GIFTS AND TALENTS
God Wants to Use You
1.25.09
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Article:
Nick Vujicic tells his story. The morning of December 4, 1982, moments after his birth, they laid him in his mother's arms. She held a blunt torso. Her firstborn had no arms. No legs. No limbs. Just this one twisted flap of flesh, a foot flipper. She swaddled him close and prayed and he lived, thrived. Doctors never knew why Nick was born without limbs. Today Nick combs his hair, brushes his teeth, jets around the world on speaking tours, and, astonishingly, even swims.
But it's his words that jolt: ". . . People are touched just by my smile. It's important to be open to the way God wants to use us."
Often we aren't. We think we need to be someone else, somewhere else, for God to use us. We think we need a certain talent, a certain skill, a certain work for God to use us. We think it's about the gifts in us and not the God in us. We forget that his indwelling is the only reason he can use us.
I watch Nick, a man with no biceps, no thighs, just teeth and a "'flipper," get himself a glass of water, type on his keyboard, share his hope story with thousands of hurting people. God uses people willing to minister not out of their strengths but out of real weakness. Isn't that how God himself ministered to the world?
So it is with us. God gives each individual singular gifts, but those talents can only be poured out onto the world through the cracks in our lives. Why do we think we need to be in a better place, spiritually, geographically, financially, professionally, before God can use us? He can't leak out of those who think they have it all together. It's right now, out of our own brokenness in this place, that God seeps out of us and into the world.
It's part of the divine paradox. God gives us gifts, and we offer our talents, the work we do with our hands, our minds, back to God. This act is the very way God himself meets the needs of our community. Martin Luther writes, "God . . . hides himself in the ordinary social functions and stations of life, even the most humble. God himself is milking the cows through the vocation of the milkmaid." In our everyday common work, doing that which we may not even recognize as a particular gift, we bring God to those we serve through our own humility and brokenness.
It may be an encouraging word to a colleague, a hearty handshake when meeting a neighbor. It may be a project well done at work, a warm tone of voice when answering the phone, a line of gratitude in an email.
It may be startlingly simple. Because human gifts ebb and flow and fail, and we really only have one true Gift to offer. To offer in our work, our words, our daily ways, "Here, all I have to give is Christ." He hides himself in all we do so that even the simple, the daily, is enough.
And the truth is, God may never choose to bestow that talent we yearn for, that valued position we jockey for. He may never choose to give even arms or legs. But isn't that the point? God has a plan and it's his, not ours. We may be very receptive to God using us in the ways we imagine, but are we open to the way God wants to use us? He has a unique and distinctive vision for each of us. And it involves using us today, exactly as we are, where we are, doing what we do. For if we can't serve God in this day, in this work, in this brokenness, when will we?
I watch Nick maneuver his wheelchair down a sidewalk. The last I see of him, he's smiling. Turning towards my husband, I murmur lingering angst. "Do you think he ever gets depressed?"
My husband's quiet words echo long, "I'd think it'd be most depressing for him to see all of us who've been given much and don't use it."
I have arms. I have legs. I'm broken. I'm in this place with these people. I have Christ. It's important to be open to the way God wants to use you. It could be as simple, as wonderful, as smiling. It could begin now.
READER'S COMMENTS
We waste too much of our lives trying to be perfect (which is never acheived). .Thank you for the reminder that holy perfection is found in our brokeness.
My 13 yr old daughter & I came across a youtube video of this amazing man a couple weeks ago. We were so inspired & encouraged & humbled. My dd says he is one of her heros now. It's hard to find Godly heros now, so I'm so glad. We've both talked about & are praying about how God can use us and that we would LET him use us much more abundantly. Holly
Hi Ann,
This was sobering and powerful. Sometimes I feel like our travels or my lack of talent in any specific area limit the Lord from using me, but it's the times that I'm most abandoned to Him that He uses me. Anybody can make themselves available in the midst of the chaos, stress, illnesses, bedrest...a willing and available heart is God's most precious tool. I forget that so often. Now I have Nick's image and life impressed in my mind to remind me!
Good article, Thank-you.
I look forward to reading more about Nick.
For me, my aim is to love whoever is infront of me to love. I want God to love people through me so they can see Him.
I was forwarded Nick's story on video two days ago... I immediately passed it on to many others! What an inspiring story.
