What is Your Talent?

This is another email forward I got a couple of years ago which I still kept in my archives of inspirational articles. I kept it as a reminder that God knows better than I do whether I am capable and qualified to do the job when I was offered a position at a bank few years ago. At that time, I was worried I'm not good enough.. I mean, I only have a diploma in IT (no degree unlike many of my other colleagues and friends) but I do have years of working experience in IT line since I was 20 years old. I was worried that working in a bank will be really stressful (every thing is critical and costs money!) and most importantly, I do not have the programming expertise required by the bank.

But still, I went ahead to the interview session, took the exam required and passed it! I remembered how I shivered after leaving the interview room cos I stood up to the 2 big bosses who interviewed me and I defended my reply when I was asked why they should hire me. I told them that they are relying heavily on their vendors and its not doing them any good when they are at the begging end. If they have their own IT staff who can do the job as well if not better, why not?

So about 3 months later after serving my notice of resignation, I joined the bank and surprisingly, it is a very good working environment. Good, friendly and helpful colleagues. Although I worked there for a year only (got countered offer by my previous company as they really needed my help when they decided to change their legacy system), I still kept in touch with most of the colleagues in the IT department.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this article as much as I do. Just remember, God put us on this planet. Never underestimate our own ability and trust that God will help us through all circumstances!

“To one he gave five talents [of money], to another two talents and to another one talent, each according to his ability” - Matthew 25:15 NIV

Seems that some people have all the great imagination, and the rest of us have to work hard at it. Oh, to be like that classic comedian Red Skelton. Or remember the Walt Disney animators — what creativity! One former Disney illustrator is using his talents for Christian videos (his name is Norm McGary).

I have a friend — every thing he says seems to be witty. I asked him if he stays up nights thinking about clever sayings. No, he says, it just comes to him. Then there is another friend who at 12 years old played piano with the Buffalo, NY Philharmonic. Yet, she can play contemporary Christian music with the same ease as a Mozart or Beethoven piece. A young woman with a beautiful voice, crystal clear – what a gift. Perfect pitch! Add to all this, the gifted radio preachers (seems like many of them have the first name “Chuck”, too.)

What gifts of story telling, profound biblical insights and clear communication skills? So many gifted people, so many talented, clever and creative. Why does God pick one over the other? How can one rise to the top while others stay in place?

Moses was hand picked by God. When God wanted to send him to do something significant, he had been lolly gagging around the desert for 40 years tending sheep – not a real esteem builder by any means. A contemporary of his had risen to power in political circles, making quite a name. But, Moses? Who was he? 40 years, I imagine, leaves you with a bit of a self-image problem. Certainly, he was not like Pharaoh!

It took a couple of interesting "PowerPoint" presentations to get his attention. A burning bush for one! (Exodus 3:4) Then, with tremendous import, God asks the cowering, sniveling sheep - herder, “What’s in your hand?” (Exodus 4:2). Watch out when God asks a question like that. No amount of paranoid introspection can eclipse God when he begins to show His power.

What you have within your ability, within reach may, like Moses’ staff, become something far more than you give credit for.

That ordinary shepherd’s staff, at once like a snake, but ever like a scepter, became significant in the hands of a man moved by God. Moses’ staff in his hand was nothing to write home about. The burning bush wasn’t the center - piece of the local arboretum. But, God can use whatever is in our hands if there is a burning in our hearts.

It’s not about what you can do, but about what God can do.
Why hold back just because you feel you are just plain “ordinary.”

The only question Moses had to answer was, “Am I willing to be used by God with what I have and what I am?” Too many people waste their time worrying about what they are not, rather than offering themselves to God with who they are.

What about you?
Can God do anything significant through you?

Well, he can’t if you don’t offer yourself to him with your talents and skills (however small you think they may be). But, if you are willing, then like the boy with the few loaves and fish, God can meet the needs of many through you.

All He wants is a willing heart.
Does He have yours?

Prayer: Father, here are my talents please use them for your glory. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

(*Image taken from Google image search)