Elevated Friday, August 10th, 2018

Happy Elevated Friday! Today we highlight the story of Parker Mantell, a man who has struggled with stuttering his whole life but, in spite of that, has become one of the most sought after speakers around the world. Parker speaks about overcoming challenges and how we can succeed with the gifts we are born with – even if some may consider those gifts to be curses. Watch his powerful TEDx talk in the link below, entitled, “How To Fit A Square Peg Through A Round Hole.”

We are all blessed with a unique personality, gifts, and interests in life by our Creator, and for those who place their faith in Jesus, find fulfillment in life when we can use all three to bring glory to Jesus and blessings to others. But what do we do when we feel like we have been given a curse, disease, or insurmountable challenge? We think, “How can this possibly be from God when it is making my life so much more difficult?” We will never know why God gives and takes from us during our lives, but we can be assured that it is not without reason. When it comes to our gifts, Paul wrote, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Unique gifts produce unique talents. We all have been blessed with unique gifts; therefore, we are called to use our unique talents to produce unique blessings for others. Today, give thanks for the gifts God has blessed you with, and for those challenges you struggle with – give thanks, too.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a]faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” – Romans 12:6-8 ESV

Original Article:

https://bit.ly/2KBRUci