Discovering Your Gifts, Part 3

If you think you’ve run into a few too many problems in a day, then you haven’t tackled The Beast, the world’s largest inflatable obstacle course. In 2018, a Belgian company connected several of these courses together to create a 1,625-foot long world record mega-obstacle course. It features 60 challenges and takes about 10 minutes to run, climb, and crawl through toward the finish line.

You might think discovering your spiritual gifts is a bit like running through an obstacle course. Actually, finding your fit in ministry might take a little trial and error. But there’s nothing wrong with experimenting. When Paul wrote about spiritual gifts, he began by encouraging us not to “be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). Some translations use the word “test” to discern God’s will.

After praying for guidance from the Holy Spirit and studying the Scriptures, try out an area of ministry. Talk with a ministry leader in the church and watch how members serve in that area. When you step into a new role, even for a short period of time, do not confuse being nervous with lacking a particular gift. Everyone feels apprehensive the first time they try something new.

While there are many spiritual gift assessments you can find online, think of these as a starting place, not an ending point. Be open to areas of service that are providential. The Lord may want you to do a “new thing” (Isaiah 43:19) that may stretch you beyond your comfort zone. When God called Gideon, he replied, “How can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house” (Judges 6:15). When faced with this impossible obstacle, God told Gideon, “Surely I will be with you” (verse 16).

As you seek to serve the Lord, pray fervently, step forward humbly,

and believe that God will open a way.

Apply It:

Find a spiritual gift assessment and consider where God might lead you to serve.

Dig Deeper:

2 Timothy 1:9; 2 Peter 1:10, 11; James 2:5

Key Bible Texts

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21 KJV)