Leslie Wittenmyer
November 11, 2023
1 Peter 4:10-11, New Living Translation
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them out to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as the God himself we’re speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.”
The Lord has blessed each of us with a different gift. With the special gifts we bring to the body of Christ, it helps to unify and strengthen us. 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NLT) reminds us, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them all to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.”
This scripture speaks volumes to me. God has called each of us to spread the gospel. Maybe, like Moses, we don’t feel qualified to speak. There are multiple ways the Lord can speak through us. He can speak through art or some kind of craft, such as pottery or woodworking or basket weaving etc. He can speak through music, whether it’s vocal or instrumental. He can speak through writing. You could start a blog, write for a Christian magazine, or even write a book. Don’t limit God, and how He can work through you! Maybe you feel that what you do is minimal. Again, don’t limit the capabilities of God to use you and your gifts to spread the gospel and to bless others. He is looking for obedience, a willing heart.
As I was spending time with the Lord, He brought to my mind this scripture: “You are the light of the world— like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5-14-15, NLT)
My brother and sister do not quench the Holy Spirit, and what He wants to do through you! If you feel that you have nothing to offer, or that you are not good enough, that is a lie, straight from the enemy! Repent from believing that lie and turn to God! Believe in Him! Believe in what He says about you! God tells us in His word, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He’s created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT)
So, pick up that paint brush, complete that pottery, write that worship song! Allow the Holy Spirit to minister to you, and through you! Don’t be afraid, stay surrendered to the Lord. He will guide you! As you grow through this journey, He will teach you what you need to know: humility, obedience, forgiveness, love, mercy, grace, and the list goes on.
“The LORD is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows,
He leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
Bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
Through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
For you are close beside me.
You prepare a feast for me
In the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love pursue me
All the days of my life.
And I will live in the house of the LORD Forever.” (Psalm 23, NLT)