My son, Branden, turns out, is quite the artist. We discovered this one night when his high school, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, invited us to their Spring Art Show where we were able to see projects that the students had been working on through the school year in different art classes. Greg and I were looking at paintings and noticed this beautiful rendering of the Eiffel Tower. As we looked down for information on the artist, little did we expect it, but there was our son, Branden’s name. He never let us know about this project, but now, that painting graces the wall of my living room. He enjoys creating on canvas, and one Christmas, many of the gifts I gave him were pencils, erasers, and other tools to encourage this creativity. God supplies the same for His children as He gives us each many gifts. However, I could only provide gifts for Branden to enhance his creativity. He does not get his artistic talents from me. Gifts we receive as God’s children are from God. Not only does He give us these gifts, but He supplies us with everything we need to use those gifts for His glory.

In 1 Corinthians 1:4-9, Paul shares with the Corinthian believers, “I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Paul is always thankful for other believers and points out what he sees in them. His letters often guide them through a difficulty, but he points out how Christ is at work and always directs them to God and His work in their lives. Spiritual gifts are evidence of the saving work of Jesus in the life of a believer. God does not just provide gifts at salvation but also gives us everything we need to use them as we journey here on earth, awaiting His return. God desires that we be productive in the tasks He has given us that others may see Him. The Holy Spirit guides and enables us to use those gifts to advance God’s work here on earth. Our responsibility is to use what He has given, knowing He has given us everything we need to do this.

The Message rephrases some of the passage like this – “Just think – you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly…And not only that but God Himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track…God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of His Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that.”

God has given us everything we need, all the gifts and abilities, but then also His grace and strength to fulfill His plan. Do you know what gifts God has given you? Do you lack the confidence to use them? Have confidence in knowing that you have all you need. Go to Him in prayer asking for His direction, then wait expectantly knowing that He has supplied all you need. God gifts us enabling us to gift others as they see Him. Use His gifts as you await His return knowing you are faithful in doing what He has called you to do.

In His Love,

Susan