Resources Before Us
From the NIV
Then the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. (Exodus 4:2)
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10)
Sometimes we become so focused on what we lack that we overlook the resources already before us. We pray for opportunities while neglecting the abilities God has given us. We ask for direction while overlooking wise counsel, available help, or a simple step of obedience. What appears ordinary to us may become useful in God’s hands.
When Moses questioned his ability to fulfill God’s assignment, God drew his attention to the rod he already held. David faced Goliath with a sling and a stone, trusting in the Lord. Joseph and Daniel served through the God-given ability to interpret dreams, acknowledging that understanding came from Him. Their resources differed, but each depended on God to use what had been entrusted to them.
Likewise, we do not all have to serve in the same way. Some of us have been gifted to write words that teach, encourage, challenge, and point others toward Christ. We may spend so much energy trying to be heard from a pulpit that we neglect the message God has equipped us to share through a page. A book, devotion, letter, or thoughtful message can reach people we may never stand before.
We do not need to force our way into a pulpit to make our contribution meaningful. Preaching is a calling to steward, and writing is also a gift to steward. Let us seek God’s direction instead of measuring our usefulness by someone else’s assignment. The question is whether we are faithfully using what He has placed in our hands.
Our resources may also include time, experience, knowledge, relationships, or the ability to listen and encourage. Even lessons learned through hardship can help us support someone facing a similar struggle. We do not have to possess everything before we begin doing something meaningful.
This does not mean every need can be met with what we currently have. Sometimes faithful stewardship includes asking for help and receiving the support God provides through others. Let us ask Him to open our eyes, guide our choices, and help us use the resources before us with wisdom and gratitude.
Heart Check: What gift have we overlooked while wishing for someone else’s opportunity? Identify one resource God has entrusted to you and use it today to serve someone.
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