Growing up I never felt like I had any special talents. There was nothing that I excelled at. I wasn’t into sports, academically I was average, at home I was a bit messy. I’m not crafty or super outgoing.  For years I had no idea what “spiritual gift” God had given me.

But each of us is born with a special gift, something that we are passionate about, something we like doing and are good at. These talents or gifts don’t just happen by accident; they are given to us by God. Matthew Henry explains that some of us will receive “ordinary” gifts, while others of us will be given “extraordinary” gifts.

Now God doesn’t do things without a purpose. He doesn’t give us these gifts just for fun, though they do bring joy and fun into our lives. These gifts are to be used to help and bless those around us. In this way we bring glory to God.

The rule is that whatever gift, ordinary or extraordinary, whatever power, ability, or capacity of doing good is given to us, we should minister, or do service, with the same one to another, accounting ourselves not masters, but only stewards of the manifold grace, or the various gifts, of God.

Matthew Henry

The difficulty we have is figuring out what gift or gifts God has given us.  Spiritual gift tests have been invented to help Christians figure this out. I took one years ago, and according to the results my spiritual gifts were discernment and pastoring. Ha!  While these tests can be helpful, they are not always accurate or necessary.

Here are a few ways to help you figure out what gifts God has blessed you with.

1. What are you passionate about?

What are those things that you really love doing? What gets you excited? What brings you joy when you are doing it? What comes natural to you?

2. What are you good at?

While figuring out what you are passionate about is a good start, it is not always accurate. You can be passionate about singing but not be able to carry a tune. So the next question to ask yourself is, “what am I good at?”

EVERYONE is good at something because God has given everyone a gift. This doesn’t mean that you are an expert. It  simply means that you do it well and that you see fruit.

3. Ask someone

Sometimes it is hard for us to see what we are good at. This is when we need to ask someone. Ask your spouse, your friends, or family member. What talents or gifts do they see in your life?

4. Let your church help you by plugging in

One of the best ways to find your gift is by practicing. If you like cooking, baking and caring for people, then plug into a hospitality ministry. If you like babies and children, then plug into the children’s ministry. If you like to teach, then maybe you can work with older kids, youth, or even lead a women’s Bible study. Are you musical? Then join the worship team. If you like to organize and lead, then find out where in your church you could put those gifts to use.

If you are still not sure then see where your church needs help and just plug in. You may be surprised at how much you like serving in an area that you never really thought much about before.

Remember that the gifts we have been given were not given so that we would keep them to ourselves or only use them within the confines of our own four walls. God gave us gifts, talents, and interests to use to help and love others and bring glory to His name.

Looking To Jesus,

Jen Thorn

Jen Thorn grew up in Germany and then spent her teenage years in Africa, where her parents were missionaries. She moved to the United States for college and attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago where she met her husband. They have been married for twenty-two years and have four children. Jen lives in the suburbs of Chicago, where her husband is the pastor of Redeemer Fellowship. Jen is passionate about theology and the connection to daily living.