Ephesians 3:7
“(The gospel) of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power.”
Paul was a minister of the gospel. He was the most gifted one of the New Testament. Not in charisma as he self describes (I Corinthians 2:1). His mix of intelligence, communication abilities, drive and writing skills caused a spread of the good news as well as providing clarity of the gospel that has gone unmatched. Due to technology, Billy Graham has spoken to more people and has produced more converts. Without technology Paul stands alone.
Paul says all of these abilities were gifts from God. That's very refreshing to hear. We've all been gifted by God in some manner. As we come to Christ, the journey to discover and exercise our gifts begins. In addition to these gifts comes our similar discovery of finding a place to use these gifts.
An amazing fact about God is that He guides us. Proverbs 3:5,6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight." What an amazing blessing to have the God of the universe lovingly guide us. It's more than guidance as He goes with us. He is our Father who is looking out for us. Just as a father takes a child by the hand, so He is with us.
He builds our confidence as we walk with Him and exercise these gifts. We overcome fears and insecurities. We love our children and seek to develop them, so God does this in a far superior manner.
Paul addresses the fact of gifts in the body in I Corinthians 12:21, 'The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you.” Nor can the head say to the feet, “I do not need you."' We learn to be content with our gift(s) and how we work together. We can grow envious, but the Lord helps us and we find our place.
The Lord uses us for kingdom advancement as He chooses. It will match us and how we were created. He will challenge us in the right manner.
Lord, thank You for the gifts You give and how You use us. You bless us with confidence and fulfillment. Help us to bring You glory.