Daily Devotions
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
It was more than a century ago that the rich and famous gathered together to attend a concert — a concert which featured the vocal talents of a young girl. In case you’re curious, her name was Charlotte Elliott. After the concert, one of the guests, a pastor, came backstage to visit with the girl.
Without hesitation he came up to her and said, “As I listened to you tonight, I thought how much the cause of Christ would be benefitted if your talents were dedicated to His cause.” Then the pastor continued, “You know, young lady, you are a sinner in the sight of God, but I am glad to tell you that the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse you from all sin.” The preacher’s words were not well received. The singer turned and walked away. As she left, the pastor quickly added, “I did not mean to offend you. I hope the Lord’s Holy Spirit will tell you that.”
The young girl went home, but her night was a sleepless one as the visit of the pastor, along with his words, kept running through her mind.
Somewhere around 2 a.m. she got out of bed, put a pencil to paper and wrote, “Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidst me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.”
God had called the lady and her talents to His service. That night He used her to give the world a powerful hymn.
Now I don’t know how the Lord can use you. I don’t know what talents and gifts you have. They differ from person to person. Even so, I am sure that the Lord who sent His Son to save you has also given you a gift which can be used to thank Him — to express appreciation to Him or to benefit your brothers and sisters.
No, I don’t know what gift you have, but I know there’s one which needs to be used. To that end, we pray:
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord for giving me the great gift of a Savior, You have my thanks. But in Your grace and mercy You have also blessed me with talents which You would like to see me use. Help me know what those talents are and respond accordingly. This I pray in the Name of my Savior who gave His all for my salvation. Amen.