“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.”—1 Corinthians 12:4-5
“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”—1 Corinthians 12:11
Since November is known for Thanksgiving, I have to give thanks for one of the bigger blessings in my life right now. I am so thankful for the knitting ministry that I was able start through my church in February of 2021. What started as a baby hat ministry with two people has grown to 10-14 meeting each week. We have branched out from baby hats to baby blankets and hats/scarves for the homeless.
We recently renamed it, Knit, Pray, Crochet since we have a mix of both and are making more than baby hats. This group would not work, if each of the ladies didn’t share their spiritual gifts. I am not only talking about the items that are created with their hands. While a few do have the gift to crank out several hats or blankets monthly, that isn’t everyone’s ability.
Whether or not they realize it, some have the gift of evangelizing. A few of the women have recruited and brought new people to the group. We couldn’t have grown had they not told others about our ministry. We also have those that have taught others how to knit, crochet or use a knitting loom. Those ladies typically also have the gift of encouragement. Humor is another gift some of them possess. Laughter is always a part of our fellowship. I look forward to our weekly gatherings. I always leave with a full heart. We are our own little family.
All the gifts each of us are given work together to serve others in the body of Christ. As a group we have a more effective ministry. Initially, one of the women who came didn’t know how to knit, so she would tag all our baby hats for us. In time, she had learned how to knit using a loom. It was her servant heart that led her to join us. It didn’t bother her that her responsibility was to put tags on all of our handmade items.
Actually, every woman in the group has a heart to serve others. I see God’s hand in placing each one of them in our group with their own unique giftings and how we build each other up. Our common thread is we love Jesus and want to share His love with others in our community. One gift is not more important than another. Each person is necessary to work together for our common goal…loving God and loving others. We pray for the unborn babies, pregnant mothers and the homeless that will receive the items we are making.
Had God laid some kind of small group to start? Do you like reading? What about a book club reading books of all genres written by Christian authors? You could even have a group where you listen to a Christian podcast and meet to discuss it monthly. It doesn’t have to be a craft group such as the one I started. It is important for us to not squander our God given talents but to be productive with them.
Remember the words in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” The first week when there were only two of us, we weren’t discouraged. We both knew in our hearts, that God was going to bless the ministry in His perfect timing. He will do the same with you. If there is only one other person interested in your small group, you are making a difference for that one person. We were created to have connections with other believers.
Father God,
Thank You for opening the doors for a ministry where we all have the same common goal…to glorify You through our hands and our hearts. Forgive me when I let fear keep me from stepping out in faith when You open the door for an opportunity to minister to others. I ask for courage and boldness for those who are feeling the Holy Spirit nudge them to start a small group. I give You thanks for blessing me with others who can help advance Your kingdom when we gather in Your name. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen.
November Verse
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”—Colossians 4:2
If you are knitting or crocheting gifts to give away, 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.