"What If My Gift Doesn't Make Room For Me?"

Everyone has a unique gift and talent and yes YOU possess something that is valuable to the world. Sometimes we feel the complete opposite of what the scripture says about our gifts: "A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men" (Proverbs 18:16). When life happens and we are not operating in our gift because we busy ourselves with careers, family, friends, leisure activities, or other things that can distract us, we feel that our gift ISN'T making room for us. However, it is wise for us to understand that God does not make us do anything that we don't want to do. We have to make our own choices. Luke 14:25-27 explains that "anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one's own self!—can't be my disciple. Anyone who won't shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can't be my disciple." In other words if you choose to hold on tightly to earthly relationships and choose to place other things in front of God then you are outside of his will from the start. If you are out of God's will then more than likely you aren't operating in your gift(s). So stop asking, "God, if you want this for me and my life why isn't it happening?" or "What if my gift ISN'T making room for me?" These are tricks of Satan to cause you to be angry with God for your own errors.

No matter what it's never too late to get back on track. If you've been questioning God, take heed to the old Michael Jackson song with lyrics that said, "take a look at yourself and make the change". Start with the man/woman in the mirror. Make sure you are in God's will and if not take the necessary steps to get back where you know you belong. Find the balance between things that can become a distraction to you and your relationship with God. Focus on what your purpose is in life and the natural gift that you have inside of you that is intended to impact nations. With all those things in order you will be completely satisfied from operating in your gift and ultimately fulfilling the Great Commission of drawing others to Christ. That's what it's all about.

What is your gift?

Balancing Act

No matter where you are in life, no matter what level of education or level of prestige the answer to how to balance life is a question that everyone ponders at some point or another.

Our lives consist of most of the following entities:

Church Life
Education
Family
Friends
Career
Relationships
Leisure
Travel
Finances
Business

The order that we place the abovementioned entities depend on where we are in life. No particular order is right or wrong it's just a matter of balance. Too much of anything is not good while not enough of something else can be problematic as well. So how do you solve the too much/not enough situation: BALANCE.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Proverbs 11:1 reminds us that "The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight." Proverbs 16:11 also states that "Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making."

If we don't learn how to find balance, God will certainly teach us! If we don't spend enough time with our spouse an extramarital affair may creep into a marriage. If we neglect our children, a serious peer pressure situation may turn into a major issue. If we forfeit the opportunity to spend time in God's house we may miss a word from God that could help us cope. If we're too lazy to pursue education, it could keep us from a pay increase and necessary knowledge. If we don't learn to take some time to travel and get away, bitterness and a spirit of weariness may set in. The list can go on and on but the ULTIMATE point is that we must embrace the benefits of BALANCE.

How do balance things in your life?