“A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.” – Proverbs 18:16
This powerful verse from Proverbs speaks volumes about the potential inherent in each individual. It’s a verse that, once truly understood, can be life-changing. It highlights a fundamental truth: God has equipped you with unique gifts and talents that are not only meant to be used but are also designed to open doors and create opportunities you might never have imagined.
Often, we underestimate ourselves and our potential. We might think, “I’m not special enough to have a gift from God.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. God created you with a specific purpose in mind, a purpose that contributes to His grand plan. To fulfill this purpose, He has bestowed upon you unique abilities, skills, and talents. These are your gifts, and they are specifically designed to enable you to reach people and impact the world in ways that no one else can. 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.” This verse emphasizes the diversity of gifts and the importance of using them.
It’s crucial to recognize that your gifts are uniquely yours. Avoid the trap of comparing yourself to others and wishing you possessed their talents. Your path is distinct, and your gifts are tailored to your journey. You might perceive your talents as unconventional or insignificant. Perhaps you feel like you have little to offer. However, history is filled with examples of individuals who, feeling inadequate, accomplished extraordinary things. Consider Gideon from Judges 6. He was seen as a coward, hiding in a winepress to thresh wheat. Yet, God saw a man who was resourceful, resilient, and willing to defy the enemy in innovative ways.
The adversary of our souls often tries to diminish the significance of your gifts, whispering doubts that they are useless and inconsequential. Don’t believe this lie. Your gift is not insignificant; it has immense value and purpose.
It’s also vital to understand that God’s economy operates on different principles than the world’s system. The world often equates value with wealth and fame. However, in God’s kingdom, even the smallest acts of service, done with love, are profoundly significant. Jesus himself said in Matthew 10:42, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” If your gift is to offer simple acts of kindness and support, you are actively contributing to the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
The world might tell you that you need to be rich and famous to make a real difference. God’s message is different: love Him and love your neighbor. By doing so, you are fulfilling your purpose on Earth. Think of Billy Graham. The woman who led him to Christ may have never led anyone else to faith, yet her single act had a ripple effect that impacted millions globally through Billy Graham’s ministry. You may not always see the full impact of your actions, but God does. Every act of service, every expression of your gift, creates ripples that extend far beyond what you can perceive.
So, how exactly does your gift “make room for you and bring you before great men?” The answer lies in consistent use and development. The more you actively utilize your gifts, the stronger and more refined they become. Think of it like exercising a muscle. With each workout, it grows stronger and more capable. As you dedicate yourself to honing your gifts and demonstrating trustworthiness, opportunities will arise – doors that God opens which you couldn’t have possibly envisioned.
This principle is not just theoretical; it’s a practical reality. Personal experience often validates biblical truth. There are times when God creates unexpected pathways to share your gifts in significant settings. Imagine being presented with an opportunity to share your faith with someone of influence. It can be a humbling experience, prompting questions of inadequacy: “Who am I to be in this position?” But in those moments, God reminds us, “I have gifted you uniquely to demonstrate My love, and your faithfulness in using those gifts, even in unconventional or uncomfortable situations, has prepared you for this.” This underscores the importance of consistent faithfulness in utilizing your gifts, regardless of how small or insignificant they may seem at the moment.
Therefore, the call is to action: actively seek to understand and use your God-given gifts. Don’t let fear or self-doubt hold you back. Embrace the unique talents you possess and use them to serve God and bless others. And as you step out in faith, remember to always give thanks to the One who bestowed these gifts upon you.
It’s also important to acknowledge that the journey of using your gifts isn’t always smooth. There will be days when you feel inadequate, days when you might stumble and fall. But even in those moments of failure, remember that God is a God of endless chances. His patience is boundless, and His love is unwavering. He never gives up on you. Embrace His grace, learn from your missteps, and continue to move forward, using your gifts to His glory.
What are you waiting for? Discover your gifts, cultivate them, and unleash them upon the world. Your gift truly will make room for you.
~ By Kim Thompson-Pinder
