UNUSED GEARS

My first bike had one gear. Whether I was going fast or slow, uphill or downhill, that gear did everything. My next bike had three gears: one for level surfaces, one for going uphill and one for going downhill. My third bike had ten gears. Even though my last bike had several gears to choose from, I didn’t use all of them every time I rode. Some were best for starting and climbing, others were used for gaining speed or for going at a gentle pace. But the thing about gears is this: even though I wasn’t using all of them at the time, it didn’t mean I would never need them.

The same can be true for our spiritual gifts and abilities. If I feel I am not being used by God in the way I want, or to do things I used to do, instead of feeling useless and unappreciated, I thank God for the ‘gear’ I’m currently in. Just because a skill is not needed right now doesn’t mean it never will be.

God has given us different gifts and interests that He will use in different ways at different times. Needs and circumstances change all the time. Who knows what God will be doing in our lives this time next year! Paul reminded Titus to “be ready to do whatever is good” (TITUS 3:1). May that be true of us as well.

To pray about . . .

Heavenly Father, I need to remember that what I do is up to You, but how I do it is up to me. Whether I am busy or still, may I be peaceful, gentle, humble, kind and loving.

KEEP YOUR TOOLS READY—
GOD WILL FIND WORK FOR YOU.

YouTh Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries