God Desires

by Deanna Chadwick

God desires for us to totally trust in Him and rely on Him to help us do what we need to do. However, He does that by giving us talents and it is our responsibility to develop those talents or abilities in order to serve Him better. I don't think we have to have perfected our skills before we use them, but continuing to work on them if we feel we can do better is a good thing. I also think that everything needs to be wrapped in "doing it for God's glory and not our own". If we are doing something just because no one else is doing it, but are struggling and not feeling at peace about our contributions, then maybe that's not what God wants us to do and we have "stepped in to fix things" rather than waiting for God to show us (or someone else) where He wants us. I mean, it is one thing to step in in a pinch to do something that needs to be done, but it is different to do something on a continual basis and struggle with it.

If I felt God was leading me to do something, then I would expect to do whatever it took to make me feel like I was doing my very best job at what God asked me to do. I believe that everything I do has the potential of being used to praise God and therefore everything I do needs to be done to the best of my ability. Sometimes my ability in one area is greater than my ability in another area. That is ok as long as I am doing my best at whatever I am doing.

For example, I feel that hospitality is a talent I have. Therefore, when I am responsible for a dinner or I am having someone over to my house, then I need to put out my best effort to make it an enjoyable time for those people - make them feel comfortable, important, etc. I ask God to help me choose the right combinations of people to invite, to bless each one of them as they are in our house, that our conversations would be encouraging and uplifting, that we would be able to minister to them in some way.

On the other hand, public speaking is not a talent of mine. However, if I am asked to speak before a group, read something or give a devotion, then I give it my best and totally depend on God to make it all come out right. Time and time again, I have been approached about doing something, and my gut reaction was NO WAY! Then, I felt uneasy about my response, felt like God was saying, "Really? Are you saying I can't do this through you??", so then I have said, "Ok, God, if You really want me to do this, You need to make it very clear to me." He does, and I do it and am in constant prayer the entire time and totally dependent on God to work through me and just allow myself to be the vessel.

In His parable of the talents, God shows us that He wants us to take what He has given us and increase it or at least use it, but not to bury it or hide it. The Bible also instructs us to love God with ALL heart, soul and strength. That's where I get the idea that everything I do needs to be to His honor and glory - to show God I love him. I love the homemade gifts that Abigail makes me now just as much as when she was 5. They are on different skill levels and it shows, but because they came from her heart they are precious to me. I think God is the same way - He loves the offerings/gifts we give to Him regardless of the skill level with which they are presented, if they are coming from the heart and are our very best effort.

Deu 6:5, Matt. 22:37, John 21:17, Deu. 11:13, Jos. 22:5, 1 Sam 12:24, Col. 3:22, Luke 9:62

I hope this might be helpful to you. I came to a point where I had made myself almost insane trying to be everything to everyone and had become someone I didn't like very well. After learning to set my boundaries, learn to say no and realize I didn't have to jump in and do everything, I have learned to really enjoy what I can do and the person I am. I find greater fulfillment in the things I do do - even in the things I don't think are my greatest strength. I feel more at peace about having given my very best effort and knowing that as long I did my best and did it from my heart, that's all that matters to God.

Do I still try to improve? Yes.

Do I get wrapped up in the how and the what instead of focusing on the for Who? Sometimes, but He gently reminds me that if I am stressing about something not being good enough, then maybe I am trying to give more than He is asking of me.

I can honestly say that I am at a point in my walk with God where I have never been before. I feel so close to Him. I think I had to "be still and KNOW that He is God" in order to really tune into Him and His leadership.