Ephesians 4:11-12 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up...
We are familiar with the word "gift" and Christians often say that they have all kinds of gifts: speaking in different kinds of tongues, healing, singing hymns, teaching, and many others.
Brother Z from a business fellowship claims that these gifts are from God and the purpose of Him giving us these gifts is to equip us to glorify God.
He shares that he has an elder sister with the gift of evangelizing. After prayer, she tells a stranger that she's a Christian after saying a few words with him. The stranger replies, "Christians are good. Bring me to the church!"
"Of course, this needs the work of the Holy Spirit."He adds.
"Sometimes God lets her encounter homeless people hearing gospel songs by the roadside. She comes to them and says, 'Sister, I'm a Christian.' Then she takes them to the church. Many lost sheep are gripped/caught by her."
We must seize the gifts from God for He grants us distinctive gifts at different stages. "We're equipped differently and given divergent missions in our different ages, during which we experience steady growth. God enhances you through this kind of change step by step."
He also says that you may feel an invisible hand (that pushes you). It is likely that God moves you to work in another industry in a way after you've been an expert of this profession. He takes you to other industry after you're skilled with your current industry. Through the process, you learn things; then He gives you a platform where you are used to and play the largest role to see how much you have grown.
He also warns people not to copy other people' experience at will for we are guided by God in different ways. Gifts are periodical. You may have a gift in a certain period when you are used or refined by God, but it doesn't last forever.
Regarding how you can discover your gifts, Brother Z says that you can keep praying to God and ask for His help to recognize your gifts. If you don't get any response after constant prayer, ask God at a deeper level: "What am I fitted for? What can I do? Please equip me, shape me and enlighten me for I'm willing to be used by you."
Some may wonder if their competence in particular fields are gifts while they don't ask for gifts from God. He replies that gifts are from God and use it to serve and glorify God. Talents are from the world, which may be some personal interests and hobbies. In addition, a possible case is that a gift God has given to you is unlocked by a stage where He predestines you to be at.
Translated by Karen Luo
