Have you ever found yourself marveling at the way God chooses to distribute talents and opportunities? I know I have. It's a wonder how some people seem to receive extraordinary gifts with such ease—gifts that come naturally, that could change the world if they were only used; yet, many never step out and use them. Meanwhile, others, like myself, must fight tooth and nail, pushing and striving through every obstacle to see even a small bit of growth. Why is that? I don't ask this out of complaint but out of genuine wonder and reflection on God's mysterious ways.
Years ago, I once knew an incredible young man in my church—a peer with a brilliant mind in all subjects. His memory was remarkable, effortlessly recalling scriptures and citing books word for word, even remembering conversations from months past with such precision that I stood in awe. I used to think he was going to be a great force for Christ, someone who would make a tremendous impact on the world.
Years later, however, he leads a quiet life and speaks about God but often focuses on critiquing others' approaches to ministry. This leaves me wondering why he isn't using his own remarkable talents. It's puzzling. How could someone with so much potential not be used for something greater? His extraordinary gifts seem to remain hidden while others with lesser abilities shine some of God's glory through their lives.
Another friend from my college days had a different kind of gift—athleticism. Sports came effortlessly to him. He had all the makings of a world-class athlete: talent, strength, speed, and good looks. Many envisioned him becoming an Olympian or a renowned athlete. Yet, despite these remarkable abilities, he never truly pushed himself to excel beyond what came naturally. Instead, he remained in his hometown, living a good life—running a local business and surrounded by family. Still, the greatness many of us envisioned never reached its full potential. Why? It wasn't for lack of ability, but perhaps a lack of drive to pursue beyond what came natural to him.
As I think about these two men and others I've known, I can't help but wonder why God allows some of us to struggle and strive for everything while others seem to have everything handed to them, only to leave it sitting on the shelf, unused. But maybe that's the point. Perhaps the struggle itself is the gift. Maybe the constant pushing, the need to wrestle with God, keeps us close to Him in a way that a life of ease never could.
I think about the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. The master gave talents to his servants, each according to their ability. And while some took those talents and multiplied them, one buried his in the ground. He didn't lose it, but he didn't gain anything either. Perhaps, for some of us, the challenge is to multiply what we've been given, whether it's a little or a lot. It's not enough to have gifts—we must actively put them to use, even when it's hard.
For example, believe it or not, I'm not too fond of writing. I've never enjoyed it and have often been reluctant to type my thoughts on a computer. Yet, here I am, filled with surprise and gratitude to God that I've published many books and write a blog each week! Honestly, it surprises me more than anyone else. So, why do I write? Because a long time ago, I realized that God gifted me with the ability to write, and to my amazement, people actually enjoy what I write. This taught me that not all gifts are talents we readily embrace. The important matter is that when we recognize we have a talent, we should use it. We need to push through the obstacles and learn from our failures and mistakes, and if we do, God can take our efforts and do something marvelous with them.
So, I encourage you to look at your own life. Maybe you feel like you're constantly pushing, always striving, and never seeing the results you'd hoped for. Or you may feel like you've been given something but are unsure how to use it. Wherever you are, know that God hasn't overlooked you. He calls each of us to steward our talents, no matter the size, for His glory and to use them to the best of our ability. Don't let what He's given you sit idle. Keep pushing, and trust that God is working out something greater than you can imagine in the struggle.
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Years ago, I once knew an incredible young man in my church—a peer with a brilliant mind in all subjects. His memory was remarkable, effortlessly recalling scriptures and citing books word for word, even remembering conversations from months past with such precision that I stood in awe. I used to think he was going to be a great force for Christ, someone who would make a tremendous impact on the world.
Years later, however, he leads a quiet life and speaks about God but often focuses on critiquing others' approaches to ministry. This leaves me wondering why he isn't using his own remarkable talents. It's puzzling. How could someone with so much potential not be used for something greater? His extraordinary gifts seem to remain hidden while others with lesser abilities shine some of God's glory through their lives.
Another friend from my college days had a different kind of gift—athleticism. Sports came effortlessly to him. He had all the makings of a world-class athlete: talent, strength, speed, and good looks. Many envisioned him becoming an Olympian or a renowned athlete. Yet, despite these remarkable abilities, he never truly pushed himself to excel beyond what came naturally. Instead, he remained in his hometown, living a good life—running a local business and surrounded by family. Still, the greatness many of us envisioned never reached its full potential. Why? It wasn't for lack of ability, but perhaps a lack of drive to pursue beyond what came natural to him.
As I think about these two men and others I've known, I can't help but wonder why God allows some of us to struggle and strive for everything while others seem to have everything handed to them, only to leave it sitting on the shelf, unused. But maybe that's the point. Perhaps the struggle itself is the gift. Maybe the constant pushing, the need to wrestle with God, keeps us close to Him in a way that a life of ease never could.
I think about the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. The master gave talents to his servants, each according to their ability. And while some took those talents and multiplied them, one buried his in the ground. He didn't lose it, but he didn't gain anything either. Perhaps, for some of us, the challenge is to multiply what we've been given, whether it's a little or a lot. It's not enough to have gifts—we must actively put them to use, even when it's hard.
For example, believe it or not, I'm not too fond of writing. I've never enjoyed it and have often been reluctant to type my thoughts on a computer. Yet, here I am, filled with surprise and gratitude to God that I've published many books and write a blog each week! Honestly, it surprises me more than anyone else. So, why do I write? Because a long time ago, I realized that God gifted me with the ability to write, and to my amazement, people actually enjoy what I write. This taught me that not all gifts are talents we readily embrace. The important matter is that when we recognize we have a talent, we should use it. We need to push through the obstacles and learn from our failures and mistakes, and if we do, God can take our efforts and do something marvelous with them.
So, I encourage you to look at your own life. Maybe you feel like you're constantly pushing, always striving, and never seeing the results you'd hoped for. Or you may feel like you've been given something but are unsure how to use it. Wherever you are, know that God hasn't overlooked you. He calls each of us to steward our talents, no matter the size, for His glory and to use them to the best of our ability. Don't let what He's given you sit idle. Keep pushing, and trust that God is working out something greater than you can imagine in the struggle.
RETURN TO ALL BLOGS
