3:349 – Rejoice In Your Talents

#faithbites #faithjourney rejoice

Setting

Lately, I have been spending a lot of time learning 3D printing. I have had more failures than successes but am really enjoying it. In the past couple of days, I’ve had people tell me how great my stuff is and they want to commission me to make something for them. I’ve tried to talk down my success by saying oh it’s hard but it’s just a file I print. Or well it’s not perfect, it has some blemishes on it. These don’t seem to bother people and they still want them. How often do we discount what we do because it’s not perfect or we don’t think we should be given credit for it?

Think about it this way: God made us all with talents. Some talents shine right away and others take time and determination to perfect. It doesn’t matter if it’s technology-enhanced, physical, mental, or artistic. God has given us these abilities and through time and practice, we get better. We will never be perfect but we can take time to rejoice in our accomplishments and thank God for what he has given us.

Do you recognize your talents and rejoice in what God has given you?

Scripture

• Ephesians – For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
• Exodus 35:10 – “All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the LORD has commanded:
• James 1:17 – Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Reflection

If we start focus on our verses, we see that God made us to do the work that he prepared for us to do. He never said the work would be easy or we would be perfect in doing it. he also didn’t say we would do it by our own. These are gifts from God and we should rejoice and celebrate in it. In the old testament, we see that God has commanded us to make what we are skilled to make. Again, not perfect and not alone, but using the gifts he gave us.

If God prepared us to do works, why are we so hard on ourselves? Why is it hard to accept a compliment regarding the work we do? We can be thankful, rejoice, and give Glory to God. It’s not prideful to thank God for what he’s given us.

So yes, my talent is technology-enhanced, it’s not perfect, but it is bringing joy and happiness to people. I’m thankful that God has given me the ability to learn and grow in this hobby. Are you able to acknowledge the talents he’s given you and thank him for them?

Challenge

Do you have a hobby or talent that you like to do? Are you less than perfect at it? Are you having trouble accepting compliments? Think about how you got into that hobby. Who taught you? Who gave you the skills to be able to learn and grow? Put the focus on God and thank him for it.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for giving us special gifts and abilities. We often find fault in our work as we are less than perfect. While it may not be up to our expectation it’s still a gift and others find joy in what we do. Help us to know that these gifts come from you and that growing in the talent is what you want us to you. We are far from perfect in everything and that’s ok. We will continue to use what you gave us to grow, share, and rejoice in you. Thank you, Lord. In your name, Amen.