As you know, I am coming away from an ice storm and five days of no electricity. I discovered that I was not given the gift of service, at least not the benefit of the helping hand kind. I find this embarrassing and suffered spiritual guilt.
A neighbor down the road whom we do not know came over after day one and asked my husband if she could borrow one of our generators for a few hours? My first reaction was “presumptuous,” followed by thoughts that we are instructed to lend and help, followed by the scripture where Jesus warns us always to be ready; yes, it’s for his return, but it’s practical advice nonetheless. Serious spiritual warfare erupted within seconds in my brain.
I was bothered, prayed and asked for forgiveness at my hoarding selfish response and attitude. I talked to my daughter about this and was reminded that He gives to each of us our gifts and callings.
Yet, at this very same time, I have a group of gals that I share online time with, and they are from one end of the United States to the other, one in Ireland and one in Canada. That day one of our TX gals had water pipes burst and I sprung into action, started a pipeline, contacting, making sure she had help, ready to get ahold of my Galveston church to contact Houston church. I had everyone on high alert just in case.
1 Corinthians 4-6 NIV “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works in all men.”
My daughter reminded me that it’s good that I’m aware of my shortcomings and can pray about them, and to remember how the Lord uses me. We all have our gifts.
If we all made casseroles, we would have no teachings by our pastors. No praise and worship music by the writers and the singers. We wouldn’t have devotionals to read and learn from, and we wouldn’t have my husband, who loaded a pick-up full of dry scrap wood for two single moms who only had wood heat amid our storm.
Appreciate the gifts God gave you and use them for his glory. Don’t beat yourself up for the gifts you weren’t given, and always pray for the areas where you can become better.
As always, thank you for joining me. I hope you are blessed and can be a blessing. Have a great day! 🥰
Sunshine On My Shoulder 