Gifts grown gradually over a number of years potentially will be more valuable than those that are not nurtured by the recipient of the gift.
Let me give you several obvious examples:
A gifted musician who diligently practices day and night will in time certainly bless audiences with his or her musical measures.
The gifted athlete as well, in due time, through arduous practice will entertain sports enthusiasts with his or her athletic prowess.
But first, I must mention the greatest gift available to humankind. That gift is eternal life, which is available to all who will simply accept the work of Christ Jesus on that cross 2,000 years ago.
In my personal opinion, all gifts are created by God, the Creator of the universe. Even with that, we are informed to work out our salvation.
With the patient guidance of the Holy Spirit living inside all believers, the miraculous work of God continues to amaze me. His gifts are too numerous to mention.
In Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul presents what he calls of the fruit of the Holy Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
He continues in verses 25 and 26 to explain what I consider the catalyst of all His wonderful gifts: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become concerned, provoking and envying each other.”
We have all been given gifts by our Heavenly Father for His distinct purpose and His glory.
What I find interesting in observing and studying God’s gifts to His creation is debatable.
In my opinion, those gifts enter this world with us at birth. It may take many years for one or more to become obvious to ourselves and others. They must be nurtured in order to blossom and meet the fullness of God’s plan for our lives.
A mighty oak starts out as a tiny acorn. But in time provides sufficient shade and shelter for many.
On a personal note, I was totally unaware of the gift of the written word that God had placed within these bones for more than 40 years.
These past dozen years have been an extremely precious unexpected journey that I look forward to continuing for years to come, if that be my Lord’s pleasure and purpose for my life.
Here’s my conclusion for you to personally consider: What gifts has God given you? Are you prepared to allow Him to take you on a journey that will create a mighty oak for His glory and His purpose?
Listen to these prophetic words of Paul written to his protégé, Timothy, in 1 Timothy 4:15-16:
“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
I trust this short essay will not only move you but encourage you as you continue on your life journey.
Seek a closer walk with your Heavenly Father and allow Him to show you the gifts that may well lie dormant and waiting to sprout and blossom in God’s time.
As written in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.”