As I trudged through an existence built without God and
Jesus, life was an unending daily loop of unfulfilled dreams. I thought I was
happy, but I was not. I went from job to job seeking the “American Dream.” I was
trying to live life on my terms, which were I could do anything and everything.
I could not. The devil really had me under his thumb.
My life began to change when I overcame my alcohol
addiction through a twelve step program. I still was misguided, but I was
getting closer to the plan God had for me. Although at the time, I was unaware
of any help from God in my life. However, God has always been in my life.
I did not have a personal relationship with God, nor did
I want one at that stage of my life. I did not know I was headed toward a major
life changing event. A year in my life where my world came crashing down and I
was changed by God forever. My year was 2009.
It was a year in which three events played a major role
in my rebirth. The first was becoming part of an online prayer ministry called
World Prayr. The second was attending a “whole” bible teaching and believing
church. The third was the death of my wife in December. Becoming associated
with this ministry, I began to find and use the talents and gifts God had given
me. My wife’s death led me to my re-birth on January 4, 2010. These three
events are tied to my use of the gifts God has given me.
While I knew I had talent in a few areas, God used World
Prayr, a church and a death to show me how I should be using those gifts. Everyone
has spiritual gifts given to them, whether re-born or not. Throughout my life I
would pray to God, usually in self-pity or anger. “Why me God?” “What did I do
wrong?”
It was not until I was re-born that I became needful of a
relationship with God. I had enough reason to be angry at God. But I was not. I
dived into the bible to learn what God wanted to teach me and to build a
father-son connection. I began spending “alone” time with God. I am getting
better at hearing God speak to me.
Our God given talents have the best effect when used to
build the body of Christ. Romans 12:4-11 is one of many
verses or passages on the gifts and talents of believers. God has created a
unique place for every believer in the body to use their gifts. Serving God and
His people should be our primary focus in utilizing our talents.
All spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit. We are
responsible to use and sharpen our gifts. Spiritual gifts are not self-serving
but serve the whole body of Christ when used properly. Used without love our
gifts become practically useless. Make loving God and loving fellow Christians
your highest motives, as you seek to identify and use your gifts.
Robert Dodson
October 11, 2013
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