseling. I’m an advocate for taking care of oneself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. These questions reflect my heart, NOT my profession.
This questionnaire is an opportunity to journal your thoughts and feelings. It can serve as a launching pad on which to evaluate your heart condition as you understand it. My hope is that you will take what you discover and hold it up to the Light to evaluate it against who God says you are.
- Have you taken time to sit with the Lord and talk about your gifts and talents?
- What are some similarities in what He has shown you? What did you write down?
- Is it something you would consider ordinary? If so, God may be calling you to redefine your definition of ordinary. Ordinary done with passion becomes extra-ordinary!
- What are some things Satan brings to your mind to cripple your pursuit?
- How are you going to overcome the obstacles Satan is hurling at you?
- How are you going to discern between Satan’s voice and God’s voice? (Hint: motivated in fear/lies = Satan; motivated in truth/love = God)
Use God’s word to take control over traumas in your life. Whenever you feel terrorized by your thoughts, take them captive by replacing them with the truth of God’s promises found in His word.
Print, then cut and carry this Scripture with you and/or post it in places where you will see it often. Ground yourself in God’s truths not Satan’s attacks. Encourage your heart and mind every time you are reminded of His great love for YOU!
Here is what God’s word says to encourage you and to give you an example of His unfailing, relentless, unending love for you:
“Observe people who are good at their work— skilled workers are always in demand and admired; they don’t take a backseat to anyone.”—Proverbs 22:29 (MSG)
Another version of Proverbs 22:29 (NLT) says: “Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people.”
When you read God’s word say to yourself: I have gifts and talents (which are expressed as work) that will put me in places of importance. It will afford me experiences that will rise above average. I will meet interesting people, see interesting places, and learn interesting things.
Now LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!
