Sunday Devotional: Training Your Soul to Be Thankful

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but the same God

works all of them in all men.

1 Corinthians 12: 4-6 NIV

First Thessalonians 5:18 NIV tells us, that we are to "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  This includes giving thanks for how God has made us.  God has something wonderful in mind for each of us that no one else can do quite as well.  So we need to put our false perceptions aside and ask ourselves, "What is the best way-given my gifts and abilities-to fulfill the calling God has given to me?  When I focus on these things, my heart is freed from the feeling of needing to be like someone else.  God didn't make us all alike, anyway.  If we're not careful, looking at how others do it can eventually crush us, leading us to be more discontent and ungrateful.  It can also prevent us from doing things the way God wants to do them. 

     Next time you're tempted to compare yourself to someone else, remember that God wants to use you in the place of His calling, a place that only you can fill in His Garden of life.  Then you will be able to shine contentedly.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive me for comparing myself to others and for trying to be someone I am not.  By your grace, you give each of us unique gifts and talents, and I do you a disservice when I covet what you've given others.  You hold the master plan, and I ask you to help me fulfill the part you've assigned to me.  Help me develop my abilities to the utmost for your glory. Amen

Barb's Notes:

Sometimes it is hard not to compare yourself to others, more Godly people, and not help to want to be like them.  I know I have and sometimes wishing I could be more than I am right now.  I ask myself quite often where does God want me?  He has given me a gift of artistic ability but it is not really helping the Kingdom of God right now.  I have such a small mind compared to Him and wish He would just email me and tell me what I should do and go.  But you know this isn't the way with Him he wants us to learn a few things along the way so that we will be ready to be used by him in his timing.  So as I refect on this devotional I will remember that I am exactly who I should be, and where I should be, and doing just what I should be doing right now and so are you.  We are being used everyday of the year even if we don't think so.  Isn't that a great thought! Touching lives for Him.  Thank him today for the talents and abilities he has given you and pray for Him to use those for His kingdom. So May the Lord bless you, may the Lord make his face shine upon you, and give you his peace today.

xo

barb