Romans 12:6 (NIV) – “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”
I love the incredible diversity of giftedness and skills God has placed in people. One friend of mine is a fabulous photographer; another is a computer genius. One leads a large company with brilliance and integrity, while another makes beautiful music that touches hearts. Some can make anything with their hands. It’s amazing how uniquely God has wired each of us.
For a long time, I didn’t think I had any special gifts. But looking back, I can see that God was awakening them each time I accepted a new responsibility. When I was eleven, I took on a paper route that ran seven days a week. I was responsible for delivering papers and collecting money to send to the company. I didn’t know it then, but God was already teaching me diligence, consistency, and integrity.
Between the ages of fourteen and eighteen, I worked for a small grocery chain. Each time my boss gave me a new task and I did well, he promoted me again. By eighteen, I was managing three stores! Those years taught me the power of hard work and excellence—two qualities God always blesses.
Later, when I was hired by an airline, my organizational and leadership skills grew even more. I was nervous at first, but I had prayed for increased income and opportunity. To my surprise, the very areas I feared became the ones where God showed me hidden abilities.
Luke 16:10 (NIV) – “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
Through those years, God was developing me for future assignments. Each new task revealed gifts I never knew were there. That’s how God works: He awakens our gifts through responsibility, faithfulness, and service. Many people wait for their “calling” to appear like a bright light in the sky, but it’s usually revealed in the soil of service.
When you say, “Here I am, Lord—use me,” God begins to uncover what’s been hidden inside you all along. Whether it’s creativity, compassion, leadership, or craftsmanship, your gifts come alive through obedience and faithfulness.
As you begin to serve, God also gives you marks—specific goals or milestones that lead to your greater calling. The Apostle Paul wrote, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14 KJV). Each “mark” is a smaller goal that builds toward your larger purpose.
When I was a young believer, one of my first spiritual goals was to lead someone to Christ. My first mark was to memorize a few key scriptures that could help me share Jesus clearly. That simple step strengthened my faith and prepared me for the next.
It’s the same principle in every area of life. When I wanted to run 3.1 miles—the distance around a local lake nearby—without stopping, it seemed impossible. So I set a smaller mark—to run one mile first. When I finally reached that, it felt like a celebration with God!
Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
Every mark you reach strengthens your faith for the next one. Each step of progress builds perseverance and confidence, and before you realize it, God has led you further than you ever imagined.
So don’t despise small beginnings or overlook ordinary progress. Every step counts and pressing toward higher goals, reveals gifting in you that you didn't know was there!
Accept responsibility, pursue excellence, and serve others with a willing heart. Your gifts will grow, and your steps will align with His divine purpose and the plan God has for your life will continue to unfold! More on this next time...
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) – “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
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