Broken Not Broke Guest Post: Gifts, Everybody's Got One!

We have gifts. We all do. Not all of us believe that, but it's true.  I think a positive thing that took place in 2020 was the fact that many discovered hidden gifts.  Whether it was baking or some creative art form such as painting or pottery, many realized they had parts of themselves they had never tapped into.  That in and of itself was a small gift for many of us who struggled with the complexities the year unfolded almost on a daily basis.

Romans 12:6-8 stands out to me because it links our gifts with the grace that has been given to us. This implies that God is deeply involved with and interested in our giftings. I love seeing how God takes into account who we are and gives us the giftings that best suit His purposes for our lives. It shows intentionality on God's part and His loving nature.  God's Word indicates His attention to detail and it's no surprise that it would be evident in the way He provides us with the skillset to fulfill that purpose. 

What gift have you discovered in your own life this year?  Or, perhaps you had inklings that it was already there but you didn't know what to do with it? I recently had a conversation with someone who sincerely cried out, "I don't know what I'm good at.  I don’t have any special gift."  The not knowing what the gift is does not equate that the gift does not exist.  Let's break it down, so there is no confusion.  The best way to do that is to look at Scripture to see what it says since God's Word is and should be our compass. 

Ephesians 2:8-9 (TLV)

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not from yourselves—it is the gift of God. 9 It is not based on deeds, so that no one may boast.

We just jumped in on the deep end, huh?  The fact that we even have grace is as a result of God gifting it to us. (There's that word gift again! God is all about gifts!) In other words, everything begins and ends in Him.  He is the author and finisher of our faith is He not?  This verse is also a subtle reminder that any gifting we have is His and not of our own doing; therefore, we have no cause to boast. 

James 1:17 (TLV)

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

The gifts that have been placed in you are, in and of themselves, gifts from God.  He knows you and knows the plans He has for you and provides for those plans with giftings and talents.  These giftings are the tools that provide the way to traverse the journey that was laid out for you when God called you into existence. 

Romans 11:29 (TLV)

29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

"No Backsies!" Did you ever yell this out as a child?  Sounds silly and childish now; however, the idea behind this saying still holds true today.  God gives us gifts and talents and we are expected, encouraged and even required to discover, develop and utilize them.  It's not optional.  If you have any doubts about this, take a moment to read Matthew 25:14–30.  The Parable of the Talents is pretty straight forward.  It leaves no room for confusion.  You're task is to discover the gifts and talents you have and put them to use here and now. 

Colossians 3:17 (TLV)

17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Diversity is a wonderful word.  Webster's dictionary defines it as, "1: the condition of having or being composed of differing elements—VARIETY, especially the inclusion of different types of people (such as people of different races or cultures) 2: an instance of being composed of differing elements or qualities." 

What does the word diversity mean for us within the context of God's Word?  It means that God has uniquely created us.  Each one of us has been created in a unique mold that will never be used again.  God lovingly breathed the breath of life into us and provided what we needed to fulfill the purpose He destined for us.  In a book I wrote titled, "Awesomely Distinguished", I mentioned a study written by a professor who analyzed verse 14 in Psalm 139.  In our translations of the Bible, we usually will find the verse written as follows, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."  In the study, the professor takes a look at the original Hebrew that was used in this passage.  What he discovers is that although "fearfully and wonderfully made" is not a poor translation,  there is a translation that lines up better with the original language.  Instead of the phrase "fearfully and wonderfully made" a closer translation is, "awesomely distinguished".  The equivalent to the word awesome in Hebrew is nora.  In fact, one of the names of the attributes of God is El-Hannora, which means, The Awesome God.  What a wonderful literary picture this paints for us!  We were created in the awe-inspiring image of The Awesome God!  He fashioned us with distinction and uniqueness and, along with that, provided the gifts and talents to function in the fullness of the purpose that He destined for us. 

So many of us have believed for too long the lie that we do not have anything to offer the world.  Nothing could be farther from the truth! So friends, take Colossians 3:17 to heart.  Immerse yourself in His Word and recognize that those gifts and talents that reside in you are meant to be used and shared.  Recognize that God created you with intention, love, and care.  Realize that you have so much more to offer the world.  We were created to be the hands and feet of God on the Earth!  Who knows how many are waiting unknowingly to be blessed by your gift?  And as you develop your gift and begin to share it with the world, do all in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks to God the Father through Him!

I would love to continue the conversation! Share your thoughts!

If you would like to learn more about the attributes of God and their importance in our lives, I would love for you to join me at www.hakavana.com and sign up for my email list!  I've written the first of a 4-book series of devotionals that dives deep into the attributive Hebrew names of God found in Scripture.  Establishing His Name: Exploring the Width and Depth of God's Character is a great way to learn more about the One that holds us in the palm of His hands.  I've provided Erin with a 15% coupon code BNB15 for her readers for the month of January to kick off 2021! Please take advantage of it and get your hands on a copy today!  The book is available in both paperback and digital formats and in English or Spanish.

Be blessed!

Rebecca