Spiritual Gifts

One of my most frequently asked questions lately has been, “How much weight have you lost?” When I reply, “Close to 40 pounds.” more often than not, a response follows, “What a hard way to lose weight!” It has been hard…not the losing weight, mind you, but the journey. Even through the tough days, what has kept me strong is my faith in God.

Months ago, Pastor Dave encouraged the FBC congregation to take a Spiritual Gift survey to see what our gifts were. After answering the questions, the survey determined my predominant spiritual gift was Faith. I hadn’t really thought much about faith as being a gift. Trusting God has always been second nature for me—never perceiving it as something uncommon. Even in my deepest trials, it has been very natural for me to trust that God is in control of everything.

I remember one particular day I was struggling with nausea. It was a treatment day and I literally had to drag myself out of bed to get ready. Even brushing my teeth and getting dressed was a huge ordeal. The only thing I had enough strength for was to pray. And even so, “God, please help me!” was about all I could muster. It was awful. But you know, God heard and answered my cry—just as I knew He would. That trial wasn’t the most pleasant thing I had to go through, but God gave me the strength to make it to my treatment that day—and eventually back home to my warm jammies and comfy bed. It also reaffirmed my faith in a God that cares about every detail of our lives...big or small.

I guess I say all of this in hopes to encourage you in your own walk of faith. (Oh, by the way, encouragement is another one of my spiritual gifts.) The walk is not always easy, but knowing God is with us gives hope for those weary days when you want to throw in the towel and say, “I don’t think I can do this anymore.” Believe me, I’ve been there and said that. But I’ve also said, “God, please help me!” And God lovingly says, “I am here, my child. Have faith and trust in Me.”