Since I have been on the race, I have been using my Spanish- A LOT. Sometimes more than English. I am the only person on the team that speaks Spanish fluently, so my ministry has been a unique one as the team translator. It has not been easy, but it has been rewarding. As I have reflected on this role in my team, God brought me to Exodus 31. During this point in scripture, the people of Israel have just been led out of slavery in Egypt and into the wilderness, all under the guidance of God and His servant Moses. God has given the people specific instructions on the building of the tabernacle, His temporary dwelling place. Then Exodus 31:1-6 says, “The Lord said to Moses, ’See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you’”
As God was reminding me of the spirit filled gifts that He gave the members of the Old Testament in Exodus, I had to stop and thank Him for the gift of Spanish and the other artistic gifts He has given my hands. I think we often only put “Christian Value” on the gifts we have that are included in the list of Spiritual Gifts. Or if they (natural born gifts) are not devalued, then they are at least not recognized as a gift from God. But God gives us ALL GOOD THINGS. And He gives them freely. So, acknowledge your gifts and thank God for them!
I encourage you, reader, to think about the gifts you have, and give God credit for those gifts. I also encourage you to use them for God’s glory. I am so thankful for such an obvious representation of the ways that my spanish speaking ability has brought God glory in these past few months, but I also want to take time to worship the Lord alongside you in the less obvious ministries that come from our giftings in artistic ability, good listening, serving, hosting parties, teaching, handiwork, manual laborer, computers, taking care of animals, cooking, cartography, running, dancing, making people laugh, etc. The Lord is using your talents for good, and He loves to see you be excellent in them, simply because it gives Him glory.
