But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 1 Corinthians 12:7
It is often hard, when speaking of gifts to not want certain gifts or get gift envy. Spirit gives manifestation of gifts to every person for the common good of the body of Christ. If I think my gift has to look like someone else's, I rob the world of that because the manifestation is unique to what God put inside of me. Our unique manifestation may be what God uses to reach a specific person.
I remember when God started to use me in sharing of a word from Him in the moment. I resisted this a few years. When I would hear a word, I would begin praying that God would use someone else to speak what He had placed on my heart. He did initially.
Once someone recognized that God was putting something in me to release, I gave her permission to call on me. I was concerned about trying to make it about me, and I was guarded. I started letting my pastor know when I had something.
I remember someone coming to me after I released something saying "what you said was just for me. I heard pastor say it. I heard so and so speak about it also, but the way that you said it, was how I needed to hear it". That really hit home to me.
I know as a parent, at times I will tell my children something and it doesn't seem to register. Then someone else comes and tells them the exact same thing and they receive it, like they've never heard it before. I believe as Christians we can do this too. I also believe from my own experience that at times my head can repeat a statement but it hasn't made its way to my heart. Or I've forgotten it somewhere along the way. I need God to draw me back into that knowledge and bring it to the forefront of my mind.
That reminder may I can come through a Scripture, a book, a podcast, a still small voice, or from another person. I need others to allow the gifts of God to manifest though them in a way I can receive. If this is important to me after thirty-nine years of following Christ, how much more is it needed for those new in their journey? How much is it needed for those who look to church as their sole source of spiritual growth?
Lord, thank You for forgiveness and patience as I attempt to learn to be obedient in the manifestation of Your gift within me. Continue to help me to grow Your gift within me and allow Holy Spirit to manifest through me.
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