Gifts and Callings
Words from Jesus
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For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.—Romans 14:17
My Word brings the fullness of joy and peace into your life (John 15:11). Joy is not only a fruit of My Spirit, but it is a gift that you share with others. You may not necessarily feel joyful all the time, but regardless of how you feel, even in the midst of the darkness and sadness in the world, you can let your light shine for Me by sharing joy and smiles with those around you.
When My children smile, it spreads My joy to others. It’s a proclamation of faith that brings encouragement to others. It’s a witness of trust and confidence in Me—without your saying a word. A smile brings joy and hope to others and shines My light in a world so full of darkness.
I have called you to be My ambassador of hope, joy, peace, and truth. My Spirit in you will shine forth to others—and it often starts with a smile and acknowledging each person you interact with as My creation whom I dearly love and long to draw to Me.
The gift of helps
And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance.—1 Corinthians 12:28
The gift of helping is an important gift that blesses other people (1 Corinthians 12:28). You might not think that it’s very glorious, but every time you do something for others, you are a token of My love for them. When you do something to help another person and make things easier for them, you can be the answer to someone’s prayer.
Every time you choose to exercise this gift to help others, to encourage them and to support and strengthen them, you are doing so as unto Me. Every time you volunteer to help the needy, you give of your time and resources, and you support people in their time of need, you are doing it for Me (Matthew 25:38–40). Each time you show My love and care to people around you, you are expressing your love for Me and giving a living example to the world of My love.
The gift of wisdom
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.—James 1:5
You can ask Me for the gift of wisdom, and I will grant your request in accordance with My will. When Solomon prayed wholeheartedly for My anointing of wisdom, I granted his request, and as long as he stayed close to Me, he was one of the wisest men who had ever lived.
Wisdom is an important gift to cultivate because, in conjunction with My Word, it will help you to discern what is true and right. The modern world is full of misinformation and manipulation, meant to mislead and deceive or to proclaim people’s personal beliefs as true, when in reality they have no foundation in truth. But My Spirit of truth will guide you into all truth (John 16:13).
The gift of discernment is also important to hone in your life, as your “powers of discernment are trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14). Discernment will help you to separate truth from falsehood, and to better understand situations and people. If you lack wisdom and seek to grow in discernment, ask Me sincerely and wholeheartedly, and trust that I will give them to you. Then train yourself in these gifts through constant practice and study of My Word.
Learning from Samuel
For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose.—Philippians 2:13
There is much you can learn from the life of Samuel, who lived and worked in the temple. He heard My voice and loved Me above all else. Because of his faithfulness to My Word, I was able to make his life a blessing to many, and he was able to fulfill his calling and help to bring the people closer to Me.
You can learn from Samuel’s example of faithfulness and dedication to Me to trust in My purposes and calling for you. You may not see clearly My plan and purpose for your life in certain seasons, but as you remain faithful to Me and to what I have given you to do, I will keep you and make your life fruitful, even in times of hardship and challenge.
Keep committing yourself to Me, and trust that I will guide and bless you. Even if things don’t go as smoothly as you had hoped and there are unexpected challenges along the way, I am always with you. You may not always see the fruit of your labor, but you can trust that I am working in and through you to fulfill My good purposes for your life.
Gifts for growth
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.—James 1:2–4
When I was on Earth, I was tempted and tried in all points—just like you are. I experienced many of the same tests, temptations, and trials that you do. Through the things I experienced, I learned and was prepared for My unique calling. I understand and My heart is touched by the challenges you face and the struggles of life (Hebrews 4:15).
Everything that you experience in life will work together for your good and for the things I have prepared in advance for you to do (Ephesians 2:10). I can’t promise that your way will never be steep, or that you’ll never face setbacks. I can’t promise that you won’t face seemingly insurmountable obstacles as you travel up the mountain for Me. But I promise that I will be with you always and I will help you, uphold you, and strengthen you (Isaiah 41:10).
The process of growing into all that I have called you to be is not easy, and to grow in My image and likeness, you must experience difficulties, challenges, and trying times. So count it as an opportunity for joy when you face troubles and trials, knowing that it is part of the growth process and is meant to draw you ever closer to Me. Always remember that I love you and I will not fail to fulfill any of My wonderful promises to you and everyone who loves Me.
Grow where you’re planted
They delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.—Psalm 1:2–3
I’ve seen you grow and mature as a firm and strongly rooted tree. Your branches reach out so that others can find rest and shade, and your life bears the fruit of a life consecrated to Me. Never belittle your place or your calling, for I have called you and ordained you to bear fruit (John 15:16).
If you are tempted to wonder why I have placed you in a certain situation or what fruit your life is bearing, remember that I am the one who fashioned you and I have a plan for your life. I am the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end, and My handwriting is on the first and the closing words of your life’s book.
Keep trusting in Me, keep walking the path I have set before you by faith, trusting in Me for each step of the journey. I have placed within you the gifts that you need to fulfill My calling for your life, and if you are lacking, remember that it is My good pleasure to give good gifts to you (Luke 12:32).
Originally published in 2000. Adapted and republished August 2025. Read by Jon Marc. Music by Michael Fogarty.
