Ability + Obedience = Purpose
January 23, 2020 by Candace McQuain
Filed under Faith, Faith Articles
By Candace McQuain –
I am by no means a novelist, journalist or any other kind of literary “ist.” I have issues with comma usage, dangling modifiers and I still misuse “their” and “there” from time to time. So when God gently tugged at my heart and asked to me write on His behalf, I thought He had dialed the wrong number and I hung up the phone. Although, I do have a passion for words and stringing them together, to do so for real was beyond scary.
I continued to hang up the phone every time God called.
Lucky for me, His gentle tugs turned into jarring yanks and the next thing I knew I was writing for Him and I absolutely love it.
Imagine a world where everyone hung up on God.
There would be no beautiful architecture, no breathtaking paintings and no inspiring songs and words. Even more so, there would be no crops being harvested, no children being taught, no food being served and so on and so on.
God delights in us when He sees us at work for Him. He is beyond pleased when we recognize the gifts He has preprogrammed us with and we use them for His glory.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully” (Romans 12:6-8 NIV).
Each and every talent, skill or unique ability we possess was put there by our Heavenly Father to not just possess, but to utilize.
What good is our gift if we only keep it to ourselves? What good is our gift if we throw it away or feel we have something different or something bigger to offer?
Beloved, there are no abilities larger or more important than any others. We are all equal in the eyes of God. So whether we are at home caring for children or running a multi-billion dollar company we are equal in His eyes. When we perform our tasks with honor, respect and a joyful heart we are bringing God glory, day after day, hour after hour.
He has got big plans for each and every one of us and a very hefty part of that plan depends on us being obedient and respectful of what He has gifted us and focusing on how we can do those things for His glory.
So again, no matter where we are in life, no matter our trade, training or ability, we were created by God to specifically do these things in His name. To bring glory to Him and to display the beautiful work He has done in us.
Let’s shine for Him! We should approach every day, as if we are working for God Himself, after all, we truly are.
Candace McQuain is a mother of 4 beautiful children located in North Carolina where providing support, encouragement and knowledge to her fellow brothers and sisters who are struggling or new to their faith is her passion (www.candacemcquain.com). Her love and obedience to Jesus is the center of her life and is what keeps her motivated and her faith strong!
I love this, Candace! I can so relate to your feelings of inadequacey with your writing. The first writer’s conference that I attended, when asked if I was a writer, I couldn’t answer “yes.” I said, “Well, I have a little column in my local newspaper…” I love to write, but now realize that I was hanging up on God, telling Him that He surely had the wrong number. I felt unworthy, and isn’t that just what the Deceiver what us to think? Thanks for a great post. Blessings to you! Susan
I truly enjoyed reading this Candace. You have touched on a really important topic that we ALL have talents and God will help us figure out ours and how we can put them to use. You are doing a fabulous job!!While reading this I realized that the gifts of encouragement and mercy are hardly ever mentioned by anyone. We often forget these are much needed gifts.