Crises strike instantaneously, but they are powerful vehicles for testing our limits and empowering us to grow. In the wake of the Covid pandemic people are discovering how they respond to crises and what aspects of their life or personality are getting revealed. Tapping into spiritual gifts is a significant area that arises out of a crisis. With that in mind, we have compiled four ways you can embrace your spiritual talents, that otherwise might have gone unnoticed, during a crisis.
- Pray to God for understanding about your spiritual gifts
During times of unrest, it is most comforting to commune with the Divine. God wants us to embrace our spiritual talents for the betterment of ourselves and humanity. Consider reflecting on the words of Psalm 139: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” This passage speaks to how God knows us better than anyone. We were created for a unique and powerful purpose. By strengthening our relationship with the Divine, we can harness our powers and skills in the most effective way possible.
If you worry about your spiritual gifts, simply asking God to uncover them for us will bring your both clarity and peace. By knowing our gifts and how the Divine wishes us to implore them, we can benefit the whole of humanity and the Universe. Accept that some gifts will be revealing immediately, while others will take time to make themselves known. We may have to discover our gifts after series of trial and error. Be confident in God’s will and wisdom. Consider how even in the middle of Covid, God is inviting us to peruse Scripture or other Holy texts to learn from our spiritual foreparents. How might you capitalize on this time of global crisis to ask God or the Universe how to best harness your talents?
- Notice what seems innate for you
The apostle Paul told the Corinthian congregations they come from the Spirit of God and spiritual gifts are distributed to all to achieve the common good. Every person has a spiritual gift regardless of their awareness. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 states, “To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”
People can possess one or more inherited gifts. These can come charging out of a person in times of crisis. Notice if you are quick to offer sage wisdom during turmoil, someone who has unwavering faith in the face of insurmountable obstacles, tendency to heal sick or wounded people. Answering questions like those can point you directly to your spiritual gifts. You only to need to honor your natural tendencies.
- Really hear other people’s feedback about you
Sometimes the best way to identify your spiritual gifts is for others to recognize your skills. Pay attention to what others thank you for that you feel is common place. How are you help out people now? Tendency for prayer, pep talks, acts of service, or making connections? How are people responding to your actions? These are key indications of where your spiritual gifts lie.
- Be brave and bold with your actions
The Bible is rich with stories of people acting boldly in the name of God. In Acts, 3-7 Peter states “Silver or gold I don not have, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” In chapter 18 it tells of the spiritual talent of hospitality given to Priscilla and Aquila. Consider during these uncertain times, what actions are you will to take? You may feel inclined to pray more often or publicly for people. You could have a desire to raise money for a special cause, or lead an online Bible or spiritual study. Whatever Spirit is moving within you, honor it as it may be a clear indicator of your spiritual gift and how God wants you to use it.
Crises are never enjoyable, but they are a fact of life. The Bible provides us comfort that God often uses a crisis to channel Divine power to aid humanity. As we discover and later honor our spiritual gifts given to us by God, we can more acutely harness His grace, love, and power to guide through the pandemic or any other crisis.
