by Sandy Kirby Quandt @SandyKQuandt
Be sure to use your gifts God gave you. That’s what the Apostle Paul told Timothy. I’m thinking the same applies to those of us God has given the gift of writing, speaking, teaching, or encouraging, as well.
Each of us has been given unique talents and gifts designed especially for the world of writing. Sometimes, though, we might hold back on using our gifts for several reasons. One reason might be that we don’t feel as if our gift is worth much. Especially when we compare it to what we perceive as someone else’s gift.
We might look at our platform, number of followers, number of sales, what we write … and believe it’s too small to make an impact. Too small to matter. Insignificant.
When we think like that, though, we take God out of the equation, don’t we? At least, I know I do.
Recently, a fabric store near me went out of business. In the final days before the store closed, the price of small pieces of material, ribbon, whatnots, was reduced to a fraction of their original cost.
Writer, Be Sure To Use Your Gifts by @SandyKQuandt on @BRMCWC #Writing #Writinglife #BRMCWC Share on XAs I looked through the remnants, I knew two yards of material may not make a dress, but it could make a skirt. One yard of material might not be enough for a blouse, but pieced together with other leftover material, it could make a quilt.
There was potential in everything I saw. Just as there is potential in our writing endeavors.
Like those leftover remnants, we may believe our writing talents, abilities, and gifts, are little more than scraps. Not worth a whole lot. We forget that in God’s hands, our gifts can accomplish God’s big plans. All it takes is our willingness to be used.
That’s what happened when Jesus took five loaves of bread and two small fish and fed over five thousand people. We remember the crowds had followed Jesus, and it was getting late. The disciples suggested Jesus should send the people away so they could find something to eat.
Then Jesus took what a young boy willingly offered. His little for the Lord’s use. And from the boy’s lunch of five small loaves and two small fish, over 5,000 people were fed.
There was even enough food left over to fill twelve baskets. One for each of the amazed disciples.
Don’t dismiss the importance of your gift. Whether used through your writing, speaking, teaching, or encouragement, when offered into God’s hands, it becomes much.
Instead of looking at our little and believing it’s too small or insignificant to be of any use, let’s look to the One into whose hands we place it, and see the big only he can accomplish.
How do you use your gift of writing, speaking, teaching, or encouraging for God?
I wish you well.
Sandy
Sandy Kirby Quandt is a follower of Jesus with a passion for history and travel. Passions that often weave their way into her blog, stories, devotions, and articles. She writes articles, devotions, and stories for adult and children’s publications. She is a regular contributor to Guideposts devotional books, as well as a conference speaker. Sandy has won multiple awards for her writing, including several years in the Young Adult category of the Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition. Looking for words of encouragement or gluten-free recipes? Then check out her blog at https://sandykirbyquandt.com
