“If you have the gift of speaking, preach God's message. If you have the gift of helping others, do it with the strength that God supplies. Everything should be done in a way that will bring honor to God because of Jesus Christ, who is glorious and powerful forever. Amen.”—1 Peter 4:11 (CEV)

While I like the CEV version of 1 Peter 4:11, notice the wording difference in the King James Version; “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”  The word, “minister” is what stood out to me.

One of the reasons I like reading different Bible versions is it helps me understand a scripture better. Until reading the KJV version of the passage, I never considered myself a “minister,” but I guess I kind of am. Really, any of us that help others in the name of Jesus are.

We all have a dream. What is yours? Without one, we lack direction. Once I discovered how God wanted to use me, everything I had been through seemed to make more sense. God laid it on my heart the desire to make a difference in my community with knitting gifts to give away. Now others are doing it too.

In fact, I recently received two separate emails from people who had listened to the nudge of the Holy Spirit to give away knit gifts to strangers. For both, this was something outside of their comfort zone. I am so thankful they shared their experiences with me. God was able to assure me of His love by giving me these little nuggets of encouragement.

Not to mention, with all I have been going through with my mother the past 2 months, sometimes I forget how God is always working behind the scenes. He let me know that despite me listening to the lies of the enemy of not doing enough, He has still been able to work through Knit, Pray, Share. It was written to inspire others to do kingdom work. Those emails, were just the boost I needed to keep on doing what I am doing. 

Hebrews 11:6 tells me that without faith it is impossible to please God. I know I couldn’t have started a knitting ministry, written a book, write this blog or start a YouTube channel without faith. I trusted and still trust God with what is impossible to do on my own. Only through the power of Jesus living inside of me am I able to minister in this way.

As Fred Rogers said, “It’s not so much what we have in this life that matters. It’s what we do with what we have.” Is there something you are asked to do on a regular basis? Do people reach out to you about meal trains? Are you someone that is the first to volunteer your home for a small group or gathering? Is being a prayer warrior a strength for you? Whether you realize it or not, these are all gifts that God is using for you to share the love of Jesus.

How can you use your unique strengths to make a difference in your corner of the world? Are you willing to step out in faith and do what God has called you to do? Remember sharing the Gospel aligns with God’s Word. What are some ways you can minister to others this week?

Father God,

Forgive me when I act selfish and don’t share my spiritual or material gifts with those around me. Thank You for loving me when I don’t always love myself. Open my eyes to ways I can uniquely share the Gospel with those You put in my pathway this week. I lift those up to You who are struggling on where they can serve in Your name. Help them to discover their strengths. I praise You for making each and every believer to do Kingdom work. I pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen. 

  April Verse

“He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.”—1 Peter 2:24 (NLT)

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.