Reflecting on a few gospel songs, I've realized that we make many promises to God, "Whatever you ask me to do, I'll do it" and "I surrender all". Some of our prayers may include asking God to work through us or for us to be like others in the bible. We want God to use us, but we are often not open to it.
When I was younger, many prophecies were made over my life. There was a point where I kept wondering why they weren't fulfilled yet. I didn't recognize that I needed to go through stages before some gifts were manifested and promise fulfilled.
Stages
"If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses?" (Jeremiah chapter 12, verse 5a). Before a baby walks, he crawls. When that baby attempts to walk, he will never walk if he falls and refuses to get back up.
We must learn to fight the little battles we face daily and overcome the obstacles placed in our way to grow in Christ. If we cannot overcome these, how will we stand when the battles get harder. We must overcome the little things before we can achieve the bigger things.
Utilizing talents
We need to utilize what God has given to us. The word refers to three men who were given different talents according to their abilities (Matthew chapter 25, verses 14-30). They got five, two and one talent, respectively. The men with the five and two talents put their money to work and doubled their amount; hence they were rewarded. The man with the one talent buried his. He did not use his gift, so it was taken away.
While we're waiting on God to work wonders in our life, to move us to a higher place, what is it that we are doing with what we have? Have we buried it like the man with the one talent? Are we trying to learn his ways? Do we spend time in His presence daily?
We don't need to wait for God to provide a big opportunity for us to do something for him. Every day we can tell someone about him, show kindness and spread his love. It's about doing what we can where we are now. This helps us to be prepared for where he is leading us. We must also make him our priority.
People make time for what they prioritize. Hence if we don't make time for God, maybe He is not our priority. We are disciplined when it comes to work and other tasks we deem essential. Perhaps it is time for us to check our actions, reflect on God's word and find out if we are doing what God wants us to do. Set aside time daily to commune with him.
Quality time is crucial to building any relationship.
Remember, comparison is a thief of joy. You may not pray like others, nor have the gift of healing and prophecy. However, you have compassion, you are kind, you listen, and you may put others at ease when they are in your presence. All of these are important, none more than the other. Embrace it and use it to honour God.
Being not just doing
The more time spent in the presence of God, feeding on his word, praying, and listening to his voice, the more we'll operate under his power and authority. Let us not just do what God expects of us, but be who He wants us to be.
Prayer
Lord, we thank you for always remaining faithful even though, at times, we are faithless. We thank you that despite our frailties, you'll never give up on us, and you love us unconditionally. Please help us embrace what you have instilled in us. Help us use it to glorify you and edify others. Amen.
Latanya Fraser Cato is an elementary school teacher who enjoys reading and writing poetry. She is currently a Sunday school teacher at her church in Japan and has served on various youth-related ministries both in church and school in her home country Jamaica. She has a passion for counseling and helping others. She has published a book of poems entitled Soul’s Inspiration which she hopes will assist individuals facing various challenges..