"God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another." 1 Peter 4:10
Thirty years ago, on August 5, 1984, Joan Benoit Samuelson won the first ever women's Olympic Marathon. Prior to that, she was the first woman to win the Boston Marathon in 1979 setting an American and course record. She won the Boston Marathon again in 1983, this time breaking the world record. There's no doubt that God graced her with an ability to run. But she first had to overcome her fear of what others thought about her. To quote her, "When I first started running, I was so embarrassed I'd walk when cars passed me. I'd pretend I was looking at the flowers." She explained that girls didn't run in public then.
Oh my. If she had let that stop her, she would never have gone on to do such great things. She paved the way for women runners to participate in a "man's sport" and served as a role model for thousands of young girls. Now in her 50s, she is an inspiration for runners entering their golden years by running two more sub 2:50 marathons and founding the TD Bank 10k to benefit different children's charities.
Had she listened to those voices telling her that what she was doing was silly, she would never have fulfilled the purpose God had gifted her for-the purpose for which He graced her with such an ability. The bible tells us that God has given us all different gifts. They are not to be hidden for fear of embarrassment, ridicule or judgement. 1 Timothy warns us not to neglect our gift, "Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy..." and 2 Timothy 1:6 says, "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you...". He didn't say let a portion of it shine, He said to fan it into flames! Whatever talent, gift or skill you have been given, it is not to be kept for yourself, "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them" (Romans 12:5-6). Look for ways to use God's blessings to be a blessing to others and glorify the Giver of all gifts. We have everything we need to make a difference. Will you be step out in faith and do that?
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving each of us special gifts. May our eyes be opened to what that might mean for us. May our heart be open to serving others with those gifts and may we never be ashamed of the Gospel or embarrassed to share it. Give us boldness to serve you Lord with an all consuming fire. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy running!!!
The gift God gave to you, give it back to Him-Donald Lawrence
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