The Gift of Opportunity.
Reading Time: 5 minutes
“Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd…”
Acts 3:12
I have always been a talker. According to my parents, when I was barely 4 years old, I had a babysitter. When her husband said a mean thing to her, I stood up and started yelling and telling him to be nice. This personality trait of being an audible thinker has its pros and cons. On one hand, I have found myself in many situations where I listened less and said things that had unintended consequences. On the other hand, my gift of talking has made me useful in many other situations. I am down to speak truth to power, question things, and fight for people with my words. But what I love is that these traits may be weaknesses in my hands, but they are strengths in God’s.
I think it's important to note that core personality traits are not inherently good or bad. The hands those traits are placed in determine any negative or positive attributes and effects. We see this throughout the Bible. For example, Moses uses his inherent traits for both leadership and murder. By himself, Moses was a murderer, but when he gave his gifts to God, he became the liberator he dreamt of.
What I love about Peter's story is that he and I seem to have similar dispositions. We are always the first to speak up. And if we don't speak up we always have something to say or are more than ready to make something up. In this story in Acts, we seem to get a new Peter towards the end of his life. At first, Peter is rambunctious and prone to say the wrong thing at the wrong time. We see a lack of tact and self-control. Yet, as Peter matures, we see a gift of verbal confidence used to preach extemporaneously, or without preparation, and bring over 5,000 people into the church. Do yall see this? The Bible just says, “Peter saw his opportunity.” This wasn't a planned sermon. He realizes he has a crowd and takes the shot. The Peter who kept butting into conversations and saying the wrong thing at the wrong time is now giving a TED Talk with no notes. And this is the pattern for the entire first half of the book of Acts.
I identify with Peter because I was the kid who used to get in trouble for talking too much and using quick verbal wit. Yet, I can now write devotions and songs, teach a class, preach a sermon, and coach someone in need of encouragement. What are your unique passions, traits, and desires? Take those and give them to God, he will multiply them and use them for greater.
I remember I was teaching this concept and a lady told me she didn’t realize her gifts were special. Since she thought everyone had the same traits as her, she and I took an online spiritual gifts test to add to the things she’s been naturally drawn to since she was a little girl. We all have gifts and unique traits. Pay attention to your desires, triumphs, and even your common mistakes. The little differences or desires that made you stand out may point to parts of you that God can use for more. The fact that you notice the discomfort on people’s faces when others don't is intentional. The fact that you seem to always be the friend people go to for advice or comfort is pointing you to something you possess. The thing that others cringe at but you get excited about is pointing to your gift. I always thought it was so interesting when people would stress over presentations in school because I would have so much fun doing them. I felt a rush of freedom and excitement just imagining presenting stuff and telling jokes to the class. Others would talk about stage fright and I would feel excited. I’m more comfortable singing on stage than I am singing in the audience, but that's a different therapy session. Your difference may be pointing to how God wants to use you. I want to remind you that you are unique. Gifts and traits are like seeds. Once we find them, it's time to cultivate and let them grow into something beautiful. Giving them to God is the best way to let them flourish into something amazing.
In church, we use the word “Purpose” a lot, but it’s really just about allowing God to lead and mold you as you walk the spaces He calls you to. Realizing your gifts and who you were made to be is a big step in giving yourself back to God for service. What things do you show a special interest in that others don’t? What types of challenges were you most excited to conquer as a kid? What did you imagine your future looking like?
On your own, your gifts will probably be mishandled in ways that may hurt yourself and others, but when you give them to God, they don't only get more efficient and effective, they grow. The little things that just come naturally can be used more than you can imagine.
Let’s see what God continues to do when we get intentional about giving our full selves to Him.
If you need help understanding your gifts or how to move forward in your God-ordained lane of impact, contact me (PaceFordham.com) or check out some of my friends who help people professionally:
Cleavon Davis - BuildYourVision.co
Salima Omwenga - U-Flourish.com
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