Using Your God-given Gifts

By Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew

Are you hungry? Hmm…I guess you are wondering where is he going with that question. But really, are you hungry?

Let me make this clear. I am not talking about a hunger for more posts on Steps of Purpose Blog.

So now that’s out of the way, let me ask again. Are You Hungry?

OK, let me solve the mystery of the unexplained hunger.

The hunger i speak of is the desire to live a life of purpose. Whether you are sitting at the back of a taxi or a bus or probably having dinner, to feed your physical hunger, when the pangs of the hunger I speak of hit you, you will probably utter words similar to this: “Lord, I want to live a life that matters.“

This burning desire is not for applause, and neither is it for recognition.It’s the realisation that you are not saved to sit still. You were saved to shine. The question, though, is how do we live a life of true impact in this noisy, chaotic world? The other thought that may plague our minds is how can we serve others with what we’ve been given when we often feel like it’s not enough?

Friend, take a breath. Let’s walk through this together. You have more to offer than you think.

You Are Gifted for a Purpose

Let’s get this out of the way: You are gifted. I kid you not. Yes, you are gifted.

I am certain that you already knew that. Right? Note that i didn’t say just talented. You are gifted by the Spirit of God and that’s not a figment of my imagination.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1Peter 4:10

Did you catch that? Every believer in Christ, No exceptions. You may not feel gifted. You may look at others and think, I’m just ordinary, but the truth is, there are things God has placed inside you that this world desperately needs. Let me give you a few examples:

• The way you encourage people with genuine kindness.
• The wisdom you’ve gained through suffering.
• The creativity that sparks ideas.
• The ability to listen when no one else will.

These aren’t small things. These are divine deposits meant to flow outward.

Impact Often Looks Small

The world we live in is obsessed with BIG impact. The focus is on millions of followers, viral moments, and global platforms, but here’s the thing: Kingdom impact rarely attracts fame. Let’s hit the rewind button and some moments in scripture.
* Jesus washed the disciples’ feet.
* Paul wrote letters from a prison cell.
* Mary said yes to bearing a child no one would understand.

Their faithfulness, not their fame, changed the world.

When you serve others with your gifts, in quiet faithfulness, you are building something eternal. A conversation that brings comfort, a meal delivered in love and a note of encouragement written when someone feels unseen. You may never know the ripple effect of one small act of service. But God does.

The Battle of Insecurity

If you’ve ever thought that you are not gifted enough or you don’t have anything special to offer, Don’t buy the lie.

You don’t need to be famous. You need to be faithful.

You don’t need to do everything. You need to do your thing – the thing God uniquely wired you for.

And by the way, not just use them. Use them boldly.

When we boldly use the gifts God has placed within us, we step into the flow of His divine purpose, and the rewards are many. Our talents aren’t meant to be hidden away out of fear or self-doubt; they’re meant to be multiplied for His glory. Jesus illustrated this clearly in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30), where the servant who buried his gift out of fear was rebuked, while those who used and grew their talents were rewarded. In the same way, when we invest our God-given abilities, whether in writing, teaching, serving, or creating, we don’t just experience fulfillment; we also open the door to spiritual, emotional, and even practical blessings.

Faithful stewardship of our gifts invites God’s favor, increases our impact, and ultimately brings Him glory.

And before I move on, get this following sentence stuck in your mind.

If you don’t know or haven’t found out what your gift is, go ahead and ask God. He will reveal it to you.

The Heart That Matters Most

Living a life of impact is not about what you do. It’s about your passion or your love for others.

1 Corinthians 13 reminds us that we can do great works, but if we lack love, it amounts to nothing. The greatest impact you can make isn’t about programs, projects, or platforms. It’s about how you use your God-given gifts to uplift those around you.

Ponder on these questions for a moment.

• Am I using my gifts to point people to Jesus?
• Am I serving with humility, not seeking applause?
• Am I willing to serve in hidden places where no one sees but God?

If the answer is yes, you are on the right track.

Living a Life of Purpose Starts Today

You don’t need to wait until you feel ready, you don’t need a stage or a microphone. The thing I love most is that You don’t need anyone’s permission. You can begin today, right where you are.

• Write the note.
• Speak the encouraging word to someone who needs it.
• Share your story.
• Use your hands, your words and your time for His glory.

I know you didn’t just ask me, “What’s in it for me? I am certain you didn’t.

Neither did you think, “You are right, you know, BUT I am doing fine. I pray every day and read the Bible. God is blessing me daily, so really, I am surviving without gifts.”

You didn’t ask, but let me say this: You, my friend, are losing out. Blessings daily, you say? Imagine how much more you will be blessed and how increasingly satisfied you will be if you identify and utilize the gifts God gave you.

When we choose to step out and use the gifts God placed inside of us, something beautiful happens. We begin to feel more connected to Him, like we’re finally walking in sync with the purpose He wrote over our lives. There’s a joy that comes from knowing you’re doing what you were created to do. It’s not always flashy or loud, but it’s deeply fulfilling.

Using your God-given talents also builds your confidence, not just in your ability but in God’s faithfulness. The more you show up, the more He shows you that He’s with you. And over time, even past hurts and doubts begin to heal because you’re no longer burying what was meant to grow.

But it doesn’t stop with you. Your gift has reach. It touches lives, opens doors, and advances God’s purpose in ways you may never fully see. God takes what we offer,no matter how small it feels, and multiplies it.

The boy with the loaves and fish didn’t have much, certainly not enough to feed a crowd. But once it was placed in Jesus’ hands and blessed, it became more than enough. This reminds us that God can multiply whatever we’re willing to surrender.

So today, don’t hide your gift. Don’t shrink back in fear. The Master has entrusted you with something valuable. Use it. Share it. Watch what He does with it.

Your life, gifts, and service matter. Don’t let fear or comparison silence the song God has placed in you. Live a life of impact – one small, faithful, Spirit-led step at a time. And one day, when you stand before the Father, may you hear these words:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

A Final Word: You Were Made for This

So lean in, dear friend. The world doesn’t need perfect people. It needs willing hearts.
The kind of heart that says:

“Lord, here I am. Use me.”

✨ How will you serve with your gifts this week?

Take a moment to pause and pray: “Lord, show me one way I can use what You’ve placed in me to encourage someone today.”

Then, take the step. Big or small, it matters.

If this post encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you:
👉 Share your thoughts in the comments below.
👉 Or tell us one gift you’re committing to use for God’s glory this week.

Together, let’s keep walking in purpose – one step at a time. 💛