Know your Strengths

"Choose to focus on what you are good at and use your gifts to further God's kingdom."

Today's devotional was about focusing on the strengths God has given you. It was a lost like yesterday's (looking for your talents and gifts) but strengths aren't necessarily seen all the time as gifts. The chapter discussed focusing on the positive things in life, such as what your strengths are, instead of the negative things -or what you can't do. Once you know you're strengths you will begin to understand what things you can do for God's glory by utilizing the strengths He's given you.

I believe that everyone has many strengths. But when asked what they are, the things you aren't good at come to mind. I'm challenging you, and myself, to think of 3 strengths and then create a way to use each strength to God's glory.

My 3 top strengths:

1. Organized
2. Peacemaker
3. Influential

Being organized, I am able to plan things for myself and others. I really enjoy event planning so I know that I can plan many events for the church or for people in the church. This also has coined me the "cruise director" in my family. I have the ability to get the attention of others and explain what needs to be explained.

I have always been a peacemaker and I find this helpful in my everyday life. At work, there are sometimes things that need "settling" and I try and teach my students that there is always a way to work out difficulties. I know that God intended for us to be peacemakers and I try and teach my students that daily.

My friends and family have also said that I'm very influential. I sometimes used this to my advantage when I didn't quite understand the power of influence. Today I know that this is a very powerful tool and can be used to the glory of God in many ways. Teaching Sabbath school, educating children, being a leader. All of these things need someone who is influential to others. Someone that people will listen to and I know that God has given me this strength for a purpose.

This post sounds a little egotistical...but I think that's the problem. The world, the devil, has tried so hard to make us feel like we shouldn't talk about our personal strengths. God, however, wants us to share these things with others so we know who to go to when times get tough or who to ask for help because we know their strengths. I encourage you to create your own list and share it with someone so that they can create their list as well!

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."
                Judy Garland