Lessons In the Waiting: Talents For His Glory

When you think of Spring 2020 words like pandemic, quarantine, Covid 19 and toilet paper hoarding might come to mind. Yet through all the chaos and uncertainty there are many lessons to be learned in the waiting. This time is a gift from our loving God.

I came across a very fitting parable for our current world situation. It is found in Luke 19:11-27 and is about a noble man who gave his servants different talents, instructed them to use them and then went away to be appointed King. While he was away some of the servants used and multiplied their talents while one buried his talent and didn’t use it at all.

When the King returned each servant was called to give an account of what he had done with the talents he had been given. Some were given more talents than another, but each servant had the same opportunity to use what they had been entrusted with for the glory of God.

At this present moment in time we too have been given talents according to our abilities and have the opportunity to use them for the glory of God. Some day when He returns we also will stand before Him and give an account of what we have done with them. (Romans 14:12) Are we increasing them for Him or are we burying them?

God will judge and reward according to what we have done with what we have been given. In real life we all have different gifts and different opportunities. Most are not called to go to Africa to be a missionary. But some are. But maybe you are a mother or father at home. Then be faithful in that role and bring your kids up in the truth and ways of the Lord. Serving is a gift. Encouragement is a gift. Helps is a gift. Speaking and teaching is a gift. Giving generously is a gift. Evangelism is a gift. Showing mercy is a gift. Whatever you have been given, be faithful in making good use of it for His glory! (Jesus Plus Nothing)

Just as the servants in the parable were waiting for the King’s return, we are waiting, and how we choose to use our talents in this time will have eternal rewards or consequences.

The servant that increased their talents heard the words, “Well done good and faithful servant! Because you have been faithful in the little things, I will give you more.” The servant that did nothing with his talent lost everything.

In this time of waiting is our opportunity to use the talents that we have been given for His glory. As a reminder we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good words, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

My Prayer

Father, thank you for the talents that You have given to each and everyone of us. Help us to use them for Your glory and meet the needs of those that You have set in our paths and for the purposes You have prepared in advance for us to do. Thank you for the opportunities and open our eyes to see them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Ephesians 2:10-12

For we are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.