Using Your Gifts To Sing A New Song
Monday, July 20
1 Peter 4:10-11 (NKJV)
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Devotion
God doesn’t wait for perfect people with perfect lives before He uses them. In the true story of Mike and Claire, an ordinary couple barely making ends meet with part-time jobs in late-’90s Milwaukee, took a risk on something they loved. With only modest talent, they started a Neil Diamond tribute band called Lightning and Thunder. What began as a small side project eventually grew into regional success—twice. But their journey was far from glamorous. They faced financial stress, relationship pressures, and major health crises, including Claire’s serious surgery that left her with significant challenges and Mike’s own heart issues and a fall right before a big performance.
Even after painful setbacks, they kept pushing forward in imperfect ways. Mike dealt with his own struggles and doubts, yet he still got back on stage. Claire had to relearn parts of life after her surgery, but she found her way back to what she loved. Their story shows that you don’t need to be highly skilled or have everything together to make an impact. Sometimes it’s just about showing up with what you have and refusing to let hardship permanently shelve your gifts. Pastor Franklin pointed out that dreams almost always come with resistance—bad news from doctors, job losses, broken plans, or seasons that feel like nightmares. Many people quit right when they’re closest to a breakthrough, assuming the struggle means they missed God’s plan.
The truth is, using your gifts isn’t about reaching stardom or financial success. It’s about stewarding what God gave you—whether it’s singing, serving, helping others, or pursuing a long-forgotten passion—so He can be glorified through it. Mike and Claire’s persistence, even when things got messy and painful, left a legacy that touched people. God can do the same with our ordinary, imperfect offerings if we’re willing to keep going.
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord, thank You that You use regular, flawed people like me. Forgive me for the times I’ve hidden my gifts out of fear or discouragement. Help me to get back up and offer what I have, trusting You to make it count for something bigger. Strengthen me through the hard days and use my life to bless others. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
What talent, interest, or idea have you been sitting on because life got messy or you felt unqualified? This week, take one imperfect step—practice it, share it, or use it to help someone else. God multiplies honest effort, not perfection.
Resources
- Discovering your purpose begins with understanding what God has placed inside of you. Watch the message, “What’s Your ‘I Must’?” and be encouraged to identify the passion, calling, and purpose God has uniquely designed for your life.
- When we serve, we use the treasure God has given us to bless others and reveal His love to the world. Join a Serve Team, and discover the joy of being part of what God is doing. Your gift matters!