Ephesians 2:10–“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (NIV)

Ever feel un-special? Un-qualified? Un-exceptional?

Driving home from last week’s conference, I reviewed comments from conference attendees. As I reviewed each comment, I caught myself comparing comments made of me and the comments made concerning the other speakers…BAD DECISION! Seriously, you’d think I be smarter. LOL. Friend, God never wanted us to compare our gifts–Did He?

But, it was too late. I already fell into the trap. The resounding response from each conference attendee confirmed that my gifting was love.  While the other speakers received acclamations of their powerful stories and gifted analogies…I received simple notes of thanks saying “Julie, thank you for loving God and for loving us.” … “Julie, your love for God and us is greatly needed.”

For a few brief moments…whether because of pride in wanting to be exceptional…or fatigue…or fear of not being good enough…I thought, There it is again…my only gifting is to love.

OK. HERE IT WAS AGAIN…the opportunity to LIVE my message or cower to self-defeating thoughts and the accusations of the enemy. I felt compelled with a simple thought…as if God were shouting…STOP RIGHT THERE!

Friend, GOD created each one of us ON purpose FOR a purpose. The challenge we face as believers is to dismiss our gift because we think it un-important or insignificant.

So, how about it? What unique qualities have you dismissed? Do you disqualify your life from ministry thinking you have no special gifts?

Today, I challenge you to reflect on your gifts; what comes natural to you? AND, once you reflect and discern your God-given, natural, abilities I encourage you to ask this question–How can I use this gift right where I am, to minister to my family, friends, co-workers, church, and neighbors.

 Mother Theresa once said, “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.”

Friend, we are ALL pencils in the hands of a writing God…how will His love letter be written in our life?