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Using Your Gifts in the New Year

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”¹

Yesterday we talked about the importance of seeing ourselves how God sees us, rather than being influenced by the world’s expectations. In addition to being chosen by God and dearly loved, he also equipped us with special gifts to use in our ministry for Him. Whether we realize it or not, all of our life experiences, skills acquired, our culture, and our natural talents have all been given by God. He has given us opportunities to strengthen our different skills to prepare us to fulfill his purpose for our lives.

Esther was a Jewish woman who loved God. She was going about life, never thinking of all that would take place in her near future. She didn’t see herself as special or more important than anyone else in God’s plan, yet she was given the unique opportunity to save her people from destruction. Being the wife and queen of the Persian king gave her access and influence that others didn’t have. The fact that she was greatly loved by her husband also allowed her to find favor with him. God gave her the courage and wisdom needed to act on behalf of her people and save them from death.

God doesn’t make mistakes. All that has happened in your life and where you are right now is for a reason. The question is, how will we choose to use our gifts? A year from now, as you look back on the next several months, what do you want to see? Do you want to be exactly where you are now, simply doing things that you have always done? Or do you want to see how you have made a difference in this world and furthered God’s Kingdom? The choice is ours.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for the gifts that you have given me and for making me unique. Please show me how to use these gifts to impact others and bring them to a personal relationship with you. Help me live according to your calling for my life and serve others in love. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.  

1.      Esther 4:14.

 

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.