Why is it that our own gifts are often the hardest to see? We can recognize the beauty of someone else’s gift so easily, yet when it comes to our own, it’s as if we’ve lost sight of it completely.
I’ve struggled for a long time to accept that I’m a writer. And while I know I’m not alone (hello, imposter syndrome), that knowledge has never brought me much comfort.
Tell me if this sounds familiar: you see someone online, or even in real life, completely owning their gift. They make it look easy, natural, almost effortless. And you either find yourself admiring it—or worse, wishing you could be like them.
Let me give you a personal example. I wasn’t blessed with the gift of speaking. Public speaking terrifies me, and even in one-on-one conversations, I often struggle to articulate what I really mean. Yet I’ll see people sharing their message on podcasts or social media, speaking so boldly and beautifully, and I think, If only I could speak like that... then I could share Jesus with the world.
And you know what happens next? I get stuck. So, I do nothing. And the message that’s been placed in my heart (the gospel I so desperately want to share) stays hidden inside me.
This cycle has been on repeat for years.
But recently, God whispered something to me. And though it wasn’t earth-shattering, it shifted everything. I’ll warn you now, what I’m about to say isn’t revolutionary. It might even make you roll your eyes. But for those “Who has ears to hear, let them hear.” Matthew 13:9.
What if instead of longing for someone else’s gift, you finally embraced your own?
Wild thought, I know. Some people hear that and say, of course! But for others, maybe you, it’s not that simple.
Maybe you’re thinking, “I don’t even know what my gift is.” If that’s you, let me gently challenge you: you might be expecting too much. You might be waiting for some divine moment; something like clouds parting, trumpets sounding, God delivering your gift on a silver platter. But if you’re holding out for that... you might spend your whole life waiting and never actually use the gift you already have.
Here’s what I believe: God gave each of us different passions and desires—on purpose. I, for one, have zero interest in science, math, medicine, or law. But for some people, those fields light up their entire world. That’s their lane. That’s their gift.
And for others? Singing, writing, acting, drawing, organizing, teaching, leading, nurturing… the list is endless. The thing that speaks to you—that’s your gift. That’s what you use to tell the world about Jesus.
Still unsure of yours? Here’s a tip: next time something sparks your curiosity, take one step toward it. That’s how I found my gift.
I didn’t always want to be a writer. In fact, I couldn’t stand writing. I had no clue how to do it. S.A.T essays? Don’t get me started, I was terrible.
But one day, I was reading a book series I loved, and the thought popped into my head: I think I can do this. I’d never written anything before, not even a Facebook post. I wasn’t even a big reader. That book was probably the fourth one I’d finished in my life.
Still, I didn’t ignore the thought. I started writing my first book. Then a second. Then a third, fourth, fifth, and sixth.
How? I took action when inspiration came. That was the key. I didn’t wait for a lightning bolt or a diploma or someone to validate me. I just started.
And while the road was full of detours (I got lost plenty of times) I eventually found my way here. Using my gift exactly how God intended: writing books that share the Good News of Jesus.
So if you don’t know your gift yet, explore everything that excites you right now, even if it’s something you never imagined. This is how you discover your calling. The happiness you feel when you do something you love isn’t an accident. God designed us that way. He knew that if He placed excitement in our hearts for certain things, we would naturally chase after them. That spark of joy is His way of guiding us toward the very gifts He’s entrusted us with.
And if you do know your gift but doubt it’s actually a gift? This is your sign: you’ve been given something valuable. Don’t waste it. Don’t wish it were something else. It’s yours for a reason.
And to those of you already walking in your gift, I pray you’re using it boldly, joyfully, and with full surrender to the One who gave it to you.
As for me? I’m done wishing I could speak the Word of God. I’m going to write it.
God Bless You!
