Guest Post by Marva Smith
Marva has endured many hardships in life and yet she always manages to find a reason to hope. She finds joy in encouraging women to slow down and shine in the light of God’s goodness.
When I met her last year at our Higher Ground Retreat, I recognized her natural ability to lead. I admired this gift I saw in her because it’s not one of my strengths. God often uses others to affirm our spiritual gifts. I’m so happy to share this post she wrote about discovering your spiritual gift.
You can find her writing about her life and faith on her website SunSparkleShine.com
Is it just me or does it seem like everyone knows what their spiritual gifts are?
Everyone but me.
I have to admit, I’m not always good at viewing myself clearly.
Thank goodness for self-assessments and other self-administered tests. Most times, I’m not surprised by the findings, it’s just that I’d never figure them out on my own.
So, when it comes to spiritual gifts, it’s kinda the same thing. I just might need a spiritual gifts self-assessment.
Until I find one of those, here’s what I’m thinking.
Oh, and by the way, this isn’t one of those posts where I say, ‘here’s what I did, this is what I learned and this is what you should do too’.
No, this one is more along the lines of, ‘I need to figure this out and I’d love to have you tag along with me’.
So, let’s jump in:
Tips for Exploring your Spiritual Gifts
Pray
This scripture says it best:
We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. 2 Chronicles 20:12 ESV
Don’t you just love that? Whether we’re clueless, at a loss for words, or simply overwhelmed by the army that’s about to overpower us — whatever the situation — we can turn to God. God never disappoints.
Better still, I love this one:
For everyone who asks, receives and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Luke 11:10 ESV
So, in trying to determine my spiritual gifts, the first thing I need to do is turn to God and ask Him.
Dig deep
God’s Word is chock-full of wisdom that we need for everyday living. Searching for our spiritual gifts is no exception.
Not surprisingly my study Bible has a list of scriptures on the topic: What to Read When You Wonder About Your Spiritual Gifts. Guess who’ll be checking those scriptures out?
Pay attention
Just recently my eyes were opened. And it happened in the most unexpected way.
Some time ago I met some of my closest blogging friends in real life for the first time. We called it our Higher Ground Retreat, and quite appropriately. God used that special time of bonding to confirm something He’d been trying to show me for a long time.
At first, it seemed insignificant. It was just a little comment. Then another. Soon I noticed it in the things that weren’t said. And it kept showing up until I couldn’t ignore it anymore.
It turns out I have the gift of leadership — who knew?!
But here’s the thing.
I used to think that leading is what I do at work because of my experience and training. As if it’s a given. But God made it clear that it’s so much more than that. It is a gift.
Leadership is my spiritual gift!
Now I can confidently embrace my gift and use it for God’s glory.
There might be others too, so I’m on the journey to explore more.
I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.
How about you?
Do you know what your spiritual gifts are?
How did you find your spiritual gifts?
If you’re still trying to find your spiritual gifts, then I’m in good company. We’re in this together so I’d love to hear about your journey too!
Wishing you blessings,
Marva
Marva Smith | SunSparkleShine.com
About Marva:
Marva is an island-living, sun-loving Christian wife and mother. As a business owner, management consultant, trainer and coach, she’s no stranger to busy but chooses the full life Christ offers instead (John 10:10). She finds joy in encouraging women to slow down and shine in the light of God’s goodness. You can find her writing about her life and faith on her website SunSparkleShine.com as well as Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram. Get a free copy of her e-book You Were Made to Sparkle here.
Thanks so much, Leslie. I’m happy to know that this just might encourage and help someone else.
Great post, Marva! I am doing a series that this will fit into very well. When I do some resource posts, I’ll link back to this! Valerie, thank you for sharing this with us today!
Thank you Leslie!
It is an exhilarating experience when God reveals His purpose for you. Excellent advice, Marva in seeking spiritual gifts. Thanks for sharing these wonderful truths from God’s Word. Inspiring scriptures indeed. Thank you Valerie for sharing this post. I hope both you ladies have a wonderful week and may God bless you and your families.
You too, Horace!
It’s always a blessing to hear from you, Horace. Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation.
Hi Marva and Valerie, I can SO relate! It seems like spiritual gifts are part God-given obvious talents and part only-God-can-do-this gifts.
I love how you worded that Alyson. So true!
Haha, yes! I agree with you, Alyson. Sometimes it’s quite obvious that it’s only because of God. 🙂