Focus Scripture: And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]. Luke 9:23 (AMP)
I recently heard a testimony of how Anthony Brown, songwriter, gospel artist and musician, wrote his latest album Everyday Jesus. Daily, as he sat down to write, he would pray, inviting God to speak through him, everything he needed to say to His people, and then he would wait… Wait until God gave him the words to say. “It felt weird at first because I would just be sitting there… it’s difficult because, I’m a song writer, that’s what God gifted me to do, so I could have just started writing, but I was determined to write what He gave me.” He then spoke about how God gave him songs at church during worship, in dreams, at night while sleeping. “It got to the point where I moved my keyboard next to my bed, so when I was awakened by God with songs, I would get up, half sleep, play what I heard, record it and then the next day set out to write the song.”
How many times do we as Christians intentionally set out to seek God’s direction and guidance for what He has gifted us to do? Just because God called us to a certain area to minister and serve doesn’t mean, He’s not interested in continually leading and guiding us through that ministry. When God blesses us with a gift, the sole purpose of Him gifting us is so that He is glorified. Today, far too many Christians are using the gifting of God without the anointing of God; God intended for them to be used together.
You may not be a songwriter or a famous Christian artist with a global platform, ministering to millions; however, God does have an assignment for you. The only way to successfully walk in both the gifting and anointing of God is to 1) set aside your selfish interests, 2) express a willingness to endure whatever may come and 3) conform to God’s example of living.
Make a vow today, that you won’t move until you know God is leading you and you won’t speak until you hear God speaking through you. Then, because of your obedience, watch how God is able to use you for His glory!
Scriptural References: Psalm 119:89; Romans 11:29; 2 John 2:27
Prayer: Father and King, my Leader and Guide, thank You for Your unfailing love for me that You show daily. I thank You for all the gifts You have placed in me, and Your anointing that abides in me. Forgive me for not always seeking You for direction in how You would intend for me to use the gifts you have placed in me. Allow me to always be mindful that in order for You to consistently be glorified in my life, I have to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow You, daily. I love You, and thank You for being patient with me, it is in Your Son, Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!