“A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.”—1 Corinthians 12:7 (NLT)
What seems to come most easily to you? What keeps your attention? What are you most asked by others to do? These are things that God can use to fulfill His destiny for you. I have always been told that I have never met a stranger. I got that from my dad. In my eyes, he seemed to know everyone.
In fact, my mom gets mad at me when I am at her facility and visiting with other residents or their families. I can hear her telling her boyfriend, look at her. She is here to see me and all she is doing it talking to other people. I tell her, I can’t help it. I got that quality from dad.
I am a people person. I love being around others. I have no problem taking charge or being given responsibility. Most of the time I am pretty organized. I like to knit and write. Roll that all together and God has been able to use me to start a knitting ministry, write a knitting devotion book and even have a small YouTube channel.
While I know not everyone has a specific passion for a craft like I do, you could be more like my mother. Back when she was more engaged with her life, she found ways to use her love for shopping and decorating.
Initially, when I was writing this, I questioned if my mom had any gifts that she had used to bless God’s kingdom. He reminded me of the period in her life where she did volunteer at that resale shop as well as when my dad was alive.
After my dad’s death she started to volunteer at a resale shop affiliated with her church. They would request for her to organize the displays of clothing and furniture to look aesthetically pleasing. Who would have thought her passion for dressing nice and decorating could be used like that?
While growing up, I don’t have memories of her selflessly giving of her time to others in the community, but she did with her family. At my house, there were always home cooked meals as well as hosting gatherings.
If she was cooking a big pot of spaghetti and meatballs, we knew we could invite friends over for dinner. I also knew I could always depend on my mom to cook a meal when needed for youth group too. She took pride in her cooking.
Unfortunately, when my dad passed, so did her love to cook. Thankfully, God pricked her heart to volunteer at the resale shop. Only God can turn her hobby of shopping and decorating into something He could use for Kingdom work.
So, please don’t discount your passions as something God can’t use. Being a stay-at-home mom or grandparent caring for grandchildren could be exactly where God wants you to use your gift of serving. Psalm 73:23 is one of my favorite verses; “Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand.”(NLT) I belong to God. He is holding me by the hand guiding me to my destiny and yours as well. Amen!
Father God,
Thank You for the gifts You have given me to minister to others. Only You can turn what others may view as a frivolous hobby as a way to help others. I lift those up to You who feel as if they aren’t doing enough. No God given talents are small in Your Kingdom. Every act of love matters to You. Help me to serve You this week in ways that bring glory to Your name. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
April Verse
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”—John 10:10
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.