In my study time yesterday I was reading from a book by Max Lucado called Just Like Jesus. The section dealt with recognizing your strengths and doing those things which are your strength. It seems that many times in my life the things which trip me up are the things that I don’t enjoy doing in the first place. I find it difficult to use the word, “No” in a sentence. Therefore, I find myself often doing things that I’m not good at doing. I also find it easier to share stories about my lack of ability from earlier times in my life, so it isn’t as painful to me in the present. I remember in high school wanting to play tennis. I didn’t have the passion to play on a team, but I wanted to be able to play well enough to enjoy the game and enjoy the time with my friends. I really worked at trying to learn how to stroke the ball and move on the court. The truth is I stink at tennis. I later found out shortly after graduating high school that I had astigmatism in both eyes. That causes you to have incredibly poor depth perception. After getting glasses my freshman year in college I thought I could probably play tennis with corrected eyesight. The truth is I still stink at tennis. I know it sounds weird, but I love to watch a good tennis match. Maybe it is because I am so bad, and have tried so hard, that I really appreciate the talent that it takes to play tennis at that level. Romans 12:6 says, “We all have different gifts, each of which came because of the grace God gave us.” Although this knowledge doesn’t make me a better tennis player, it gives me a sense of knowing that God has bestowed me with other gifts that I can use to benefit His kingdom.

What gifts have you been given? I bet if I really search out the gifts that God has given me and focus on doing those things to the best of my ability, and I take heart in knowing every gift is not mine, and learn to say “NO” to those things I’m not gifted in, my life would be much less stressed and much more fulfilling. (How’s that for a run-on sentence?) In Romans 12:3 Paul says, “Have a sane estimate of your capabilities.” The kingdom of God is in need of your gifts. What do you have to offer to the kingdom? What things in your life do you need to say “NO” to? God is not asking you to do things you are not capable of doing. As a matter of fact, God has already given you gifts that are to be used for His kingdom. It is okay to say no to those things which you are not gifted to do. But as God provides you with your gifts, it is your duty and obligation to use those gifts to praise the One who has provided them. Failing to focus on our strengths may prevent us from accomplishing the unique tasks God has called us to do. First Church has need of your unique gifts. Won’t you offer your gifts to build and benefit the kingdom of God in this place?

Grace and peace,
Kirk Norman