The Gifts at Work

The Gifts at Work

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. All of these are the work of the one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

1 Corinthians 12:4, 5 & 11 NIV

I'd like to think that I am a teacher of God's word and an intercessor, praying for others in their time of need. At least, that is my opinion of myself and what I think my gifts are. But what is also true is that the Spirit decides when and which gifts he wants to use in you for service to others.

I was in the pre-op area of the hospital, waiting behind a curtained area with my wife. We could hear the complaints and sobbing of the patient across from us. She was alone, concerned about her illness and deathly afraid of needles. Ursula said, "Go talk to her, she needs help." So I walked over and peaked behind her curtain. I asked if I could sit with her and she immediately reached out her hand. All I did for the longest time was sit there, holding hands with a stranger. After a time, I asked her if it was okay if I prayed for her. She accepted and I whispered a prayer and closed with the name of Jesus. After a few more minutes she said, "You're really good at this. I don't feel a sense of impending doom any longer." We both chuckled and kept holding hands.

I look back at that moment and think that I could have tried to convert her, or be hyper-religious and “claim the victory” in Christ name over her illness. But all I did was hold a stranger’s hand, whisper a prayer of healing and of peace and then reminded her to pray because when she calls out for Jesus Christ, she will NEVER be alone. The moment Emily "complimented" me I knew she was actually speaking of the presence of God, not necessarily that I was a bringer of peace. At that moment, I got a bigger picture of what the Spirit does if we allow him to lead and use the gifts he deems necessary.