For You formed my innermost parts; You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well,~Psalm 139:13-14. 

God is a wise steward and loving Father. He gives every person (even those who hate Him, and those who don’t believe in Him) gift(s) or talent(s). Everyone has something to offer. 

When people tell me God isn’t blessing or hasn’t gifted them I sometimes ask, “What are you doing with what’s been given?” God rewards faithfulness. The one who uses what God has given for His glory is given more. 

When people say, “I don’t have anything to offer or I don’t have that spiritual gift,” I ask “Do you have the Holy Spirit? He has all the gifts.” 

It surprises people when they surrender all to God how He works through them. 

I’m highly introverted. Yet God frequently calls me out to socialize with groups of people, lead groups, etc…I did not want to be in public leadership when God called me to it. I would have loved to stay in my little cubby with God, serving behind the scenes. I’m so at home with Him and maybe a few people I know as close friends. 

I’ve been discipling groups of people for almost 10 years. At first, it was way outside my comfort zone! I never wanted to preach, be front and center…I like being hidden in God. Yet all of my life belongs to Him. If He nudges, I respond (though in some cases I responded very slowly). 

It’s not about my ability or your ability. It’s about His. It’s about blessing the world. It’s about making His name famous. It’s about standing in our identity as a son or daughter of God. 

So principles I’ve learned/am learning: 

1. Seek God first in all things. 

2. Cease telling God I can’t do something. It’s not about me. He knows what He’s doing. 

3. Cease waiting on people to give me a mission or permission to do what God has burning in my heart. God is my Commissioner. 

I started a worship/prophetic intercessory prayer/discipleship group, and street ministry without any pastoral support. Zero. They are still running under the Lordship of Jesus today. He said train/equip, go. I can’t always wait for someone else to support what He told me to do. God is my support. 

I am not saying be independent of church leadership or rebellious. I am saying we won’t be able to use the excuse, “No one would help me,” when we see God face to face. He’s the Helper. 

Every believer has already been called to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, pray without ceasing, encourage others, and share the Gospel. Jesus already called everyone. 

4. Use what’s given for the glory of God. Hoarding or sitting on gifts/talents doesn’t help anyone. The people around us are dying to see Christ in us. Selfishness and self-centeredness never leads to Godly promotion. 

5. Break the cycle of I’m unqualified. Who God calls, He equips and qualifies. Abide in Him. I’m also not opposed to learning from others. I love it. Take a class, study. I study and take classes. 

6. Waiting on God is not an excuse to be lazy or passive. God expects us to do something with what’s been given. 

I heard a joke about a man who was stranded on a roof during a flood. He kept crying out for God to save him. He turned the boat away because he was waiting on God. He turned the helicopter away because he was waiting on God. The man died. When he saw God he exclaimed, “Why’d you forsake me!” God replied, “Why didn’t you get in the boat or helicopter? I sent people to help you and you refused their help.” 

I had someone God highlighted for me to pour into their life. They could barely eat, barely pay bills. Once I offered food and necessities. They refused. They said all they wanted was prayer. God was going to meet the need. So I went back to God and said, “They don’t want Your gifts from me.” He then highlighted someone else for me. 

I’ve learned sometimes we say we are waiting on God and we are actually thinking He’s going to send an angel to drag us out of bed, do everything for us, and it won’t require any human effort or participation.

God works through people! So keep your eyes open. Partner with Him to be someone’s answer to prayer. When someone shows up to bless you, thank God. He’s the Source. Last I checked the devil wasn’t into sacrificial love. 

7. Cultivate a generous heart. This comes from staying connected to the Generous One. God is the lavish Giver! 

8. Rebuke the lies of the enemy. One of his greatest attacks is against our identity. The second attack is against our destiny. 

His lies/My response: 

Lie: Who do you think you are? You’re inadequate. 

Response: I’m a blood bought child of God. His strength is perfected in my weakness. 

Lie: You are so unqualified! 

Response: I am filled with the Holy Spirit. He’s my teacher. He’s fully qualified. 

Lie: No one wants to hear what you have to say! 

Response: I am not here to perform or please people. I am here to glorify God and speak His words to the world. It’s not about me. It’s about God. 

Lie: You’re going to fail or mess up or this will end badly. 

Response: Success for God is based on faithfulness. His grace is sufficient for me. I’m successful when I’m faithful with what He’s given; led by His Spirit and doing what He says. 

There are so many other lies that can be thrown at us. What has God said? What is God saying? What does His Word say? Even Jesus was bombarded with the lies of the evil one. He responded with the word of God. He didn’t allow insecurity to flood His heart. He did not surrender His identity or destiny for the lies of satan. We too have a choice. We can seek God and find out who we are in Him or live without ever stepping into our full identity/destiny. 

God created everything and everyone for a reason. You and I have a great destiny in God. He doesn’t make useless things. No one gives their life for what has no value. Jesus gave His life for ours. The value of something is determined by how much someone will pay for it; Jesus gave His life. We are of tremendous worth to God. 

Papa God thank You that You have given us so much in Your Son. Thank You for life! Thank You for a redeemed life. You are amazing! Help us to learn to abide in You so we live fruitful lives. Help us to see ourselves as You do. Break off any shackles of unbelief, insecurity, fear, worry, or doubt. Flood us with Your truth today. In Jesus powerful name. Amen. 

Love in Christ, 

Erin Lamb