Before she passed away, Sue led a group of women who call themselves the Beacons. This gang of big hearts still gathers monthly to piece and sew fabric squares into patterns and then hand-tie layers together into quilts for distribution to the poor in the Appalachian foothills in Southeast Ohio. The Beacons have a limited budget, so receiving donations of cotton fabric is always a plus. That’s were Sue came in, for while sewing was not among this leader’s skill sets, procurement of donated fabric was. “I can’t sew, but I can beg,” she would quip. The irony was rich: the leader of a quilting group, unable to sew but humble enough to ask store managers for remnants.
This story reminds us that we all in the body of Christ have different gifts, for we saw in Sue what we heard from Paul: “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”1 Yet in Sue, we see more than just the differences among us; we grasp the wisdom behind them, the beauty of our submission, and the confidence to thrive in our uniqueness. There is no reason to envy the gifts and callings of others, for no matter our role, it is vital and worth our all. Again, Paul challenges us, “So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”2
Ours, then, is to accept our differences, embracing our role, celebrating our gifts, and living boldly in the confidence that God knows what He is doing in us and through us. So, if public speaking terrifies you, but you mentor well one-on-one, engage deeply. If you cannot endure a short-term mission trip, but you can intercede for those who do, pray boldly. If you do not fully understand the troubles besieging others, but you have the compassion to come alongside them, then care sacrificially. Your roles and your gifts are all part of God’s plan. So be bold, and rejoice. You are gifted and equipped for whatever God has in store for you today.
Father, thank You calling me into Your kingdom work. No role is unimportant nor any obedience unfruitful, so lead me into whatever You have for me to do today. I trust You. In Christ I pray. Amen.
1 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
2 Romans 12:6-8 NLT
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Paul Nordman—Author 