Session 3
Are you using your abilities to make much of you?
From Daniel: A 14-Day Devotional
Ever notice how some people are just naturally good at certain things?
The numbers person leaves others in awe at her ability to calculate her head. The athlete pushes expectations of what’s physically possible and brings us to our feet in celebration. The artist sees beauty and inspiration in ordinary life. The hospitable friend lightens a room and brings people together.
God gives each of us unique abilities, talents, and insights — not for our glory but for His. When we’re operating in our gifting, things come easily. And if we’re not careful, we can start to take the credit for what God is doing in us and through us.
God gives each of us unique abilities, talents, and insights — not for our glory but for His.
Daniel had a prophetic gifting. Prophets were men and women with the ability to declare God’s will and interpret His purposes.
Daniel recognized that God gives His people this special insight. So before Daniel shares a word about Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, he reminds those listening where his ability to interpret dreams comes from. “... There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries” (Daniel 2:28).
The ability to do something well results in all measure of attention and praise. But no matter how powerful we think we are, we are not more powerful than God. God alone gives power and authority, and takes it away (Daniel 2:37-39). And only God can build a kingdom that will last forever (Daniel 2:44). All of our gifts and abilities are designed to help build His kingdom.
When Nebuchadnezzar saw what God empowered Daniel to do, it caused him to think twice about Daniel’s God (Daniel 2:46-47). In that same way, when we give God the glory He rightly deserves for our skills and abilities, we draw others to Him.
Reflect:
- When was the last time someone complimented you on something you do well? How did you respond?
- How might God want to work through that talent or ability to build His kingdom?