41. “STIR UP YOUR GIFT” 2 Timothy 1:6

God gave each of us our Talents, but it’s our job to develop them And it’s not that complicated. Because your gift usually relates to something that excites you. Think about it; God made you; He hardwired the desires of your heart. Knowing that, helps you to understand why the things you find rewarding involve your inner talents and abilities. One Author put it this way, “It’s natural for a Hunting dog to hunt, Coop him up and he’ll lie around with no enthusiasm. But when he realises he’s going hunting he comes alive. That’s because God designed Hunting dogs that way, (That’s their talent, and what they were created for) they have that passion inside them; they don’t have to get themselves worked up or listen to a motivational message so that they can work up some kind of zest and zeal.” No, when those dogs know they are going hunting; they are naturally excited. Ever seen those old movies with people and their dogs getting ready to go on a fox-hunt?!! When we know we’re doing what we are called to do, enthusiasm and excitement exude from us naturally, we may not jump around like the dogs, but deep within we know, “This is what I was called to do, This is why I was born” On the other hand, if you’re doing something that’s not natural to you and quite a struggle, or If you try, train, practise and push and you still can’t master a skill; recognise that it may not be in your nature. Of course, we must persevere, push through and learn hard things, but generally speaking life shouldn’t be a constant struggle. When you’re fulfilling your purpose in God, one of the most noticeable results is how rewarding it feels to “stir up the gift of God in you”.When you are utilising your natural abilities, enjoying them and doing them for God, life takes a turn, you know what your doing is bringing Him glory and that brings you peace and contentment. And that also answers the question, so many Christians ask, “I don’t know what my gift is?’ Proverbs (17;8) Tells us “ A gift is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; wherever he turns, he will prosper.” And Paul speaks of this gift of God in you when he says in (2Timothy 1;6) For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of hands.” It isn’t something you learn, It’s something God gives you, and nobody else can activate it for you. You have to “Stir it up” by using it and developing it. It was Solomon with his gift of wisdom who wrote most of the book of proverbs and it was him who said “A gift is a precious stone in the eyes of the possessor: wherever he turns, he prospers.” Your gift will enrich many different areas in your life, not all of which will be financial. While money is the wrong reason to devote your life to something, developing your God-given gift is rewarding on multiple levels. Unfortunately, many people are envious of other people’s gifts. Don’t waste time on jealousy, it’s a gift-robber and an energy-drainer, and besides, you should be so busy stirring up your own gift that you don’t have the time for envy. Those of us who can remember Louis Armstrong and his achievements in the jazz world will be interested to know; When he was auditioned for music school, he was asked to sing the scale, but he couldn’t, he could only sing two notes properly, so they wrote him off. Armstrong cried when he was rejected, but later told his friends, “There is music in me and these people can’t keep it out.” Later, he went on to become one of the world’s most beloved and successful Jazz musicians of all time, selling more records than many others who were more talented than himself. We are all born originals, but many of us settle for becoming carbon copies. Think; if you become like everybody else and join the Rat race, even if you do win, that just makes you a big Rat!!! Proverbs (18-16) says A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.” Your gift will make room for you so go ahead and fill the slot God has designed for only you to fill. The church needs gifted people, It matters not what it is, if it “turns your wheels,” excites you and it’s something you love doing doesn’t matter what it is, God can and will use it for His Glory and His Kingdom. My sister always had a neat and tidy home, she also had six children. An elderly lady from our Parish went to visit her one day and said “What can I do for You?” Colleen, not wanting to impose said ”There’s nothing much to do,” so the older lady went over to the cutlery draw and emptied it on to the table and proceeded to polish all Colleen’s cutlery, saying this was her thing, she loved to polish cutlery and silver. The next day when I remarked on her shiny cutlery Colleen told me the story, and said that lady has brought a lift to so many lives, just by using her gift to bless someone else. Not a big deal I agree, but she brought what she had and The Lord has blessed it, and many people including my sister. When you use your gift for God, watch Him bless it. Who knows what God can do with a willing heart. Thank you for reading my thoughts on stirring up god’s gifts to us. I hope it encourages you to do so. And may God truly bless us all. Phaline. ---------------------------------