Organizing the Inside – Day 272 In My Own Voice

June 1, 2012 at 1:30 pm · Filed under Encouragement, Inspiration, Purpose, Wisdom, Women's Ministry and tagged: Coaching, Gifts, Serving, Talent

6In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Romans 12:6-8 (NLT)

You must be you.
To write something in your own voice is a term used to describe the use of words, cadence and style when writing that is authentic to the author. When you find your own voice in writing and learn to embrace it, your writing has a certain tone that is uniquely yours. It’s like certain musical artists who have a unique sound in their music. Finding your own voice is not always easy, just like discovering who God has called you to be, it takes some work. There are some serious challenges involved and the biggest one is being obedient when it comes to the details. The answers to some of life’s biggest questions, like, “Why am I here?” and “What is my purpose?” are not hidden, but if you want to know, you must sincerely ask. If any of you needs wisdom to know what you should do, you should ask God, and he will give it to you. God is generous to everyone and doesn’t find fault with them. James 1:5 (GWT)

Those who have worked with talented coaches and mentors know the best coaches have a unique ability to bring out and develop top talent. Research has shown that extraordinary people generally have a few basic things in common.
1. They’ve worked with great coaches.
2. They’ve practiced their technique, far more than most people.
3. Through persistence and determination they overcame obstacles.
4. They know and embrace their own talent, not someone else’s.

The same is true with Christians.
Copying someone else’s gift may seem like the easy way out, but there’s a ton of pitfalls if you decide to take that route. We have the best coach ever, Jesus Christ; but we have to be willing to allow Him to teach us and direct us as our gifts are developed.  This can’t be accomplished if we’re stuck on trying to be like someone else. God made us to function within the body, and when working alongside of other believers, we are at our best. God’s plan for the church works best when the hand works like a hand, and the foot does what a foot is supposed to do. Otherwise there is chaos and along with that chaos comes a complete lack of appreciation for others, which usually results in even more chaos and conflict. All this, diminishes our effectiveness and our productivity. We need each other, and we need others to be who God has called them to be.  18But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” 1 Corinthians 12:18-21 (NLT)

God wants to coach you to the next level.
Being coached-up begins with an acceptance of who you are. God made you different for a reason. Learn to love that particular something special that no one else has, then you’ll find true fulfillment. The answer is near you! Listen; you’re on the winning team and you definitely have the best coach in the entire universe. Perfecting your gift is not some unattainable dream; you can do it, if you are willing to turn everything you have over to God. Take hold of the confidence that’s yours through Christ. Never let fear stand in the way of being extraordinary. God wants your heart, your time, and yes, He wants your gifts. Consider that God gave you and me everything we have; now, out of our love for Him it’s time we give it all back.

Are you ready and willing to lay your gifts at the feet of Jesus and let Him use you His way? Are you really willing to let go of your wants and trust God to instead give you the desires of your heart? Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Psalm 37:4 (NLT) I so want to encourage you, while I encourage myself, let’s permit God to have His way, so we can live life in our own voice.

Here’s a similar article about using your gifts, if you missed day 205

• Organizing the Inside – Day 205 Born For Just Such A Time

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