Tis’ the season to be jolly, merry, and bright. Right? Well, sure, but that’s not what we’re talking about today. Anyone who reads this probably knows that the holidays are stressful, and little kids get excited about getting Christmas presents. That’s what it’s all about. Right? Yeah, definitely no. We all know that when Jesus was born, the three wise men came and brought him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh.” Matthew 2:10-12 ESV. Jesus received gifts from the wise men to honor the Savior of the world. The slight difference with us is that we were given gifts by our Savior so that we could worship him. We were all given a special gift or gifts by God.
You might think “Mattie, I don’t have a gift.” Well, my friend, you do, or at least the Bible says so. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” 1 Peter 4:10 ESV. How special is it to know that you have a gift specifically selected by God so he could use you! Gives me goose flesh 🙂
I recently had trouble with my own gift(s). I love to sing, and I had just felt inferior knowing so many people could do it better. It just made me sad, but a good friend told me, “NOTHING, can make you feel inferior without your consent.” She told me that God gave me a gift that maybe someone else couldn’t do, and that God will use me. Today I am here telling you the same thing! God uniquely created you and has a specific plan, with whatever gift he has graciously given to you.
Well, you could say, “Mattie, I don’t know what my gift is.” And that’s perfectly fine! God will reveal it to you on his terms, not yours. So get comfortable with that, and have hope, my friend! “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” Romans 5:3-4 ESV.
Also trust that your gift will not look exactly like someone else’s gift, even if it may be in the same realm of things. But that’s a great thing! Your gift may be dancing, singing, drawing, talking others through difficult times. Maybe you’re incredibly smart and can help others study. The list could go on and on and on, but this just proves you a have a special blessing inside of you, to use your gift to help others!
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
You are each. I pray God uses you mightily in your life so that you may serve others. Jesus is the reason for the season!