7 Ways to Use the Gifts God Has Provided

How has God blessed you?

Intelligence – “Uniquely human is our ability to reason, to make decisions that will impact our lives and others, either positively or negatively,” says Smith. He’s the former chief executive officer of Mercy Ships. “Our time on this earth is really a series of challenges. Though, it has less to do with the challenge itself, and more to do with how we use our gifts and resources to serve and make a positive impact on others. To operate as signposts and point others back to Him. Yes, we have the opportunity, with every decision we make, to either help, encourage and support others -- or not. Think before you speak. Measure your steps. Choose to take positive and deliberate actions that will be a blessing to others!”

How has God blessed you?

Passion – “Life is about passion. And, they run the gamut. Some like to paint, while others may like to read, work with their hands, exercise or any of a thousand other things. It really doesn’t matter what your passion is, what’s important is that you use it to serve …to ignite a fire in others. But, it requires our taking a moment to decide who we’re living for and making intelligent, deliberate decisions about how to use and share that which we’re passionate about. Decisions and actions would result in positive outcomes for others and glorify God. So, share your passion with the world, help others find and ignite theirs and watch Him reward your courage!” Today Smith heads up Medical Ministry International operating in 23 countries, including Haiti and the Philippines.

How has God blessed you?

Skills – “We all have a very, very unique skill set,” writes Smith. “Giftings that, if used properly, can yield amazing results. At MMI, we’re blessed every day to see medical and non-medical volunteers alike putting their diverse set of skills to use to save lives in remote areas of the world. Surgeons and nurses providing life-saving medical care to the sick. Teachers working to educate people on the causes of various illnesses. Carpenters, plumbers, and engineers working together to provide clean water and sanitation. A wide variety of ages, strengths and skills, all being put to use to solve the problem of waterborne illness

How has God blessed you?

Love – Smith recalls encountering children who “have not had anyone hug them, hold their hand or even touch them -- for years.” Often such kids “don’t want anything other than our time, and the chance to interact with us. They want to know that someone cares and that they really matter. Their response to even the simplest acts of love is so overwhelming that it moves you in ways that hard to even describe in words. Love is not expensive to dispense. All it takes is effort and can yield amazing results. God created us in His image and with that comes an ability to do maybe the most important job in all of the world …a job that every single one of us is capable of doing and is, in fact, called to do -- to love.”

How has God blessed you?

Prayer – “What a gift we’ve all been given!” exclaims Smith. “The ability to talk to and hear from the creator of the universe – who knows us intimately and loves us endlessly? Jesus taught us that the closest you will ever be to Him is through prayer. Pray and pray often. Pray for those that help to shape the world around you. Pray for those that are seeking to do God’s work around the world. We have such a short period of time while on this planet to make a difference and it’s through prayer and meditation that we will help to gain direction for the path we are to take. God is here to help us, but only if we allow Him into our lives and seek His guidance. Be purposeful in prayer and take the time to stop and listen for God’s direction. The answer may not come forth immediately, but it will come and when we hear it, be prepared to be amazed at what God can do for those that seek His guidance.”

How has God blessed you?

Volunteer- The most powerful way to share your blessings is to use the skills, resources, and time you have with others. Take the time to volunteer in your community. Your goal will be to help make an impact on others, but you will find that you will be impacted even more! It really doesn’t matter what your skill is, there is a role that you can play. You have a gift from God and have been commissioned to use that gift to make an impact on the world. There is no better way to do this than to leave your comfort zone and seek to help others that are not as fortunate. It doesn’t take a huge effort to volunteer, and the first step is usually the hardest. God has blessed you, now you can pay this blessing forward!