Uniquely You

It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to be someone I’m not. Writing like an author I admire. Or presenting like a Bible teacher I’ve studied under. There’s nothing wrong with admiring great character qualities of other people, but God made me unique – and that’s reason enough to shine for Him with the gifts and abilities He’s given me.

The story of David and Goliath is very familiar. Remember the details? David was the young shepherd boy, who had seven older brothers. Goliath was the Philistine giant who challenged the Israelites to a fight. David found himself in the midst of the Israelites’ camp, when his father sent him to check on his brothers who were part of the army.

The entire Israelite army cowered in fear of Goliath’s threats. His words were brash and bold, punctuated with blasphemy against the God of Israel. David couldn’t believe his ears. As he looked around, he couldn’t believe his eyes. One by one, the men in the army were retreating – taking shelter behind boulders and anything that would give them protection from this formidable enemy.

David knew the God of Israel could prevail. How dare this Philistine defy his God! David presented his case before King Saul: “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine,” (1 Samuel 17:32; KJV). King Saul warned David of the enemy’s ability - pointing out the fact that Goliath was a skilled warrior, having fought in battles since he was young.

David’s confidence didn’t waiver, “The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee,” (1 Samuel 17:32, 37).

Saul offered David his armor. He put on the helmet of brass and the coat of mail, girded his sword on his armor, and attempted to go. But something wasn’t right. The armor felt heavy and awkward. David had never worn armor before. Although it might be what the warriors wore, he knew it wasn’t right for him. He took off the protective gear, and exchanged it for what he was skilled at using: his shepherd’s staff, sling and pouch for stones.

Carefully selecting five smooth stones, David made his way toward Goliath. The giant thought this was some sort of Israelite joke, but David’s voice was strong and clear, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied…And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands,” (1 Samuel 17:45, 47).

With one, well-aimed stone, Goliath was killed, and the Philistine army was scattered. David chose to use the abilities God had honed in him, rather than the armor of the warriors. And God used David to win a mighty victory in Israel.

Although I may not have the same skills and abilities other great men and women of God possess, He has equipped me to magnify Him with the talents He’s given me. What an opportunity to develop those talents for His glory!

Do you wish you had someone else’s talents? Take time to praise the Lord for the way He’s equipped you to serve Him, and work on honing your skills today!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for allowing me to serve You. Help me to see that each person You’ve created has different talents and abilities. My job is to use what You’ve given me to bring You honor and glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

One of a Kind

Dozens of varieties. I didn't realize there were so many different types of apples. My husband and I stood in the middle of Mercier's country store, trying to decide what apples to choose. With so many choices, we decided to read the placards posted about each variety. There were apples for baking. Apples ideal for sauces. And apples for just plain snacking. Each appeared to be a quality specimen, hand-picked from the orchard and ready for consumption.

With our selections made, we headed home to sample the luscious fruit. True to the description, the Pink Lady was a firm, sweet apple, good for eating and great for cooking. The Staymen was a bit tangy and was recommended for baking, although it was also delicious for snacking. We chose the Cameo for juicing and also found it to have a sweet, spicy flavor when cooked with raisins and just a dash of cinnamon. Delicious! The final variety we selected were traditional Granny Smith apples. Something about the tangy tartness of this apple in a pie just can't be beat.

Although all of them were apples that shared many of the same characteristics, each was cultivated with unique qualities. The same is true for each one of us. Our Creator designed us to have similarities, yet each of us is one of a kind. God made mankind special. "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them," (Genesis 1:27; KJV). The Psalmist David acknowledged the wonder of God's design, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well," (Psalm 139:14).

Each one of us is created with talents and abilities that reflect the Master Designer. To one is given the ability to paint beautiful pictures. To another is given the gift to build. Yet another plays music with inordinate talent. And the list goes on. Boasting in our abilities is unwise. Any talent we possess is a gift from the Creator, and should be used to make Him known.

Throughout the centuries, God's plan has remained the same - to draw all men unto Himself to spend eternity with Him (John 12:32). He wisely equips each one of us to reach those in our sphere of influence. It is our privilege to use the talents and abilities He's given, to point others to Him. King David was a gifted musician, who skillfully set the thoughts of his heart to music, "O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds," (Psalm 108:1-4).

Praising God puts the focus where it needs to be: on our Heavenly Father. Using the abilities that He's given me, I choose to give Him the honor and glory He deserves today. In the process, I'll be pointing others to the Creator!

What talents and abilities do you have? How will you use them to glorify God and draw others to Him?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the diversity in Your creation! Thank You that You created each one of us in Your image, giving us unique talents and abilities. Show me how to make the best use of the gifts You've given me to make You known to those around me. May the people of all nations be drawn to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.