Tools, talents, and gifts for God’s glory

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My first thought when I look at this picture is, “what a mess!”  A painting carelessly sitting behind unwrapped presents which are stacked with various other items. Next to all of that are assorted tools not intended for the same purpose.  What could possibly be going on in a household that has all these things haphazardly tossed in one place?

This picture got me thinking about what is going on inside each of us. We look internally and observe all of the tools, gifts and talents there. Sometimes it’s difficult to figure out why they’re all in the same place and what they’re for. I think about degrees I have earned, training I’ve received, experiences I’ve been through, and things that seem to come naturally to me and I find myself wondering when and how God plans to use them all. I know there are things God still plans to reveal to me as well. A visual of all of this could look exactly like this picture. It feels like a mess.

“God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit.”
1 Corinthians 12:4 The Message

“All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when.”
1 Corinthians 12:11 The Message

It is not our job to determine when and how we will use the gifts, talents, and tools God gives us. At the right time God will use what He has given us for His own purposes. Do not get discouraged that God had you learn a new trade or skill and now it seems to be set to the side. Rejoice that He has prepared and equipped you for the future. Stand ready and willing so that when the time comes your usefulness will be evident.

In time you will grow in the areas He desires. New gifts will be discovered and opened, old tools will suddenly prove applicable, and talents will expand to fit needs. God uses it all for His glory.

Text Copyright Richelle Hecker
Photo Copyright Victoria Hecker