Based on “Humbly Confident” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 5/5-6/12,
Message #6096; Daily Devotional #1 - “Finding Your Talents”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will… (Ephesians 1:11) As a Christ follower, we are to be seeking God’s purpose for our lives. Everything we do is to start with God and be based on fulfilling His purpose so that we can experience true satisfaction.

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Last week’s lesson focused on being content with who God made us. As I began to step out and serve in different ministries, I would meet people who displayed a level of spiritual well-being that I sought to attain. My natural tendency was to wonder how they reached that point, how long they had been at Calvary and in what ministries did they serve. My hope was that maybe after serving as they served, or taking the same Bible classes they had taken, I would be content. In doing this I found that I began to encounter dissatisfaction rather than the fulfillment that I craved. What I had to learn is that God has a unique purpose for each of us. One person may find fulfillment in serving abroad in poor communities, and another may find fulfillment serving the local homeless. We each have a unique set of talents that have been given to us for a particular job. We cannot hope to be successful when we look to other Christ followers to find our purpose. Instead, our purpose is revealed through daily prayer, study of the Bible and the quiet time we spend in the presence of our maker. Comparing ourselves to others can lead us to feel either insecure or prideful, depending on the situation. In either case we will have our usefulness to God reduced because we are concentrating on what someone else is doing for God, rather than what we are doing. Even when we focus on God, we will likely feel dissatisfaction at some point. Sometimes dissatisfaction comes as a result of spiritual warfare, but it can also mean that God is pushing us in a different direction. God will do great things through a humble heart turned fully toward Him.

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Take some time today to consider your talents and gifts. Pray that God will open a door and reveal a way to serve Him by using those gifts. Remember, we cultivate the talents God gives us by using them in His service. Ask God to show you the things that move you and make a list, always humbly remembering that it is all about HIM. And remember, He wants you to discover His purpose for you even more than you do.

Cultivating (Additional Reading): 2 Corinthians 6:1; Galatians 6:14; Philippians 4:13
WSK

Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.