“A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.” – Proverbs 18:16
This powerful verse from Proverbs jumped off the page at me one day, even though I had read it countless times before. As I delved deeper into its meaning, it quickly rose to become one of my most cherished scriptures. It speaks volumes about the potential within each of us and how our unique abilities can pave the way for our purpose.
One of the foundational truths to grasp is that God has bestowed gifts upon you – yes, you personally – to be used for His glory. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “I’m not special enough to have a divine gift or talent.” But that simply isn’t true. God designed you with intention, equipping you with specific abilities to advance His Kingdom. You have a unique capacity to reach individuals that no one else can, and it’s through the gifts He’s given you that this becomes possible. Romans 12:6 beautifully states, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith.”
Furthermore, it’s crucial to understand that your gifts are intrinsically unique to you. Resist the urge to compare yourself to others or to wish you possessed someone else’s talents. Your path is your own, divinely crafted with your specific strengths and abilities in mind.
You might even perceive your talent as unconventional or unpopular. However, history is filled with examples of individuals who felt they had little to offer, yet accomplished remarkable things for God. Consider Gideon from Judges 6. He was seen as a coward, hiding in a winepress to thresh wheat in secret. Yet, God saw something different – resilience, resourcefulness, and a willingness to think outside the box to overcome adversity. Gideon, despite his perceived weaknesses, became a mighty leader.
The adversary of our souls often tries to convince you that your gift is insignificant and incapable of making a real impact. Don’t believe this lie. Your gift does matter. Every talent, every skill, every inclination towards good has a purpose in God’s grand design.
Another vital perspective shift comes from understanding that God’s economy operates differently from the world’s system. In Matthew 10:42, Jesus declares, “Truly I tell you, anyone who gives a cup of water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple will certainly not lose their reward.” If your gift is offering simple acts of kindness, like giving a cup of cold water with love, you are actively contributing to the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
The world often equates making a difference with wealth and fame. God’s measure is different. He calls us to love Him and love our neighbor. Fulfilling these commandments is fulfilling your purpose on earth. Think of Billy Graham. The woman who led him to Christ may have only led him, but look at the global impact of Billy Graham and his family. The ripple effect of your actions, even seemingly small ones, is often unseen by you, but it is fully recognized by God.
So, how exactly does your gift “make room for you and bring you before great men”? The principle is simple: the more you utilize your gift, the more it expands and refines. Like a muscle strengthened through exercise, your talents grow stronger and more impactful with each use. As you cultivate excellence in your gift and demonstrate trustworthiness, God will open doors and create opportunities that you couldn’t possibly imagine on your own.
I’m currently experiencing this firsthand. God has opened a door for me to share my faith with someone well-known, and it’s a profoundly humbling experience. The thought, “Who am I to be a witness to this person?” crosses my mind. But God gently reminds me, “I have gifted you to express My love in unique ways. You have been faithful in using your gifts, even when it felt unusual or uncomfortable. This person needs a specific expression of My love, and I trust you to be obedient in sharing it.”
This leads me to ask for your prayers. There are days when I feel inadequate for the tasks ahead, days where, just like you, I fall short. And that’s a crucial point to remember. Occasional failures do not disqualify you. God is the God of endless chances. His patience is boundless, and He never gives up on you.
So, what are you waiting for? Step out and use your gifts to glorify God. And never forget to express gratitude to the One who bestowed these gifts upon you in the first place.
~ By Kim Thompson-Pinder
