purpose

God's various gifts are handed out everywhere,
but they all originate in God's Spirit.
God's various ministries are carried out everywhere;
but they all originate in God's Spirit.
God's various expressions of power are in action everywhere,
but God himself is behind it all.
Each person is given something to do that shows who God is:
Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits.
All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit,
and to all kinds of people.
The variety is wonderful:
wise counsel
clear understanding
simple trust
healing the sick
miraculous acts
proclamation
distinguishing between spirits
tongues
interpretation of tongues.
All these gifts have a common origin,
but are handed out one by one
by the one Spirit of God.
He decides who gets what and when.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (The Message translation)

each one of us is given something--a strength, a talent, a passion, an ability--that shows who God is to those around us. that amazes me. things that come naturally for me were placed inside by a God that wants me to show others who He is. (pretty humbling, isn't it?) there are things in you that God wants to use and speak through and tell others about Him.

honestly, i know i don't always show Him the best. i let myself get in the way and don't let Him be seen. this passage is a great reminder to me...it never has been about me--it's always been about God and Him wanting to show a world how much He loves them. He uses all people in all ages to share His message--He does it in a numberless amount of ways. i know God has used friends in my life to help with wise counsel in difficult situations or help me to understand something that i had been wrestling with. i've seen people come out on the other side of a cancer diagnosis free of disease that can only be attributed to God's miraculous power. because someone gives and serves, someone who is in need will be okay for another day.

because of God's goodness to us, we can be good to others. because He meets our needs, we can help others. because He loves us, we can love others. God makes each one of us who we are with one purpose in mind--each one of us, in our own unique way, can show the world who God is.