And Ann, since you asked to "meet" us over here, I just thought I'd say "hi" and thanks for writing as you do. I know you think it's just "scratchings in the dark", but for this young mom of three (5, 3 and 2) you inspire me to be patient, to take the kids outside (even in this frigid cold!) and to see the big picture in the times when all I can see is the floor in front of me. So thank you.. it means more than you know that you do what you do.
So true, Jill: to love.
I wonder if we often think our gifts is about a skill, a mission, a traditional "doing." And we look at ourselves and think we have so little. That God can't use me for "real" today, for "big things" because I drive bus, or I change diapers, or I work in an office, filing papers.
And you've encapsulated it, Jill: the greatest of these is love. It the only enduring thing, the forever monument that grows larger and wider. And we can do it now, wherever we are.
It doesn't get any better than "Wherever I am I'll love" ministry. And the staggering wonder that God Himself enters into us in that moment, co-labours with us, touches those around us.
Isn't He really our greatest gift?
Thanks, Jill. The testimony of your loving ministry mininstered to me today. God uses you.
All's grace,
Ann
Maybe our greatest
Denise --- waste. Ah, how did you know? It's a word I've been thinking much on of late. Yes, perfection can never be achieved this side of heaven. I pray with you: Lord, use me in my brokenness, right here, as You broke yourself.
Holly, our children too watched Nick's videos in wonder. If he can joy in how God is using him, can't we too? Blessings you to your dd...
Betty, beautiful heart... yes, I too, like Moses, come up with excuses. And you're right: He means us, right exactly where He's put us. Yes, you nailed it: An open heart is all He asks for. Thank you for sharing yours with me --- You've been used!
Sarah, oh, sister. I'm right there with you! Sometimes seeing too much of the floor (all those legos!) and missing out on the hearts that walk these rooms --- thanks for being a companion in this mothering life with me, this life of growing more into His image and JOY! When the kids and I have tea today, get out for a short ski and sled down the hills, I'll be thanking God for you, praying for you too....
So grateful for each of you,
Ann (who sees how God is using each of you today!)
this was very humbling this morning right after reading my devotional chapters, Jeremiah. there are no words, shame shame on me that my life is so caught up with the CARES of this world! truly may I not be so frivolous with my time and actions. thank you Father.
also, thank you Ann for sharing and pouring your heart out to our heavenly Father as your posts truly are devotionals in my life. awakening my heart and soul and making me reach out of the comfort zones, thank you! these little nuggets have greatly assured me of the new transitions going on my life, new state, new home, new friends, new church.
With our Fathers love, sincerely
Kay
"Take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to thee. Take my..."
Thank you for letting your writing hands (and your whole life that you share) minister to me!
A very, very good reminder!
Thanks for yor responce Ann.
I so appreciate your web site. It touches my heart.
It is so cool to love people, sometimes it is praying for them and they don't know, sometimes you help them pick up their stuff or bag the groceries, or smile so they know they are real, or you be kind when you feel like yelling, or you pass on a compliment, or write a letter, or listen to someone who needs to talk -not give advice or anything just listen with love... so many ways to care
One way my husband and I chose to care is to open our home to a young woman who had no family that was safe. She has become our daughter. It was because God wanted us to that we did this and He is healing her. We are so blessed to be part of her journey but it is hard work and we keep choosing to love and God enables us.
There are so many people who need someone to chose to walk with them, hang in there, pray and care while they get healed......
Jill
I, too, have seen the amazing video that circulates about this remarkable young man. He inspires, as do you words that urge me to use my gifts, Ann. Sometimes I let fear get in the way. When I read Nick's victorious story I wonder how I can be so cowardly.
I can do all things through Christ...
Hi Ann,
Thanks for "inviting" your blog readers over here. This man is amazing and a wonderful testimony for my children to see. Thank you for all of your blog writings. They sustain me during this busy season of child rearing, homeschooling while trying to follow the path of Christ and point these souls toward Him. You are being used of God as you make your daily walk and inspiration available to all who need encouragement and guidance. God Bless you, Janet
Denise --- waste. Ah, how did you know? It's a word I've been thinking much on of late. Yes, perfection can never be achieved this side of heaven. I pray with you: Lord, use me in my brokenness, right here, as You broke yourself.
Holly, our children too watched Nick's videos in wonder. If he can joy in how God is using him, can't we too? Blessings you to your dd...
