What is in your hand?
In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. (Romans 12:6–8)
Paul emphasized that we are to actually use the gifts and abilities God has given us for the benefit of others. Some people say, “I don’t know what to do” or “I don’t really have any special talent to give”.
In Exodus chapter 4, Moses said much the same thing when God spoke to him at the burning bush. “I can’t do what you want, Lord, because of this excuse and that excuse. People won’t accept me. I can’t speak well. Let somebody else do it I’m a nobody.”
How did God answer? “Moses, what is in your hand?” For Moses, it was a staff. It wasn’t a crown, sceptre, or sword. It was a simple stick. And it became one of the greatest supernatural weapons in human history. God showed Moses that He could use this ordinary staff to perform miracles as a sign for unbelieving people. As Moses’ trust in God grew, so did the magnitude of miracles God worked through His servant.
Consider God’s question: “What is in your hand?”
What do you already have in your possession?
Speaking ability?
Artistic ability?
Money?
Friendships?
All of us have something we can use to accomplish our part in God’s work here on earth as we serve one another.
God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. (1 Peter 4:10).
