“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.’” John 5:8
Because we are made in the image of our Creator, we all have a measure of creativity. We are at our best when we creatively use the gifts He has given us.
Don’t overlook this aspect of your life. God has given you innumerable ways in which you can express your gifts. But they will never be realized if you think your creative stirrings are worthless, just because you can’t paint like Picasso or sing like Whitney Houston. If you don’t act on the gifts you have been given (no matter how “small” they seem), you most likely will lose them.
When Jesus told the man at the Pool of Bethesda to pick up his mat and walk, He was calling the man to leave behind 38 years of paralysis. Jesus even asked the man if he wanted to be made well (verse 6). There were some internal obstacles that had to be overcome before he could be healed. I think the same is true for many of us in approaching our gifts. Maybe we need to tear down some roadblocks of laziness, complacency, or fear of failure that lull us into the sleep of immobility.
So recognize the call of your Creator. Don’t wait any longer. Pick up your mat… or pen… or guitar… or spatula… or hammer. Walk into a world that needs what you have, and give it. Be assured that your creativity brings both glory and pleasure to God.
Thank You, Jesus for the gifts You have given each of us. Help us refuse to let anything hinder us from using them to further Your kingdom. Amen.
Take Action
Take a few minutes to examine your gifts. Recommit yourself to letting God use them in any way He chooses.