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From Jim’s Heart—
Recognizing your spiritual gifts and how you can use them to minister to others, especially members of your church, can take time. These four steps can help you get started:
Do anything and everything you can do, until you find something you must do! When you find it, that’s an indicator that “something” is likely your spiritual gift.
When we first began attending church, Elizabeth and I did any- and everything we could possibly do. It was a joy to serve any- and everybody in any way! Over time, as God worked through us, we began to find tasks that were ideally suited to us—these turned out to be our areas of giftedness.
God gave you spiritual abilities (1 Corinthians 12:11) upon your salvation which are an inherent part of your Christian makeup. They are uniquely “you.”
As you grow and mature spiritually, and as you take advantage of opportunities to serve, these spiritual abilities will surface more and more. So what’s the best way to discover your areas of giftedness?Do what you like to do or desire to do. Doing so, plus your spiritual growth, will help confirm your spiritual gift.
Others will often recognize your spiritual giftedness before you are aware of them. So ask others what they see as your most effectual area of service. Their observations will probably indicate your areas of giftedness.
You may not recognize them as readily because they will seem to come naturally, easily, and effortlessly to you. They’ll be so rewarding, you’ll hardly notice! That’s because it’s not you, it’s the Holy Spirit. Your area of spiritual giftedness is a channel through which the Holy Spirit works.
Others will be blessed when you are using your God-given gifts. Also, your gifts will become more obvious as God blesses certain ministries you undertake.So, if you wonder what your gifts are, notice what you’re doing for the body of Christ that God is blessing.
Sometimes we can feel immobilized in our service toward God by an over-emphasis on spiritual gifts or a fear of not being the right person for the job. Remember, God uniquely gifted each of us, and we’re not to compare ourselves with others. Follow the steps above to help you identify your giftedness and begin serving God and others!
RESPOND
Dear Lord, thank You for gifting me with specific spiritual gifts. Help me use them to serve you and to benefit others in the body of Christ. All to Your glory. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES 
Following God with All Your Heart: Believing and Living God's Plan for You—Find encouragement to embrace faith as you serve God. This encouraging book will help you learn God’s direction and provide what you need to do His will.
REFLECT
Have others commented on your spiritual gifts?
How can you serve in your church, based on your spiritual gifts?
REMEMBER
God gave you spiritual abilities (1 Corinthians 12:11) upon your salvation which are an inherent part of your Christian makeup. They are uniquely “you.”
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
One of my favorite words in the English language is “bittersweet.” It’s sort of like the well-known announcement, “I’ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?” This picturesque term always reminds me that many occurrences in life fall simultaneously into the glad/sad category, bringing forth both emotions at once.