Gifted

As a new Christian I knew nothing about rating sins or prejudice. My dad sometimes criticized those who were lazy and my mother was a bit leery of ‘foreigners’ but nothing serious. It was a surprise when the local church held it against me because I was divorced. Little did they realize how that event was part of God’s way to bring me to the foot of the Cross.

While I didn’t fight that or even resent it, even thought it was ‘the Christian way’ it later shocked me to be accepted and welcomed by others who knew nothing about my past life. At the same time, it took years to get used to the idea that God accepted me, that Jesus died for me while I was still a sinner, and that all fall short. We have no business treating others on some sort of a sin scale.

The first were missionaries I’d financially supported. We met them and they freely offered me their kindness and support. However, I experienced the old habits of many believers who rated people, and found it an easy habit to fall into. It seemed that because God exposed my sin and urged an obedient life, I was supposed to do the same, yet doing it like God does it was beyond my ability. His gift of using all things to change lives was not how I operated. 

But He worked to change that too, and to teach me how to live in the power and grace of the Holy Spirit. This is an amazing gift from God. It comes through confession and repentance, but also by learning how to walk as Jesus walked…

Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)
For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you. . . (Romans 1:11)
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. (Romans 11:29)
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:6–8)
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: (1 Peter 4:10)

Illustrations are helpful, like this one. In the 1992 Olympics, the British runner Derek Redmon tore a ligament midway through his race. The rest of the runners went on to finish, but he was  on the ground writhing in pain with his hopes and dreams shattered beside him. He first tried to run again, but after a few short strides, his legs buckled and he slowed to a walk. I know what it feels like to be down and out, without hope.

But then another man appeared on the track. Security guards tried to stop him, but he pressed on and put his arm around Derek’s shoulder, coaxing him as the crowd cheered. The two  crossed the finish line together. The man was Derek’s father.

My Father does it too, with His arm around me, with words of encouragement, with the example of others. He has gifted me with people from various walks of life who run the same race and seem to know just what I need. One was an elderly woman, a cheerleader. One is a quilting neighbor that turns gloom into sunshine, One more who encourages me with exceptional understanding. Another is a teenage boy who treats me like his very best friend. An hour with these gifted-by-God people and I am energized to keep going. 

PRAY: I thank You Jesus for giving me people who are gifted by You to show Your love and acceptance. They have been godly examples of what You are like and deepen my desire to be more like You. While that Olympic runner may not have realized it, because he relied on the help of his father, he set an example for those in the Christian race of life to do the same. The crowd may not see that I am a winner, but in the power of the Holy Spirit, You gifted me with whatever I need to do all that You have given me to do to finish my race. Thank You!