"Do not neglect your gift that was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress." - 1 Timothy 4:14-15

The above are words of wisdom from the Apostle Paul given to young Timothy, a preacher of the Gospel. Paul was Timothy's spiritual father and mentor. Because Timothy was young, it is very likely that he faced opposition and criticism. Those older than Timothy probably felt that he was too young and inexperienced to be a good minister. His peers probably were jealous, wondering what made him so special that his destiny was prophesied and how come God chose Timothy and not them?

God has been dealing with me in this area, because I have been experiencing the same situation. Not as a preacher, but in the workplace and among some whom I thought were friends. I was facing so much static, that I began to doubt myself and to even ask God why did He put me in this situation in the first place. Was it really worth the drama? How come every time that God blesses me, there is always SOMETHIN' poppin' off? I have been accused of thinking that I was better than everyone else. Or "she does so and so, God ain't blessing her!" "She has only been saved 5 minutes, I been coming to church all my life, how come God is doing this for her?"

Well the answer that God gave me is that He gives each of us gifts. The difference is, that some of us are not bold enough to accept that gift and seek Him to find out what His purpose is in giving it to us. And sometimes, that gift will require you to make adjustments on your current lifestyle and re-focus your priorities. But most importantly, DO NOT neglect that gift! Don't get sidetracked (and trust, it can and will happen if you don't keep your eyes on the prize) or let other's opinions of what you should be doing discourage you. I once heard a preacher say "when God takes you to new levels, there will be new devils too." He ain't never lied, LOL.

If God is opening doors for you right now, and you know that you know that you know that no man can shut them, well whaddya waitin' for? Go on and walk through that door! Ask God to strengthen you, to give you the wisdom and direction that you need to do whatever it is that He has laid out for you. God will never steer you wrong (He's cool like that!). Unlike a gift that a mere mortal gives you, God's gifts do not just sit somewhere and look pretty. The more that you grow into it, the more that it serves you. It gets better and better and grows and grows, it just keeps on giving. And others will take notice. They will see you and KNOW that you are cherished by God.

Be Blessed, and Be a Blessing to Someone Else!

Blessed Diva