Different Gifts

I received an email today with some thoughts / questions about what they've read so far in these "Conversation" posts. Here are that person's thoughts (as always, I've asked permission):

On one hand I'm really enjoying your emails [with your friend]...on the other hand, the more you share, the more I feel like I'm standing at the bottom of a very big mountain with a very looong climb to the top. I see that some people have an understanding that doesn't just come from reading and studying their Bibles. You are one of them and you can take a simple question and turn it into a sermon if you wanted to. Not everyone has that gift though. I for one definitely desire it but could not respond to questions like these with answers like yours. I can share my life and my experiences about my walk with the Lord, but don't think I could open myself up for a Q and A session and respond with the wisdom and knowledge that you have.

This is such an honest realization... It's the reality of how ALL of us feel! It feels SO intimidating to share! Here are a couple thoughts:

• As this person mentions, different people have different gifts. None are more important, more valid, more profound, or more helpful than others. Each is vital. The person emailing me is clearly more of a mercy shower or exhorter than a teacher. Each gift has strengths and vulnerabilities! Never underestimate the power of your gift! God has put you in the right place at the right time to share what He's put inside you.
• God uses people who go for it! In other words, part of the effectiveness you observe in others is NOT the result of their giftedness. It's the fact that God is empowering their gifts for supernatural work. If we're only observing others pouring out rather than allowing ourselves to be inspired to similarly go for it, then we'll always feel intimidated. It's not that there's anything wrong with us or with our gifts, it's just that God can't do anything miraculous with a person who is unwilling.
• Let's just go for it... Share what's inside you with the people who are around you! You'll be amazed with what God does as a result.