What's your gift?

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you…

— Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV)

One of the amazing things that happens as God is healing your soul is that you start to see yourself the way He sees you. Over time, you receive His love in new ways, and you realize that He’s made you uniquely and has a reason for you to be on earth. God has gifted you to fulfill His purpose for your life, but if you’re like a lot of people, you may not have recognized your gifts yet. When we’re in pain in our soul, sometimes all we can focus on is what seems wrong about us; it can be extremely difficult to see what is good and right about us. As God begins to heal our mind, will, and emotions, we find it easier to think about encouraging things and even recognize positive aspects of ourselves.

I encourage you to start asking God to show you something special about the way He’s made you. To some people, He’s given a very tender, compassionate heart. Some He has wired to lead others effectively, and others He’s created to be excellent followers. Some can cook, some can sew, and some can't do those things, but they’re amazing at other things. To some, He has given a gift of being able to communicate clearly, to teach, to make scientific discoveries, or to write beautiful music. Only you can discover all the dynamic gifts He’s placed in you. Romans 12:6–8 talks about giving ourselves to our gifts. In other words, we need to find out the things we’re designed for, and then devote ourselves wholeheartedly to exercising those gifts.

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People usually enjoy doing what they’re gifted to do. Some people feel they’re not good at anything, but that’s not true. When we make an effort to do what others are good at doing, we often fail because we’re not gifted for those things, but that does not mean we’re good for nothing. We should look for what we are good at and begin developing those talents. As we do what God has created and gifted us to do, we find joy and fulfillment in life. People who are secure and confident in God know that He’s created them to be unique and that they have a one-of-a-kind purpose. They realize that God loves them and has a plan for them, and they don’t compare themselves to others, which is very freeing. I encourage you to be secure enough to enjoy what other people can do and to enjoy what you can do, but never try to be anyone but yourself. Start saying positive things about yourself instead of negative things, because that will help release the gifts God has placed in you.

Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for creating me with purpose, and for placing amazing gifts in me. Please show me what they are, and help me develop and use them to help those around me! In Jesus’ Name, amen.