Living Changed: In the New YearSample

Making a Difference with your Gifts 

It’s a new year. There is a clean slate in front of you and endless possibilities. A year from now, when you look back on these next several months, what do you want to see? Do you want to see that you made a difference in this world and in God’s Kingdom?

Whether you realize it or not, God put certain things in your path and gave you opportunities to strengthen different skills, so that He could prepare you for your purpose.  

Every one of your life experiences makes you uniquely you. Consider the natural talents God has given you, the different opportunities you’ve had, and the skills you’ve acquired. Think about where you grew up, where you’ve traveled, what you’ve learned. Maybe you understand different cultures and can relate to people around the world, or maybe you create art that inspires and moves people to action. The various experiences you’ve had in your life may seem irrelevant on their own, but together, they’re leading you toward something meaningful that you can use to glorify God. 

We see this in the book of Esther, which tells the story of a Jewish woman who is in the unique position to save her people from mass genocide. Even as the wife and queen of the Persian King, she didn’t see herself as special or more important to God’s plan than anyone else. She was just doing her best to survive. But because of who she was, where she lived, the time she lived in, who she had influence with, and the wisdom God gave her, He used her to save the Israelites from death.

There’s no question that God has given you skills, talents, education, financial power, status, or influence that is special to you. The question is how you will use it. You don’t have to be in full-time ministry to do God’s work. You can work for God in business or in the home, with many or with few. Most of us won’t be famous, but we all have circles of influence and unique gifts that those in our circle of influence need. 

Take a moment to thank God for everything He has given you—all the strengths, characteristics, learnings, influence, and provisions that are special to you. Ask Him to show you how those gifts uniquely qualify you for your purpose and how you can use them to change others’ lives and eternities this year. Living in your calling and serving others will lead to a more fulfilling year. 

We pray God used this plan to minister to your heart.

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