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by Rebecca Livermore
Paul, an apostle (not from men nor though man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead) (Galatians 1:1 NKJV).
Paul received his calling and title not from or through man, but through Jesus Christ. The same is true for each of us. Regardless of who you are, and regardless of how you feel about yourself, God has given you a gift and calling.
Our natural tendency is to look to men for affirmation of our value and to trust in what they can do for us. But it's important to realize that man cannot give you a gift or a call. That may be a bit disconcerting, but take comfort in the fact that in the same way that man cannot give you a calling, no man can ever take away the calling God has given you. There is great comfort and security in that! God has gifted and called you, and no man, regardless of how powerful or influential, can take that away from you.
It's important to note that the God who has called and gifted us is the same God who raised Christ from the dead. If this God who we are gifted from and through has raised Christ from the dead, will it be too hard for Him to open the right door for me or you at the right time? No! That's nothing for Him. He has the power to open doors and to give us the ability to do whatever it is He has called us to do.
Cling to the truth that nothing, absolutely nothing or no one can stop your gifts from being used as long as you are willing to step out in faith and obedience to God and simply use the gifts He's given you. Cling to this truth when it seems you are not appreciated, or when doors are slammed shut in your face. God has called you; God has gifted you. And He will indeed open doors for you in His time and way as you patiently do what He has called you to do.
Father, we thank You that You have given each of us a gift and a call. Thank You that no one can take that away from us. Thank You that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power that enables us to be successful in using the gifts You have given us. Help us to look to you and not to man for affirmation, and for the authority to use the gifts You've given us. We commit our gifts and callings to You and ask You to use us powerfully. Amen.
Thought: What gifts has God given you? Are you using them in some way? Don't be afraid to start small. As you are faithful in using the gifts He's given you, more and more doors will open, and you'll find great fulfillment in doing and being all He created you to be.
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