“I have seen a son of Jesse . . who is skillful.” 1 Samuel 16:18 NKJV
“God knows who you are, where you are, and what gifts He has given you.”
My thoughts today are about “knowing your skill-set.”
Every person is significantly unique. With all the myriad elements of diversity, it is still remarkably amazing that no two people are exactly alike. Each person is the unique design of their Creator, with a blend of experiences, interests, abilities, and opportunities that are unlike any other person’s. We have many things in common with one another – probably more similarities than differences – yet we each retain an individuality that is God-designed. Who but our Almighty God could accomplish that? See Romans 12:5-6 NKJV.
Don’t you love this term, skill-set? It’s a clever way to describe your distinctive abilities, talents, and proficiencies. Together those define your aptitude for effectiveness and success in what you attempt. Your skill-set is God’s gifts to you for your fulfillment and achievement, but too easily a person might assume that personal satisfaction is its major purpose. God. Your skill-set is a valuable toolbox for the calling and opportunities God gives you. Your abilities, talents, and skills do not belong to you; they are loaned to you by God. “God has given gifts to each of you from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you.” 1 Peter 4:10 NLT. They are not for your personal enrichment and amusement; they are the means whereby you are to serve God and man meaningfully and effectively.
You may have found by now that some things come easily to you, almost naturally it seems, while other tasks may require a greater effort from you and assistance from others. Any skill, no matter how natural to you, deserves your life-long attention to developing, strengthening and perfecting it for its greater usefulness. Apply yourself diligently to grow your skills by practice and application, always mindful that you will never be all that you can be, nor do all that you could do, without learning dependence on God for His strength and anointing.
David did not wait to practice his musical skills until he was invited before the King. That would have been too late to be his best. Because David had been diligent, he was prepared when the opportunity came to serve. Imagine if David had not practiced his skill with a shepherd’s sling until facing Goliath. That would not have turned out well for anyone except Goliath! Paul’s advice to young Timothy is good for you to remember, “Be prepared in season and out of season.” 2 Timothy 4:2 NIV.
Though David’s brothers knew his skills but never had the occasion to mention him to the King, God used an unknown servant of the King to commend David exactly when he was most needed. And remember this, God knows who you are, where you are, and what gifts He has given you. The call for you to serve will come. You should be ready. David was skillful and ready! Can you say the same?
My prayer for you is to appreciate the grace of God in your life and serve the Giver well.