What are my Gifts?

I received a note from one of my readers asking: "How do you know if you are using the gifts God has given you?" My answer to her is as follows...

First of all, you need to know what your gifts are. Once you do, then you can operate in those gifts for the greater good of those around you.

One simple way to find out what your gifts are, is to look at the things you are really good at. What is it that is challenging for others but comes easy for you? Many times we don’t think that our gift is a gift because it’s too easy or it just comes natural to us.

Ask the people closest to you to tell you what gifts they see in you. There is usually at least one common thing that stands out to everyone.

Once you discover it, then pray and ask God how he wants you to use it. Any time you use your gifts in a way that honors God, as opposed to a way that would lead people astray, harm people, etc. then you are bringing him glory. It may not always be direct ministry, but God is able to use you to touch lives ANY where.

Also, it’s normal to second guess ourselves, especially early on in our relationship with God. But God isn’t stressed about it. Just continue to spend time with him and ask for his guidance and he will reveal his will to you. I heard a pastor say just last week that God won’t give you his will until he knows you are ready to do it. In other words, when you’re ready to say yes to it (even though it may not be what you thought) then he will show you. Some times we already have in mind what we want to do and will only follow God when his will lines up with our agenda. Yet, I have learned that if we follow him even when it doesn’t make since, he is able to direct us into a place where we can not only use our gifts, but also find the type of fulfillment and purpose greater than anything could ever imagined.

If you are interested in tools that can give you a more detailed view of how you're wired you can visit: www.myersbriggs.org It has very useful tools that can help you to discover the types of jobs you'd like most, the best work environment for you and other helpful information.

If you decide to check it out, let me know what you think.