Practical ways to uncover your God-given gifts and talents

Acts 9:36 -42, gives an account of the death and raising to life of Dorcas, a faithful follower of Christ. She was a Christian. That’s the first thing we are told about Dorcas. It’s true that she did good deeds, including using her sewing talent to help other people. It’s noteworthy that we are told that she is a Christian first, not what she does, or what her career or actions are. There was great weeping in the community when Dorcas died, because of the admiration and affection they had developed for her. She was a humble and kind Christian woman.

Dorcas did good work making garments for other people. What about you? What good work can you do with the gifts and talents that God has given you?

• Don’t spend a lot of time looking for your gift by comparing yourself with other talented people. If you aren’t quite sure what gifts and talents God wants you to use to serve Him and other people, you need to spend time in prayer with an open heart and open hands to Him, ready to serve. You could do spiritual gift inventories or ministry/servant passion profiles. I know that The Salvation Army encourages the use of these tools to help you as you seek to understand how God wants you to use your gifts.
• Think about the interests you have. Consider the opportunities you have to serve – not only in the church, but in other places. Ask yourself and ask God to show you the unmet needs there are in your home, church, your job and community and if there is any possibility for you to serve Him in any of these places.

Here are some specific ways you can explore your talents and know what God wants you to do.

• You can explore your talents by taking a course in a community centre near you. At the beginning of every year, most community centres send out announcements about courses and activities they’re offering. There are all sorts of activities – arts and crafts, music, sewing, gardening, cooking, sporting activities, book clubs, etc.
• Check out opportunities to volunteer in your neighbourhood. Is there a hospital near you? Is there a seniors’ home or nursery, women’s shelter near you? At your workplace, do they offer opportunities to serve in the community? Volunteer. Very often training is provided to volunteers. You can work the reception desk, help with filing, serve in the kitchen, volunteer at events, visit patients, organize games for the kids… you name it!
•  Have a chat with other people who are doing things you like, or would like to do. Learn from them. How are they using their talents? How did they discover and develop their talents? Don’t be shy. Many talented people like to encourage other people who are interested in their talent.
• Having said that, I want to reassure you that once you step out in faith, God opens and closes doors in your life which lead you in the way He would have you go. Be sensitive to that leading and use the gifts and interests you already have to serve Him.
• Spend time in prayer asking God to use you as well as other Christians around you to reach others for Him. You’ll be amazed at how many opportunities to share Christ will come as a result. Colossians 3:17 says, Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Women of faith, be like Dorcas in the Bible. Arise! Use Your gifts for Christ and bring glory to His Name.