Rhonda Kelley

Week 39, Monday

Spiritual Gifts . . . Custom Designed

Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God is active in everyone and everything. A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person to produce what is beneficial: to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of languages, to another, interpretation of languages. But one and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each one as He wills. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (hcsb)

For our first married Christmas, my husband, Chuck, carefully selected and beautifully wrapped a large present just for me. My excitement was quickly dampened upon opening my gift. He gave me an electric mixer! In my heart, I had anticipated a personal, romantic gift, not a household appliance. However, even in my momentary disappointment, God taught me an important life lesson that Christmas years ago. Chuck gave me a gift we needed. The mixer was a practical gift from my loving husband for a specific purpose.

Our loving heavenly Father gives us special gifts for specific purposes too. God gives us spiritual gifts as a work of His Spirit. They are the special abilities that God gives to certain believers for His ministry and service. As Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 12:7: “A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person to produce what is beneficial.” God gives one child a spiritual gift to benefit His other children. Spiritual gifts are for the common good. The Greek word charis literally means “grace.” Therefore, spiritual gifts are grace gifts from a loving Father to help His children fulfill His purposes.

God the Creator of the universe has custom-designed specific spiritual gifts for each of His children including you. Thank the Lord for creating you by His divine design and for giving you special gifts useful for His purpose.

Dear Lord, You are Creator of the heavens and the earth. And You are my Creator too. Thank You for creating me in Your image and for making me Your child! Now help me accept and embrace myself as Your custom design. In Your precious name, amen.