by Elizabeth Haarberg

Discovering the gifts that God has given us.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

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.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 English Standard Version (ESV)

I love watching people perform an activity that they seem created to do. A basketball player can appear to be more at home on the court than anywhere else. Another example is a person who starts their own business, and who can talk comfortably with clients about their product or service.

I couldn’t figure out why it moves me so much to watch this, until a friend recently spoke about the same thing happening to her. She was at a fine arts competition, and a young woman she has known since birth was baring her soul in a drama on stage. The words were being spoken in such a way that my friend found herself crying during the performance.

As we were discussing the scene, I realized how I love to watch God work. When someone is exhibiting a natural ability, that’s God’s way of breathing through them into the world. He is connecting people with Himself, by showing up in the giftedness of the person we are watching. Whether they realize it or not, they are reflecting Him to those around them.

Through this way of showing himself to the world, God is drawing people in.

But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.
1 Corinthians 12:31 ESV

How do we recognize our gift? Pay attention to what flows out of us. For example, I know I have a gift of encouragement. I didn’t know it was a gift for a long time, but then I read a descriptive story about an encourager and realized I do that naturally. People have told me that I encourage them, but I never gave it much thought.

I thank God for the gift he’s given me. I encourage you to sit down and write out your gifts. Also, ask others what they see you do well.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado