“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin…” (Zechariah 4:10 NLT)
“Look mommy I made an ice cream truck!” my 7-year-old son, Kedar, shouted out excitedly during arts and crafts time. Sure enough, he had sketched a detailed picture of a box-shaped four-wheel vehicle complete with images of cones of every kind.
“Alright now!” I said reaching my hand out for a high-five. “You did an awesome job!”
“Thank you!” Kedar’s eyes beamed with pride as he flashed a wide grin showing off his snags on both sides of his upper row of teeth.
Then my 4-year-old, Kaleb, said, “Me too mommy! Look! I made a ice-keem truck too!”
I looked at Kaleb’s scribbled picture.
“See the cone right there mommy?!” he pointed to an odd shape he had drawn. Of course I responded with the same excitement (although Kaleb’s picture was a bit less developed and structured). He had done his best. “Woooow! Great job buddy!” I smiled as we smacked palms.
Kaleb was amped and happy about it.
And I was equally proud of Kaleb and Kedar, which is precisely the same way God feels about you and me.
He delights in all of us equally as long as we are willing to invest what He has invested in us toward the upward building of His Kingdom.
But sadly, many of us are not as eager or willing as Kaleb to share our gifting, because we spend too much time worrying about whether it’s good enough. It’s unfortunate that so many capable, anointed, and gifted people sit on what God has placed inside of them. And it’s simply because they don’t feel like it’s as structured, well put together, or developed as someone else’s gift.
Please don’t fall into that trap.
God delights in you.
And someone else needs you.
You ought be appreciative of the level of gifting God has given you, knowing that when you use it, you please the Lord. So don’t bury it. Don’t be ashamed to use it. God gave that to you for a purpose… your life’s purpose.
And the more you develop it, the more adept and proficient you’ll become at it.
But, for now, be like Kaleb and willingly put it out there, knowing this. If you’re faithful over a little, God will give you even more. (Matthew 25:23)
Today’s Prayer: Dear Lord, today I cast off any self-consciousness, fear, or feelings of inferiority that may be holding me back from going full speed ahead with the gift You have given me. Help me to measure my worth by Your word, and nothing else. I praise You for emboldening me to take what You have placed in me and share it with others for their edification and Your glorification. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading, and until next time… may today’s cup of inspiration empower, motivate, and inspire you!
Dianna Hobbs
