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Have you ever felt like your gifts don’t align with the season that you’re in?

Maybe you have a gift that you feel compelled to share with the world, but the doors aren’t opening up for you. Instead of getting stuck in a place of discontentment, I challenge you to view a closed door as an opportunity to grow closer to God, to grow as a person, and to serve others well.

Every lesson you learn in this season is a brick that will create the foundation for your next season. 

If you’re intentional with where God has placed you now, He can begin to refine and prepare you for the journey ahead.

That’s what worship leader Niya Cotton shared with me when we sat down for a good “girl chat.” Even in her gifting as a worship leader and an artist, she has chosen to focus on finding what she calls “the miracle in the mundane.” Whether that’s sitting at a dinner table with her three children or leading a worship song at her local church, she has discovered the beauty in showing up in her gifting right where God has placed her.

Our heart-to-heart conversation unfolded in the most beautiful way as we discussed:

  • Serving from a place of overflow
  • Living for God’s approval
  • Navigating multiethnic spaces
  • Feeling at home with God

Your hopes and dreams may have been put on hold after having children, starting a ministry, or other life circumstances. You may look around and see other people thriving and doing their thing on social media and wonder when it’s going to be your turn.

Trust me, I understand how difficult that can be. 

Just remember this: while it feels good to have other people clap for you, the ultimate applause is hearing God say “well done” for how you live your life. That’s why it’s important to be present in the everyday moments that feel insignificant, not just the moments that feel Instagram-worthy.

Maybe the big stage with the bright lights you imagined looks more like speaking life over your kids or helping at an event in this season. That’s okay. Just know that your gift will make room for you, even in the most ordinary places. (Proverbs 18:16)

If you overlook all the opportunities to use your gifts to serve others, you will do God and the people around you a disservice.

There is such a peace that comes from leaning into what God values rather than what the world deems as important. As God reveals what He has in store for you, know that He can do even more than you ask. (Ephesians 3:20)

When it gets hard to encourage yourself, remember that God knows the desires of your heart. Allow this season to draw you closer to Him and rest in the knowledge that He will give you the strength to endure until you get to where you want to be.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

  • Giving from a place of overflow
  • Living for God’s approval
  • Navigating multiethnic spaces
  • Feeling at home with God

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Let’s Talk!

  1. How can you use your gifts and talents to serve the people in your life?
  2. What would help you focus more on God’s approval and less on people’s applause?
  3. How can you draw closer to God in this season?

 

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