You Gifted Girl, You!

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
I Peter 4:10 ESV

Okay, I hope you’re not too mad at me after yesterday’s devotion! Please don’t launch rotten tomatoes at me yet. (Speaking of, I probably have some in my refrigerator right now. Yuck. That bottom drawer is basically a coffin for vegetables, don’t you agree?)

We talked about comparison. We discussed how it can hinder God’s best for our lives. We brought up some convicting stuff—but, friend, I want to encourage you with this truth today:

You are extremely gifted.

If that statement made you snort with sarcasm, well, get ready for some exciting facts, sister!

The Bible makes it very clear that everyone is gifted. Yes, everyone. And God finds immeasurable value in each gift, equally. If God thinks our gifts are great, who are we to say they aren’t? Every gift, obvious or subtle, is needed within the body of Christ. In Romans 12:6–8 (NLT), it says this:

In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

So often it’s the “behind the scenes” gifts that have blessed me the most. The elderly woman who held the door open as I wrangled feisty babies. The stranger who asked to pray over me without knowing my heart was crushed. The teacher who said, “God is going to use you mightily!” so many times that I actually believed her.

Our gifts are not for us—they’re for His glory. He gives us gifts so His Name can be magnified through our lives. Whatever that gift looks like for you, use it confidently. He has entrusted you with a world-changing assignment that no one else can fill.

God, thank You for the gifts You have given me. Show me how to steward them well and use them for Your glory. Amen.

This is an excerpt from A Confidence That Changes Everything: Devotions to Shine Bright in This Topsy-Turvy Life, the new book by Hannah Crews!