Glory to God Forever - Fee

Day After Day - Kristian Stanfill

All Things New - Brett Younker

Hosanna – Hillsong United

 Still – Hillsong United

I said all of that to say this: with the many talents that I do lack, God has given me plenty of talent in other areas. I don’t consider myself a brilliant writer by any means, but I love to write. I can put words down on paper better than I can say them aloud. Also, I love to give and do for others, especially if I can make it specific to what they need or could use. Talents are given to us by God so that we may glorify Him; it is one way we can give back to Him all that He has given to us.

When we think of talents in relation to the Bible, it is often we refer to The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30 NLT); talents in this case mean money. The story is of a man who is going out of the country so he gives each of his three servants a portion of his money to look after; 5 talents, 2 talents, and 1 talent, respectively. Right away, the first two servants put the money to work and they are able to double the original amount they were given. The third servant, however, hid away his 1 talent for protection. When their master returns and is told of what the first two servants did, he “answered, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful in a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’” (Matthew 25:21) They were rewarded for doubling what they were given. The third servant, however, was deemed “wicked” and “lazy” because nothing fruitful came of his talent. He chose to bury it away rather than do with it what the others did.

What we are trying to be told is that we were given abilities and talents so that we can put them to good use. We are to use what God has given us to glorify His name and to win others for God’s Kingdom! We shouldn’t hide or bury our talents like the third servant. Talents were given to be shared and multiplied. What better way is there to glorify God than to share with others what He has given you?

A while back, I was laying outside on my driveway with one of my good (and very talented) friends. One of my favorite things to do is listen to someone play the acoustic guitar, which he happens to be amazing at. So, he was playing and singing while I was lost in the music and the stars.

After he played several songs, he asked me what I would like to hear next. Without pause, I answered “Heaven Song” (by Phil Wickham). As he played, I closed my eyes and had a much needed conversation with God. I was thanking Him for everything He has done for me, telling Him of my worries and insecurities about my future, and asked in desperation of what I should be doing. I really felt like I needed Him to show me that he heard me and that He is working in my life.

Right after, I opened my eyes and saw a brilliant shooting star. It was not like any shooting star I’ve seen in the past. It was longer, brighter, and more beautiful than I have ever seen. It instantly comforted my heart and put a smile on my face.

He showed me His beauty and His love by giving me one of my most favorite sights to see. The rest of the night, I was just filled with love and joy and knew my Father was looking down on me and that He was proud of me.

It is truly and amazing feeling knowing that, no matter what is going on, God will be there and comfort you when you call his name. Ask God to show His love and beauty to you, and He will do it in the most special way. He truly loves us all so much and just wants us to love Him with all of our hearts in return. He is always trying to romance us, but we miss it because we are too busy with our daily tasks. Allow Him to show you His love… you will not be disappointed.

And about my worries and insecuritites, they no longer exist. I will be okay no matter what I decide to do in life. My Heavenly Father will always be there to help, love, encourage, and support me. He has a plan for me beyond anything I can imagine.

I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11 (The Message)

How has God shown you His love this past week?