Day 20 — Different Gifts

“We have different gifts according to the grace given us.”

— Romans 12:6 (BSB)

What are you good at? What do you love to do? What do people often tell you you’re good at?

Maybe you’re a great artist. Maybe you’re really good at math. Maybe you’re a natural leader, or the friend everybody comes to when they’re sad. Maybe you’re great with little kids, or animals, or music, or sports, or making people laugh.

Paul says, “We have different gifts according to the grace given us.”

Every Christian has gifts from God. And they’re different! God didn’t make everyone the same. Some people are good at teaching, some at encouraging, some at organizing, some at serving behind the scenes, some at giving, and some at leading. Some have creative gifts, some have practical gifts, and some have gifts for caring for people.

Notice the word grace. Your gifts are grace. You didn’t earn them. God gave them to you as a free gift. So they’re not something to brag about. They’re something to thank God for, and to use for Him.

How can you discover your gifts?

• Notice what you love. What makes you feel excited and alive?
• Notice what you’re good at. What comes naturally to you?
• Listen to others. What do people often thank you for, or compliment you on?
• Try new things. You won’t know you’re good at something until you try it! Volunteer, join a club, take a class or help at church.
• Pay attention to what breaks your heart. Sometimes God’s calling starts with caring deeply about a need.
• Pray. Ask God to show you your gifts.

And remember: don’t compare your gifts to other girls’ gifts. Hers aren’t better than yours, and yours aren’t better than hers. God gave each of you exactly what you need for what He’s calling you to do.

Think about it: What do you think your gifts might be? What do others say you’re good at?

Try this: Make a list in your journal of things you love to do and things you’re good at. Ask a parent or friend to add to it.

Dear God, thank You for the gifts You’ve given me. Help me discover them, thank You for them and use them to serve You and others. Help me not to compare my gifts to anyone else’s. In Jesus’ name, Amen.