“Each of you has been blessed with one of God's many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well.”—1 Peter 4:10 (CEV)

When you realize God’s purpose for your life, you need to come up with a plan. Mine was putting a knitting movement into book form. I wasn’t quite sure how it was going to unfold, but God did. He opened the doors for me to use my gifts and here I am! I shared last week, how I had to walk in faith despite my fears of not knowing exactly what I was doing. Honestly, I still don’t know, but that is okay. What is important is that I keep trying.

When God is planting seeds or I am planting seeds in others, I have to remember that it takes time for seeds to grow into something. It doesn’t happen overnight. Look at me, God planted the seed of writing a knitting book in my heart over 16 years ago. For a garden to flourish it takes a lot of tending. Pulling weeds, watering, fertilizing, treating for bugs…all things my life needed as well. I now see how God was working on me during the waiting period. 

Knit, Pray, Share was over a two-year process from book submission to publication. It was covered in MANY, MANY prayers. I had prayer warriors praying me through it as well as godly counsel along the way. I earnestly sought God every time I sat down to write….just as I do now. I don’t know week-to-week what I am going to write about. Sometimes it something that I wrote a few months ago and other times it is written only a few days prior. 

God is still guiding me on this journey. Writing the book was the easy part. Now I am putting my faith into action, believing that God will lead me to people that are in need of Jesus’ love. Especially during this pandemic. With God, anything is possible. In God’s perfect time, I will reap a harvest from what I am doing. Until then, I am going to continue to trust God is going to use me during this season.

God wants each and every one of us to grow and flourish in our faith. Do you find yourself in a waiting period? Can you trust that God is working behind the scenes on our behalf? What are some ways you can nourish your soul during this time as He prepares you? God has uniquely made every one of us. Are you willing to walk through the doors He opens for you? Can if be scary? Yes! Will it be prefect? No.

I shared last week how God doesn’t expect perfection but a willing and obedient spirit. If God is clearly calling you to do something, what is your response? I know my first responses to God’s call for the book, this blog and social media, was, Lord, there are other people more qualified than me. I’m not sure I am the right person for this. I wouldn’t call that an obedient heart, but thankfully we serve a loving and patient God who doesn’t give up on us, when we let fear and failure drive us rather than faith.

How can you live out 1 Peter 4:10 this week? What gifts do you have that can be a service to others? As businesses gradually open back up, think of things you can do to not just support them but other ways you can bless them to let them know they matter and make a difference? While I am not crazy about wearing a mask in the grocery store, because smiles aren’t able to be shared, it warms my heart to see most customers treating the workers kindly and thanking them. This is a step in the right direction.

Dear Lord, 

Thank You that when I invite You into my day that You give me the strength to accomplish more that I could do on my own. Help me to trust You are preparing me for good things that lie ahead. I praise You that You know what and how much I can handle each day. Direct my steps and lead me to people to serve who need a glimmer of hope. I give thanks for your unending grace and patience. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen.

April Memory Verse

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” —Psalm 46:1

Please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make.