Do you know what your spiritual gifts are?
In this episode of Now is the Time I give you four practical steps to help you find out what your spiritual gifts are! I also answer several other listener questions.
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@sukofamily how do you know what your spiritual gifts are? This is where I struggle. I don’t know how to use what I don’t know I have.
— Heather Wilson (@MrsIndyWilsons) January 10, 2014
4 steps to discovery your gifts
Recently I’ve received a lot of questions about spiritual gifts like the one above from Heather. She is not alone many people struggle to know what their spiritual gift is and how they should use it.
There was a time in my life not so long ago when I had no idea what my spiritual gift was. I was way off course and would never have believed you if you told me today what my spiritual gift really was!
In this podcast I share with you four steps that led me to discover my spiritual gift and I believe they can also help you discover yours.
Listener questions
- Nancy asked: I am interested in hearing your thoughts on the book you are currently reading, “Strange Fire,” by John MacArthur.
- Lucy asked: What made you decide to ask Jesus to be your Savior? I know you were raised in a Godly home but from your heart why did you see the need. I have not heard this from you before.
- Gail asked: Caleb, do you feel like a Ukrainian or an American or a mix or depends on the country you’re in?
- Grace asked: What is your favorite food from America and Ukraine? And do you have a good plov recipe?
- Bogdan asked: How do you practically balance all that you do including social media, blogging, podcasting, preaching, traveling and being a father and husband?
Episode links
Preceptaustin: A great resource for studying spiritual gifts.
Spiritual gift testing: Try it out if you like but don’t put too much stock into it.
Speaking Schedule
- January 26th 8:45 am and 10:30 am Christ the Rock Community Church, Port Orchard, WA
- January 26th 6:00 pm Puyallup Community Baptist Church, Puyallup, WA
- January 30th Home-school co-op at Christ the Rock Church
Question: What is your spiritual gift and how did you find out it was your gift?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:15 — 24.0MB) | Embed
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Loren Pinilis
January 24, 2014Caleb, I’m really loving your perspective here. I also am not a fan of spiritual gifts tests. And as I think about the advice I would give people (before I listened to your podcast), it was pretty much in line with what you were saying. Look at your desires, try stuff, be active, seek other’s input, and look for fruit. Those are the things I would have listed.
I also think that we sometimes put too much selfish focus on finding our spiritual gifts. It’s as if we want to find where we’ll be strongest so we can feel the best and receive the most praise. Sometimes, we have to dig in and get our hands dirty in areas that really aren’t of our gifting – it’s all about what would provide the most benefit to others.
Caleb
January 25, 2014I like the way you think Loren! Great point about being selfish about spiritual gifts. I think you’re right on. In fact I think sometimes the reason people struggle to find their spiritual gifts is because they are looking for a ministry that will “fulfill” themselves. They fail to realize that ministry is about giving not getting. Although on the other hand I would say that when you are serving in your gifted area there will be a certain joy that comes as a result but there will also be many difficulties.
floyd
January 25, 2014It takes time to know what our purpose is in this life. When we finally grasp it, the signs that point to it are like neon signs shouting out the obvious. I feel like I’ve been given so much that my gift is to encourage and inspire others. A simple sentence that sums up our calling is what brought me into the focus our Father called me to. It’s not big… but it doesn’t have to be to honor our Father and fulfill our calling.
Caleb
January 25, 2014Floyd, you’ve encouraged me through your writing! Thank you!
Betty Draper
January 25, 2014Not too long after I got saved, I was ask to start a bible study in my home. I ask the pastor wife, do you know something about me I don’t know. She had seen my gift in operation and after she shared with me about them through the Bible I saw what she saw. I learned gifts are given to us to motivate us to serve the Lord. All gift turn to Him, never to us. Being able to define it or them was very helpful, kept me from wasting God’s time and gave me courage to step out and encourage others. I have the gift of exhortation along with teaching. God has used me in so many different areas, I have done everything and anything in a local church and that helped me understand some ways t o help others. God also gives talents when added with gifting will be used to encourage others. I have an evangelist heart which I think comes from getting saved and grounded in the truth all Christians are called to win the lost. Or method may differ but it is actually a commandment to go into the world and tell the gospel. . Thanks God He even gives us resources (gifts) to motivates us.
Caleb
January 27, 2014Thanks for sharing your story Betty! It’s amazing that you started a Bible study so early on. I always found that the best motivation for study and the greatest times of growth came when I “had” to study as I prepared to preach or teach.
TCAvey
January 28, 2014Great pod cast!
Look forward to your book review.
As for my spiritual gifts. I don’t think I really KNOW what they are. I just try and listen to God. Some days He wants me to give (time, money, whatever), sometimes He wants me to pray, sometimes He wants me to write.
I just try to obey.
It’s easier for me to see gifts in others. My husband has a servants heart. He’s a giver. He’s also great at forgiving and showing grace.
Caleb
January 28, 2014TC I think having the attitude of simply being ready to obey and serve in any situation is about the best thing you can do. God can take care of the rest and he always gives us the exact opportunities where we can be used best.
TCAvey
January 28, 2014Thanks, Caleb.
Dan Black
January 29, 2014I love this topic and your episode.
It took time for me to be clear about my areas of spiritual gifts but my main one is in the area of leadership. God has gifted me with leadership. Great Podcast!
Caleb
January 29, 2014Thanks for sharing Dan! I could have guess that your spiritual gift was leadership. I’m glad you know what is and are able to use it for God’s glory.