I Corinthians 12:18,19
“But now God has arranged the parts, each one of them in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one part, where would the body be?”
We all have our place. God gives us the faith and ability for that part. I can recall seeking to be a pastor. I was on that path for a few years. Thankfully, He closed those doors. Thank You, God. I didn’t have the faith or ability for that. It would have been too hard. Even afterward I would seek to try. His mercy blocked me. I was a foot who wanted to be an eye. Fortunately, He won.
I heard J Vernon MeGee speak on this yesterday. He referred to many people he had known who were gifted one way, but sought to teach the bible. He saw they weren’t gifted for it. Clearly they were gifted in other ways. Yet, they still sought to teach. Unfortunately that was my problem. For a long time it was in the back of my mind.
I will say this. When I was at Santa Ana college, several of us were friends from the christian club. We would share speaking opportunities. I had taken several speech classes and was on the speech team. All of that was His will. The advisor to this club was a pastor. He had asked me and a friend to help at his church. I led the young adults group. About five years later a friend became a pastor. I joined his church and also led the young adults group. I was on staff. This is where God began to close the doors. I didn’t have the make up to lead. I got by when needed. But not as a profession.
I am in a mens bible study on Tuesday mornings. The leader is trying to prompt all of us to lead. I know my place. I can take over if called on, but I have no aspirations like I once had. I was asked to lead our couples bible study a couple weeks ago. It went fine, but it was somewhat uncomfortable. All good. I can assist when needed, but it isn’t my calling.
What is my gifting? My mom told me when I was 16. I’m a listener. At the time I didn’t receive it. My best friend was funny and so gifted in relationships. I wanted to be like him. I didn’t appreciate my listening side until I was in my forties. I became a church counselor. I did that for 12 years. Half way through got my masters in psychology. I loved that. It was in my gifting.
That’s been my journey in the area of gifts. It’s been great when I stopped seeking to be in an area where I wasn’t gifted. Philippians 4:11 says, “I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances.” Paul learned contentment. We also need to be content with our gifts. I have been at peace once I did that. Unfortunately it took a while. I yearned for the teaching gifts for a long time. Probably twenty years. It’s nice to have set that aside. Today’s speech calls that staying in one’s lane. I like that.
Thank You, Lord, for my gifts. Help me to use them to them to Your glory. Thank You for closing the doors on that which weren’t my gifts.