“Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make.” Jeremiah 18:3-6

“But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, "Why have you made me like this?" Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?” Romans 9:20-21

“But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills” 1 Corinthians 12:11

I am amazed at times to see how others are able to do the extraordinary.  There are many who can recover from devastating accidents, or illnesses.  Others can lead dozens or hundreds to Christ by teaching or preaching.  Some people are able to kick lifelong bad habits with little more than willpower and the Holy Spirit.  Why is it so easy for us to see the greatness in others but not in ourselves? 

The same God who creates and leads others, makes us also.  As Corinthians says, it is the “same Spirit.”  God is a master skilled artist, working in both the grandest and smallest details.  As God makes us all different, he shapes us with different passions, talents, and abilities.  The scriptures are very clear that these talents are a stewardship, and God expects a return on the talents he has given.  He then calls us to work for Him by using what he has given.  There are always plenty of people who need to hear of God’s love, and each person responds to a different presentation of the gospel. 

While we can see other’s talents easier than our own, we cannot be discouraged by Satan into not using our own talents.  Imagine if Satan could have discouraged Moses, David, Peter, or Paul from using their talents.  Our Bible, and our faith that has stemmed from it , would be drastically different if these individuals had not been obedient and good stewards of their God-given skills.  In the greater church today, I feel we see a great void in between the work to be done and those willing to use their talents.  While we all will not see a harvest of Billy Graham proportions, we still have a place in God’s plan.  (Remember the prophet Jeremiah did not see a single person turn in repentance, yet he was faithful to the work he was called to do.)  If there is not a ministry you are comfortable with, find your passion, and create one for God’s glory.  Let’s be about our father’s business!