Abilities or Talent?

As usual – I am late on posting about my shape of faith, but then again – I needed to really think about the questions Heather asks us this week about abilities/talents…Those were really tough questions, like:

• Is there anything that you are sure God could never use for His glory?
• Anything that you are sure He would use?
• Have you ever been surprised by what He has chosen to use? Why?
• Has He ever used your weakness when you expected Him to use your strength?
• Has He ever grown you through a weakness in your ability?
• Have you ever jumped in and used an ability and realized that it was not His will?

Well, I think that God can use anything and everything for His glory. The good, bad and the ugly of our past, present and future. It might be that we don’t feel comfortable sharing the bad & ugly stuff with others. Especially with un-believers. I think that we sometimes come across as ‘mighty’ and ‘oh-so-holy’, when in truth we are just as fallen as everyone else. The only difference is that we admitted that we are in need of a Savior and we are forgiven…So, yes I think He can use anything for His glory… Am I surprised what He has chosen to use? Absolutely not! He is God and with Him in the driver-seat, I don’t ask questions. Even when He exposes some sides of me that are not very flattering. Like my pride, selfishness and stubbornness…Sometimes I just need His gentle reminder that I need His Spirit in order to walk in the light!

He has taught me that with Him all things are possible. When I attended a Bible study years ago at the church I worked at, I told several people that I wished they would use the material at my home-church. One of the attendees said: “If you like it so much, why don’t you introduce the material to your own church?” – My answer: “You must be kidding me! Me — leading a study? — No way!!!” As you might recall from last week — I am an introvert! No way would I ever step out and lead a Bible study. But guess what!?! – He had other plans. Needless to say – two months after the study ended – I lead the study at my home-congregation. The first night (I had 15 ‘students’) I was so nervous that I almost backed out. I was sick to my stomach…But why was I so afraid? Than I remembered: “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” ~ Psalm 118:6. I relaxed and the study turned out great. Not because of me, but because of Him! I would have been too afraid doing it on my own…

I think that there were several times where I stepped out of His will. I got involved in some ministries that were really not my cup of tea. I got involved because people told me: “You would do a wonderful job doing this!” I was tickled that people thought I could do certain ministries. You see, there is the problem — people. I didn’t wait on Him to say: “Yeah – I think you would do great.” There is where my selfishness came in. “Hey, look at me! What I can do!!!! I am doing this and I am involved over here.” Sounds pretty much like looking for approval of man (woman), doesn’t it? Well, I was brought down hard, thats for sure! So, this year, I am on an extended ‘vacation’ from public ministry and use the abilities/talents He has given me behind the scene…away from the lime-light!

Thank you Heather for this journey …It has been an eye-opener for me and I am looking forward to the weeks to come :smile:.