Betty, beautiful heart... yes, I too, like Moses, come up with excuses. And you're right: He means us, right exactly where He's put us. Yes, you nailed it: An open heart is all He asks for. Thank you for sharing yours with me --- You've been used!
Sarah, oh, sister. I'm right there with you! Sometimes seeing too much of the floor (all those legos!) and missing out on the hearts that walk these rooms --- thanks for being a companion in this mothering life with me, this life of growing more into His image and JOY! When the kids and I have tea today, get out for a short ski and sled down the hills, I'll be thanking God for you, praying for you too....
So grateful for each of you,
Ann (who sees how God is using each of you today!)
This morning the Lord gave me an odd phrase--"the Absurdity of Spirituality". It seemed a bit paradoxical coming from One we are called to worship in spirit and truth, and, yet, in it is truth.
I was raised in a home where anything that was no practical or overtly spiritual was condemned. To do something for sheer enjoyment was fleshly an sinful. If it served no obvious purpose, it obviously served no purpose.
How much truth do I miss in my quest to be oh, so spiritual? I don't have to open a coffee shop for folks to congregate when I can simply hand them a cup of coffee in my kitchen and congregate with them. I forget the simple things--bread, water, acceptance, a room. Yes, Jesus fed thousands at a time, but the changed lives we read about happened one at a time. One woman at a well. One man in a cemetary. One desperate mom begging for her daughter's healing. One dad with one son who needed deliverance. One woman who had one thought: If I can touch the hem of His garment.
If I touch one person each day, in a year, that will be 365 times Jesus touches someone through me...just being me, doing what I do. And that is the truth.
Ann:
Thanks for the encouraging word today! As a mother of four and one who is very routined in her "doings", it is sometimes hard to see the sacred lining that accompanies the work of my hands ... my heart. I confess; there are days I want it to be bigger, to be more of the polish and less of the daily grind. But God in his patience is teaching me the gift of "anonymity." Of serving in the silence and of being ok with it all.
A life lesson, my friend.
peace~elaine (PS: Thanks for visiting the blog. You are welcome anytime.)
Ah, dear... in the hours of my absence, I seem to be repeating myself? Techno glitches? (or me just babbling ~smile~)
Kay, every blessing on all the transitions in your life right now. He walks with you, and our prayers accompany you! Thank you for sharing the road with us.... for sharing *you* with us...
Katie, oh, I need to keep singing that hymn --- too often I live off key. You lead with a sure note and I'll sing softly, following... "let them flow in ceaseless praise, let them flow in ceaseless praise..."
Stephanie, do we scratch it down to remind ourselves over again, to recollect the things we keep forgetting? I keep needing to remind myself, me with soul Alzheimers, circling about to find it all new again...
Laura, your words give me pause. Why *are* we so cowardly, so afraid to be used of Him in so many ways, in so many daily, quiet ways? You make me think... and I whisper strengthening truth with you: yes, through Christ, all things.
Jill, your voices sings and I'm moved. I had opportunity last week to listen to two dynamic, thoughtful Christians share their testimony of coming to saving faith in Jesus, and both individuals recounted a particular individual who stepped out of their comfort zone, touched them in their pain and hurting places, opened up their lives to them and drew them to Jesus. Which is exactly what you are doing, Jill. Powerful stuff. I've been praying today that God might use us to reach out to someone around us... *Thank you*, Jill!
Janet: I'm humbled that you accepted the invitation--- grace! I know soul well how very full this season of home-educating and mothering and loving many is... That we can edify and encourage each other to be used of God in the very unique and special spheres He's placed us, this too heartens. Your friendship has done just that --thank you, Janet.
Dear Ann,
I just found your personal blog recently, and this site today. What a blessings your writings are. I have four children, ages 7, 5, 2, and 7 weeks. You inspire me to dig deeper to find blessings in every moment.
Thank you,
Pam
Jerri, your comment rings. You've struck at the very heart of it. And this: "I forget the simple things--bread, water, acceptance, a room." I pray remember that. Lord, give me eyes to do the simple things, right here in the now. Did I miss the small today looking for something that "seemed spiritual"? Yes, Jerri, you've written truth --- and it shimmers. *Thank you*....
