There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, NIV)
On a recent trip to Florida I enjoyed an early nine with a friend. I didn’t have my own clubs, so I borrowed a set from a local resident. I knew these ladies clubs would not perform like my custom-fit clubs (which I’m a big proponent of), but I accepted the challenge with exuberance.
The golf shots I hit around the dewy fairways were definitely not tournament quality, and yet my years of practice and play enabled me to still play well above average. I have the ability to compensate with different clubs, but there is still one fit that performs best with my swing.
I find this true spiritually as well. We all have been given different gifts, different kinds of service, and different works to engage our world, but there is only one God who is the giver of them all. Sometimes we try to be and do things that are outside our God-given gifts and we limp along in life feeling frustrated. Living into our real gifting is like taking hold of custom-fit clubs. It leads to freedom and joy regardless of the contour of the land.
I have gone through different seasons where I coveted the same gifts of those around me. After many years of trying to be like others, my awareness of my own unique gifts started to diminish, including enjoying my gift to play golf. A dark shadow followed and I believed I had nothing special to offer on or off the course.
But God… God has been and is in all: who I am, what I have done, and what I will do in the future. My healing journey includes discovering the gifts and services and works God has uniquely created to flow out of me. One of which has been embracing golf as a gift to use to impact my world for his glory.
Other gifts I am learning I possess are: compassionate heart, problem solver, and writer. As a tulip drinks the April rains and awakens to the warming sun to offer its beauty, so too am I discovering more of who God created me to be.
Our gifts, kinds of service, and workings are the outflow of being connected to the Author of our story, our master club fitter. When we seek God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we are on the right path toward discovering our unique gifting.
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Tracy Hanson
April 16, 2015
Copyright 2015 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.