I wrote an article for Anchor titled “Pray It Through,” but I felt it would not be complete without adding that God will use what you’ve got and what you’ve learned. In the video, “The Reboot in Hindsight,” Peter talks about our uniqueness, the gifts and talents the Lord has given us, the training we have received over the years as independent missionaries, as well as how we’ve learned to follow Him. Here is a relevant quote from that post:
"He wanted to move us on … so that we could be in new situations, with new people, and reaching them in places where you will shine, where you are doing what the Lord has shown you to do, where He’s led you to, where He’s put you in contact with new people and where He’s actually given you a new life—like a new way to serve Him, a way very different than the way we [were] used to, but nevertheless it’s still serving Him, it’s still doing His will, it’s still working in conjunction with Him."
"And that’s what’s really important. He wants to work with you. He wants to use your unique gifts, your God-given talents, your inspiration, the real you—who you are, who He made you to be—and He wants to take that, and—if you are praying and seeking Him and if you are following Him—He wants to work with you to send you where He knows that you will be fulfilled, where you will be able to use all that He’s made you, that you’ll be able to use all your potential and become what He really wants you to be. And at the same time, while that’s very satisfying for you, He can use you in that situation to bring Him to others."
Since I’ve started at my new job, as a bilingual customer relations coordinator, the Lord has continued using the gifts and talents and training and many of the things I’ve learned over the years. It just comes to the fore. Attributes such as being on time, being committed and dedicated to the work, working well with others and having a good work ethic, really come alive.
Whether we are called to an exciting missionary work helping others or involved in a more secular job at this time and influencing people in a different way, the people-handling skills we have acquired over the years as missionaries, counselors, working with others in finding solutions, and our many shepherding responsibilities will pay off.
In my current position, I started with basic work and administrative duties, and now, after only a short time, I am doing important investigations, from resolving issues and concerns of customers to gathering information for situations escalating to possible court cases. I recently was chosen from my department to attend a half-day training event that took place within the company, and then asked to share the information with my team. I am trusted with responsibility, and my portfolio of administrative duties is growing.
When I started out in this new job, I felt very unprepared for the workplace, but I soon realized that we have so much to offer. We are rich in life experiences. We have received excellent training in being professional in our work and a good example to others. Now, after the initial learning curve, I make a valuable contribution in my department, and I keep learning new things every day.
You can be confident that He can do it for you where you are, in the place and position He has placed you in and chosen for you. Your gifts, talents, and training will be noticed and appreciated.
In his book, The Art of Influence, Chris Widener highlights four golden rules of influence:
Live a life of undivided integrity.
Always demonstrate a positive attitude.
Consider other people’s interests more important than your own.
Don’t settle for anything less than excellence.
I believe these important qualities, along with the many others that we’ve learned over the years, can help to make us a valued asset in the workplace or in any charity works that we are involved with.
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean1 men.—Proverbs 22:29 KJV
1 Other Bible translations translate this as obscure, unimportant, officials of low rank, ordinary people.
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