Elaine, a pleasure that you'd wander over here...you write wisdom and I'm nodding. I hear you... I've been memorizing from Phil 2. "When the time came, He set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human.... It was an incredibly humbling process..." Jesus gave up the "big thing" and took on "anonymity." And yet... in that He was used for the greatest conceivable kingdom good. I'm with you, Elaine --- asking Him to lead His way --- into the silence, being small and little and quiet in out of the way, unnoticed places. A little light just shining...
All... friends! Hasn't this been grand? Thank you for slipping into the quiet of my tucked away online home and usually just being in the still.... but then coming here too, to share and listen and be in a community of the Spirit together.
i'm grateful for each of you --- each of you being mightily used of Him.
Most warmly,
Ann (who looks forward to putting on the next pot of tea!)
And what an incredible woman Nick's mother must be!!! As a brand new Mom, I always wanted immediately to see and know if my baby had the perfect hands, feet, arms, legs, eyes, ears, nose, mouth... So when she didn't hold a baby with the"normal" appendages, how amazing that she acted with the unconditional love Nick would draw on to grow into a man who accepts himself as perfectly created by God for the purpose he has to fulfill in this life. This man is so fortunate that God gave him an amazing mom to nurture him with healing hope. Thanks for sharing this story.
A beautiful story of a beautiful life well lived. Oh, to step out of the way and let Christ live that same beautiful life in me.
Grace & Peace,
Jean
Ann,
I just wanted to let you know how much your writing touches my heart. Truly. Thank you for holding out His hope. Thank you for allowing God to speak through you to encourage us to be used by God despite ourselves.
Ann, this was beautiful. Thanks for sharing. It's funny, isn't it, that in the mere act of being open to God using us, He uses us. Three months ago, our youngest son, at 6 1/2 months of age, went back to Jesus. We spent a month in the hospital with him and tried to live every day just trusting in God. I am so humbled as I still hear from nurses & staff how much they learned by watching us. I know that was God in us. What a blessing.
Thank you for these words today.
Thank you for sharing this article and for inviting me over for a visit and a "cup of tea". I have read other things about Nick, and he is such an inspiration! And.... I really enjoy reading what you are thinking and learning. I love your gift of words and love catching a glimpse of you and your family. Thank you for humbly sharing your life!
For those who don't know already Nick's site is www.lifewithoutlimbs.org As a fellow Aussie I only found out about him around 18 months ago channel surfing & coming across him preaching at the Crystal Cathedral of all places! I had to record a replay & watch it back later. Late last year 60 Minutes Australia did an interview with him and it was probably the most watched segment of the year with an estimated 2.1 million viewers which is 10% of Australia's population.
Linda... the eyes of your heart to see Nick's Mama so! Yes... to be that kind of cheering mother. Thank you for highlighting that aspect, Linda!
Jean --- that IS what it comes down to, doesn't it? Living well. How do we do that? Just as you noted: dying to self and letting Christ have His way with us today. Are we open to what that looks like today? Walking with you, Jean....
Kathryn... your story brings tears. God's using you again, right here. You're living it. God is glorified and your son's life continues to be used... Thank you. Every, every blessing...
Brenda --- thank *you* for coming over to share... a pleasure to encourage each other! May your day be more of Him, my friend!
Martin --- that is phenomenal, the viewers who watched Nick's 60 minute segment. Talk about being open to the way God wants to use you! In simple, everyday ways... that God can multiply like the loaves and the fishes! Grateful for an Aussie stopping by... a warm wave from Canada...
All's grace,
Ann
The world is so pre-occupied with the individual, we live in a world surrounded by inward focused people, and the various cross secions of media feed upon and expose this. I think as Christians there certainly is a propensity to be drawn into that type of idealogical thinking. We are completely fixed upon ourselves, and how we can do this or that. The pressure is released when we realise that it is not us, but him. The almighty creator of the universe has full and complete control, he really does not need my help to manage the universe, relax Paul and accept the awesomness of God!
hi, im luzrom from the philippines, God's hand can be seeb through the talents that is impart to us by Him. People can't see that moving hand of Him if we will not use it. So go for it, show it to the world. He can take it back if you will not use it.
I have been so touched reading everyone's words on here..found by accident. maybe not....my husband died recently, unexpectedly. I have beenpraying for somewhere, somehow for God to use me to help others in some way. He shows me everyday how to allow him to bring them to me in my job as a retail associate. I think in myself I need to go somewhere or do something to make it happen, but He is showing me to just be available is everything and all. Blessings to you all. Mary
Blessings to you, too, Mary. We'll be praying for you.