God has good gifts to give! But His gifts are not the type we give and He doesn’t hand them out like we do. We usually plan to give the best gifts at predetermined milestones in someone’s life such as a special birthday, graduation, marriage, new baby, retirement…. Some of us have come to expect to be honored at times such as these. We commonly give monetary gifts–things that we put in a person’s hand. God gives gifts that work from the inside out. He may also reward you with things you can see, hold, use, and enjoy but the gifts of the Spirit are the true treasures.

He desires to work through you by means of talking in or interpreting various tongues, giving you skills in administration, equipping you to help others, giving you healing power, working miracles, teaching, delivering prophetic messages, and even naming some as emissaries (disciples) sending them on special missions as His representative. However, be sure to remember: “Not all are emissaries, are they? Not all are prophets, are they? Or teachers? Or miracle-workers? Not all have the gift of healing, not all speak in tongues, not all interpret, do they?” (1 Corinthians 12:28-30)

Have you discovered God’s hiding place for your special gifts? It’s not enough to be ready mentally. It’s not enough to be ready in your heart. But, when your mind and your heart connect with the same purpose to “eagerly seek the better gifts,” (1 Corinthians 12:31) light begins to illuminate your soul, and gifts begin to grow within you. But be careful not to become prideful or self-righteous. These abilities are from God for His glory–the best part of the gift is the feeling of knowing that the Creator of the Universe doesn’t just smile at you as He passes by–He desires to use you to help bring in His kingdom. He will empower you to reach His lost children in a way you could never do without the Spirit guiding you. “Therefore, get your minds ready for work, keep yourselves under control, and fix your hopes fully on the gift you will receive when Yeshua the Messiah is revealed “ (1 Peter 1:13) Be humble in your walk–He will elevate you at the appointed time.