How To Begin Using Your Gifts
Do you want to be used to impact others?
Throughout my 30+ years of ministry, I have seen the incredible impact Jesus has on others when His children step out in faith to be used of Him.
When God calls us to exercise our spiritual gifts, it can often bring insecurities and uncertainties to the surface about our abilities or what to do and where to start. Those things can keep us trapped in our comfort zone, paralyzed to venture out by faith.
Rather than give in to our doubts, we should trust that Jesus never calls us to do something He has not already equipped us to accomplish. We need to walk by faith and allow Him to use our gifts for His glory. He never promised us walking by faith would be easy – but it is always “way worth it” in the end!
So, how do you begin using your gifts?
Trust Jesus, Not Yourself.
Rely on Jesus’ strength, ability, and power to work through you as minister to others. He will be with you and will not allow your obedience to be in vain.
Pray for Opportunities.
Ask Jesus to open doors for you to use your spiritual gifts. Also, pray for discernment to distinguish which doors are of Him and which ones are not.
“Put Your Car in Drive.”
Pursue opportunities to use your spiritual gifts. Then act on them! I often say, “God cannot steer a parked car.” Do not worry about accidentally going in the wrong direction. Jesus will redirect your path to get you where He ultimately wants you if you veer off-course.
Expect Trials and Attacks.
Be prayed up and prepare for attacks as you use your spiritual gifts. Any time you venture into the realm of impacting people’s lives for Jesus, Satan takes notice. But do not be afraid. Jesus is with you and, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
There is incredible fulfillment that happens when Jesus uses us to impact the Kingdom of God. It is unlike any worldly satisfaction we experience. Nothing on earth can “scratch the itch” of ministering to others like God’s Spirit working through us does.
What is keeping you from using your gifts?