GIFTS ARE GIVEN ‘TO EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS SEVERAL ABILITY.’ That is, we have just as much given as God knows we are able to use. ‘But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.’ By claiming and using that grace, you can do more for God than the mightiest intellect in the world could do without it.

The Holy Spirit is just as able to draw a soul to Jesus, if He wills, by your whisper of the one word, “Come,” as by an eloquent sermon an hour long.

He who made every power can use every power --- memory, judgment, imagination … musical, oratorical, or artistic faculty; … special tastes for reasoning, philosophy, history, natural science, or natural history --- all these may be dedicated to Him, sanctified by Him, and used by Him.

Whatever He has given, He will use if we will let Him. Often in the most unexpected ways … something read or acquired long ago suddenly comes into use. We cannot foresee what will thus ‘come in useful,’ but He knew, when He guided us to learn it, what it would be wanted for in His service. So many we not ask Him to guide us to what He knows there will be use for in the work to which He has called us? The Lord makes the most of whatever is unreservedly surrendered to Him … He wastes no material. ---  F. R. Havergal (adapted)

OUR GIFTS AND TALENTS SHOULD ALSO BE TURNED OVER TO HIM. They should be recognized for what they are, God’s loan to us, and should never be considered in any sense our own. We have no more right to claim credit for special abilities than for blue eyes or strong muscles. “For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive?” ---  A.W. Tozer

“There are different ways of working, but the same God gives the ability in all people for all of the ways to serve. *Each one of you has received a special gift from God, so use the gift to serve each other.” 1 CORINTHIANS 12:6; 1 PETER 4:10

I BELIEVE OUR GOAL SHOULD BE NOT TO HAVE PRECONCEIVED IDEAS OF WHAT WE WILL DO, but whatever our hands find to do, do it with all of our hearts. This is all He asks us to do. Just live one day at a time … Walk through the doors He opens … And accept that which He offers us to do. If we do it in a spirit of love and commitment, He says ‘even a cup of cold water will not go without its reward.’  --- June Hurst