Embracing Your Strengths: Week 11

Do you know someone whose love language is giving?  This person love, love, loves giving gifts and the ultimate joy for them is you, eyes wide, smile beaming, and stammering, “Wow…Thank you!  How did you know?  It is more than I ever expected!  I just can’t say thank you enough!”

My question is…what has God, the giver of life, done for you that leaves you shaking your head in amazement?  Astonished?  That grateful? If you can’t think of anything, think again!  Your heartbeat, your eyesight, your creativity, your Savior, your family, your world…the list is endless.  We get pretty immune to it, though.  We all forget, from time to time, that every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17).  All the good stuff comes from the Lord.  This includes the good stuff you are able to do – your “gifts”.

God entrusts us with many gifts, among them: our ability to dream, our talents and our opportunities.  He longs to be gracious to [us] (Is 30:18).  He weaves events and time and people together to accomplish His plan – we know this well.  But think of it…simultaneously, in His infinite wisdom, He is working out a plan for our good…in each one of us who loves Him.  And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them (Romans 8:28).

This study has been about seeing our gifts and using them.  Today we are reminded to be thankful for our gifts and to enjoy them.  His love language is gift giving and He is pleased to bless us.  He is for us – who can be against us? (Rom 8:31).  He delights in us…He rejoices over us with singing (Zeph 3:17).  He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).  He makes plans to prosper [us]…to give us a future and a hope (Jer 29:11).  Think of it!  Isn’t it simply amazing that the God of the Universe loves you so dearly and wants to bless you?  Doesn’t it leave you feeling humbled?  Grateful???

Trust in the LORD and do good; 
   dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 
 Take delight in the LORD, 
   and He will give you the desires of your heart.

  Commit your way to the LORD; 
   trust in Him and He will do this: 
 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, 
   your vindication like the noonday sun (Psalm 37:3-6)

This gratitude compels us.  He has blessed us to be a blessing to others (Gen 12:2). He has gifted us, so we can share our gifts with others.  Where do your gifts lie?  Are you “good with kids” or super organized?  Do have gifts in music or a heart to serve others?  Are you a wonderful cook?  God can use all of these skills and abilities to minister to His people and to reach out to “the least of these” (Matt 25:40). Our lesson todays ends with this:

When we use our gifts and talents in service of Him, giving of our time and resources to further God’s influence in another’s life, we are celebrating our strengths.  – pg. 71

justAgirl…just like you!