All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
I was driving home from yet another soccer game last night with my daughter, and in my mind, I was casting about for a topic to write about for the blog this morning. It was about 9 p.m. and I was too tired to write it at that point, and I knew I was leaving early today to make the long drive to a friend’s house. I didn’t want to leave without writing it, because I take my writing on this blog seriously.
Nothing of any real consequence had happened in the last few days, so as I tried to conjure a potential topic, I remembered what someone had said recently about my writing. He’s a client whom I write for as a copywriter, and I happened to mention to him in an email that I contribute to this blog. He took the time to come to the blog and read some of my posts, and his response was that he could see that I was “passionate” about my writings, and he considers such passion a gift.
He is spot on. It is a gift. And we are all similarly gifted. Every one of us. The way that I know that my writing is a gift is that every time I sit down to write for the Lord, I pray and ask Him to infuse Himself into it. And every single time, I am absolutely astounded at the outcome. Please understand that I am not bragging about myself, but about God’s power.
Nearly every time I write for Him, He teaches me something in the process; gives me a revelation about the scripture or the topic that I didn’t know just minutes before. It’s an incredibly intimate experience, writing with the help of the Holy Spirit, and waiting for Him to show up and equip me again, as He’s done every time. Truly, there are many times when I’ve sat down with my computer in my lap and said, “Lord, speak through me. All I have right now is a verse of scripture and a scrap of an idea.” But He is faithful and always comes through. And those are the times, especially, when I reread what I’ve written, and say, “Wow. I never would have thought it would end up like that!”
We all have a passion that God has given us, a gift that becomes truly magical with the touch of the Master’s hand. I find it interesting that the crucifixion of Jesus is often called “The Passion of Christ.” He had a passion, too–to save us–and still does. And when we are faithful to exercise the passion or gift that God has given us, He will amaze us with how He equips us–sometimes at the very last moment. As long as we move forward in faith, He will be there to give us what we need. And it is the most incredible experience, because we know–we know–we have been touched by the very hand of God.
Whatever your gift is, exercise it. It is given to you for two reasons–to benefit others and to benefit you. Several months ago, I was standing in my kitchen, and I heard the Lord speak to my spirit very clearly. He told me to begin writing regularly for The Christian Woman, and to “feed My people.” Prior to that, I had contributed a handful of blogs in a sporadic manner, but hadn’t really been committed. When the Lord spoke to me, I didn’t know that one of the former regular contributors had gone on to other ministries, and Julie Cosgrove was soldiering on by herself, also exercising her gift. After a month or so, I realized why the Lord had spoken to me–she needed some help!
But in the process of being faithful to His call, I have been so blessed. When I read comments from many of you, and you say that you have been inspired or encouraged, it uplifts me like nothing else can.
God does not call us to simply work for Him. He is far more creative and wonderful than that. He has equipped each of us with a gift that, when used, blesses both the giver and the receiver. It is meant for pure joy on both ends. There is nothing, absolutely nothing as wonderful as knowing that we are placed here with a unique purpose under heaven. And when we move forward in faith, even if we don’t know how we’re going to do it, God will show up and turn our humanity into something heavenly.
Jesus said that He wanted us to be anything but lukewarm. He created us to be passionate for Him. Even if you feel lukewarm now, get moving and exercise your gift in faith, and watch as He sets you on fire.
