My Spiritual Gift

After a seemingly stressful and painful three-month hold, I was finally granted the blessing to step onto the platform in front of a loving congregation and share the message the Holy Spirit had dropped in my heart and spirit. I can still remember how my heart raced with gratitude and excitement as I approached the stage, the anticipation of this moment having built up inside me for weeks. As I took my place at the pulpit, I felt a wave of excitement and peace wash over me, and I knew this was a God-appointed date. With each word that left my lips, I could feel the energy in the room shift as people began connecting with the God-given message I was sharing. As I spoke the words the Holy Spirit had guided me to say, a sense of purpose filled my heart, and I knew I was fulfilling God's call for my life.

I firmly believe that God has called me to serve His people by equipping, empowering, and inspiring them through various means. One of the ways I feel led to do this is through the proclamation of God's Word, which I am passionate about. Whether preaching to a congregation, teaching a class, or writing a book, my goal is to help others grow in their faith and deepen their understanding of God's truth. I am committed to using my talents and abilities to impact the lives of those around me positively, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so.

The Holy Spirit served as the guiding force behind the Apostle Paul's writing, inspiring him to pen the words:

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;  until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 

Eph. 4:11-13 NASB 

When I received the Holy Spirit, I was blessed with a spiritual gift that continues to operate through me. Its sole purpose is to build and enrich the body of Christ despite my humanity. The primary goal of this extraordinary blessing is to ensure that God is given the utmost honour and reverence through its correct and appropriate execution. It is meant to serve as a divine reminder of our dependence on God and our unwavering faith in His power and grace. This undeserved blessing is intended to provide us with the spiritual strength and guidance to stay aligned with God's will and help us navigate life's challenges with His divine assistance. Spending time in God's presence and immersing myself in His Word is paramount. It helps me to lean forward and listen intently to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Through this intimate connection, I know what God wants to impart to me personally and what He wants me to share with His people. This divine connection is the key to my effectiveness as a messenger of God's word.

Every believer has the Holy Spirit. This divine gift is a powerful source of strength and guidance, helping us navigate through the different seasons of life. It has become an integral part of who I am, and its influence becomes evident in all aspects of my life as I yield my will to His.

Through all the challenges and obstacles I have encountered, the Holy Spirit has been my unwavering source of comfort and support, inspiring me to persevere and overcome all hardships. It has given me clarity and direction to stay true to my path, even in adversity.

The ability to teach and preach is a unique gift from above, not meant for personal benefit. Firstly, this spiritual gift aims to provide preachers with a strong foundation. Secondly, we must challenge believers and ourselves to grow in their (our) faith, equip them (us) to face life's challenges and inspire them (us) to reach their (our) full potential in Christ. The effect of teaching and preaching lies in its ability to encourage and uplift others and to guide them towards a deeper understanding of their faith. As such, those who possess this gift are called upon to use it selflessly and with the utmost care, always keeping in mind the well-being and spiritual growth of those they serve.

The power of preaching and teaching is derived from the divine wisdom and truth contained within the Scripture. However, it is only through the active and powerful move of the Holy Spirit that the message becomes effective and transformational in the hearts and minds of the listeners. The Holy Spirit illuminates the meaning of the Scriptures, convicts listeners of its truth, and empowers them to apply it in their daily lives.

As I walked up to the stage that Sunday morning, opened my Bible, and faced the congregation, I could feel my heart pounding with anticipation. As I opened my Bible and the expectant faces of the congregation turned toward me, it was as if a warm breeze swept through the hall, and I felt the reassuring presence of the Holy Spirit. Suddenly, I knew then that I was exactly where I was meant to be and that my call to share the word of God had not changed, but rather, it had increased. As I spoke, I felt the Holy Spirit smiling at me, reminding me and approving my calling.

The Lord knows I strive to use this divine gift to help others find their way and discover their spiritual gifts. Sharing our gifts creates a ripple effect of transformative power and light in the world.

You and I have been planted in a local expression of the multifaceted and colourful global Church, which is a dynamic and inclusive community of believers from all walks of life. This community values diversity and encourages the celebration of different worship expressions, traditions, and perspectives. It is a place where people come together to worship, learn, and serve, creating a vibrant and engaging environment that inspires and uplifts all who participate while proclaiming the truth of the gospel and exalting Christ in the process. 

Are you engaged in active service at your local Church? If not, what are you waiting to be blessed and bless others with your spiritual gift?