“The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others.”—1 Corinthians 12:7 (CEV)
Reading 1 Corinthians 12:7, the key word I see in this scripture is, each. We each have a special way of serving others. It doesn’t say only a some or a select few. It clearly states that we ALL have a unique way we can serve in God’s kingdom.
My way isn’t going to look like your way. God’s desire isn’t for us to fit, settle or blend in. He wants us to use what talent He has given us for His glory. I really am not that good of a knitter, but God has been able to use my love for the hobby along with my willingness to talk with a stranger, to share His love.
I am not sure when I am going to be whipping up multiple knitted items. I had minor hand surgery on Tuesday for a trigger finger. Up until today (Friday) I didn’t even know if I would be able to type this blog. By the grace of God, my right hand has loosened up and I am ablet to type and actually do a little bit of knitting.
After my surgery when my hand was numb, I was wondering what would be possible for me to do. With the uncertainty of me being able to knit, pray and share, I was questioning how God could use me. He clearly revealed to me in the post-op room another special way I can serve others. He opened the door for me to share my testimony with the nurse caring for me after my surgery.
I don’t remember exactly how the conversation started, but I was telling her about caring for my mom and how difficult it is for me to be with her when she only focused on the negative. I brought up how I had become a pregnant single mom at the age of 28 and had I chosen to focus on all the negative, I would have been miserable.
I told her that as hard as that time was for me, it was when I found Jesus and I didn’t know how people got through life without Him. She shook her head in agreement. Of course, I had no idea when I said it if she was a believer or not. I am assuming she was from her nodding her head, yes.
She then said to me, I not only see your outer beauty but your inner beauty is just as beautiful. Her words to me were so unexpected, I get teary eyed typing this. I know God was speaking to me through her. He was reminding me that people see something different in me when I share His love.
I think that is a gift that all believers possess…radiating the inner beauty of the love of Jesus. You see, this reminder from Him was for me to know, I don’t only share His love with my hand knit gifts. I also do it through the words I speak. I did tell her, had I not been the patient I would have been giving her one of my knit items, to thank her for the care she had given me.
So, remember, whether you realize it or not, God has a plan for you and how He can use you to serve others for His glory. His Word tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:7, “The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others.” (emphasis mine). What special way of serving God has He given you?
Father God,
Forgive me when I ignore Your promptings to share my testimony. I ask for boldness to share my faith with those that don’t know You. While blessing someone with a hand knit gift is a way for me to share the love of Jesus, I thank You for the reminder that the words I speak are also another way You use Your disciples to love like Jesus. Kind words are a gift given to each of Your children. May we use them to glorify You this week. I pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
February Verse
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”—John 8:12
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.