I had a dream recently. In the dream, I was visiting a sister-in-Christ who has a good heart, someone who gives away things to people who need them. Then, I discovered that she has a certain talent that's not even known to her close friends. It was a pleasant surprise! I told her she could use her talent to bless others too!
The Lord then gave me understanding of what the dream is about.
The Lord spoke, "Even in the midst of challenges, as long as you put your trust in Me, you cannot be played out! Be faithful to benefit others with what I have given you and I will give you the new ability and new wisdom that you need in every new season. Dwell in My presence, heed My instructions, and you will always be at the cutting-edge!"
So, is there such a person in the Bible who always lived at the cutting-edge? Yes! His name is Daniel. Let’s look at some of the examples here:
Daniel 2:48 - King Nebuchadnezzar made Daniel ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon.
Daniel 5:29 - Belshazzar (king of the Chaldeans) made him the third ruler in the kingdom.
Daniel 6:28 - Daniel prospered in the reign of King Darius the Mede and in the reign of King Cyrus the Persian.
It’s amazing that Daniel did not just survive the change of kings and kingdoms, but he was given high positions in every kingdom and made to serve all the kings closely!
But what made Daniel so sought after by different kings, one after another?
Daniel 6:3 (NKJV) says, 'Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king (Darius) gave thought to setting him over the whole realm'.
How do we know if we can have the same excellent spirit like Daniel?
First, stop looking at other people’s abilities and what they have. Stop comparing and don’t be jealous of what they can do or what they own.
Second, accept yourself and your ability. James 1:17 (CEB) says, 'Every good gift, every perfect gift, comes from above. These gifts come down from the Father, the creator of the heavenly lights, in whose character there is no change at all'. So, learn to accept yourself as who you are and be grateful with what you have now, just like Daniel. And then you'll improve from there!
1 Timothy 4:14-15 (NKJV) says, 'Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all'.
'Do not neglect' and 'meditate' here means 'to think and talk about them often'.
'Give yourself entirely to them' here means 'to practice them'.
'That your progress may be evident to all' here means 'your improvement/developments may be seen by all'.
Some of you may be asking, "Isn't this just about spiritual gift?"
No! This is applicable to both spiritual gifts and also natural talents that the Lord put in you, whether you are born with them or you've acquired them in life!
The Bible has evidence of someone with natural talents being filled with the Spirit of God to use his natural talents. Exodus 31:1-5 (NKJV) says, 'Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: "See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship."'
As you can see above, God can fill you with His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, with all the creativity and ability that you need to excel in life!
Therefore, whatever you can do, don’t be afraid to start using your spiritual gifts, your talents, and your abilities!
In fact, the Lord spoke further that for some of you, your hidden talents or abilities will help you survive and prosper during this time of financial crisis!
So, go ahead and use what already have been given to you by the Lord! You'll be in for a pleasant surprise!
Indeed, you will never be 'played out' in times like these, and you will always be kept at the cutting-edge, no matter what happens in the world around you. Amen!