Use it or lose it?

As servants of Christ, we are equipped with certain gifts by the Holy Spirit. In addition to that we all have a set of natural talents we are born with. It is the combination of these two sets, along with perseverance and practice, that our “skill set” is formed. It is a very natural feeling to find ourselves frustrated as we idly sit on the sidelines while longing to be used by God in the areas we know we are equipped to work in.

Part of the training we receive during this life is that of waiting upon the Lord. Our reliance upon Him is directly connected to our faith in Him to accomplish that which He has planned for us. Concerning gifts and talents, we have to realize that we are part of His plan and not vice versa. To find our joy in His presence, being available to Him, dependent upon Him for everything…that is our real calling. Then when He wants to use us, we go.

The Master has a toolbox and I am one of the instruments at His disposal. I cannot tell Him when to use me, that is His preference. What I can do is to make sure I am sharp and free of rust, ready to be used at His call and when His hand is upon me. Any effort to do the job myself is pure folly and only leads to heartache and disappointment.