“Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things; immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” - 1Timothy 4:14-15

The word of God is reminding us today that a gift can be neglected if it’s not utilized. What good is a gift of creativity if it cannot be shared? Our gifts must be practiced and we must immerse ourselves in their use. If we do that, then, “all may see [our] progress” and may glorify God who, again, is the giver of all such gifts of creativity. Besides being endowed with certain talents and creativity, all human beings are created for good works by God. The power of God to work responsibly and be great resides in each of us. What is expected of us is to attune with these powers and talents within for our benefit (Ephesians 2:10) Not making use of these God given potentials is to downplay the power of God in our lives. In other to live a responsible life, we have to make efforts, learn to use and adapt our potentials to a craft, trade, vocation or a profession, and this will in turn make us to earn a living. There is no alternative to work, for God locates us only in our vocation to bless the works of our hands.

In other to work out the promises of God concerning our prosperity, we have to do a measure of work, then prayers and fasting can follow. Therefore, our faith in God should transform our life through work. It is a wrong attitude to expect a miracle in other to buy a car, live in good houses, pay children’s school fees and live a fulfilled life. This is because; those who are not Christians buy cars, live in good houses and have a robust lifestyle. No doubt, God performs wonders in our lives, but that is hinged on our first step of making efforts to use our God given possibilities to actualize our desires, while we wait for God to meet us at the point of our needs. As a lovely father, God wants us to use our potentials and abilities to earn a living. Therefore, to ensure that He does not fail us in His promises, God works and walks with us in times of trouble to give peace; in times of weakness, to give strength; in times of darkness to give light for us to see; when a superior force overwhelms us, He pulls us through to a safe haven. Starting from today, open yourselves regularly to the power of God as you make efforts to work in your chosen career or vocation. He will give the guide and the power to hold forth; but He expects you to tap into your creativity and potentials in other to perfect the work of your hands. Therefore beloved, do not be afraid or intimidated in taking steps to greater heights. Take up every reasonable challenge – this is the only way you can show that the power of God is at work in you.