Your Gift Will Make Room for You

As I sat in the car after church, waiting for my husband to finish his work, the Lord laid this on my heart, and it is rare because I do not share moments like this. As we drove to church, my husband and I were talking, and though we pray together all the time, he grabbed my hand and, as he drove, prayed. I won't get into all the specifics of the prayer, but one of the things he prayed was that the Lord would allow us to cross paths with those He would have us encourage, and with those who would encourage us.

And today, as I was walking out of church, I was stopped by someone who asked me a question, and without thinking, I just responded. And then another question was asked, and I just responded. And another, and I responded, all without even thinking. And the person stood there and just pondered what was spoken and said, "Wow… wow," shaking their head, hand on their chin, "wow." And as we walked away from each other, they said, "Would you mind if I connected you with my daughter to possibly encourage her?" And I said to them, "I'm a surrendered vessel."

I went to tell my husband about the conversation, as it seemed to correlate with his prayer as we drove in, and that I would be in the car finishing some design work. As I left, I didn't think about the conversation anymore. But when I got to the car, the Lord reminded me of the prayer my husband had prayed again, and that's when He spoke: "Your gift will make room for you." From Proverbs 18:16 (NKJV): "A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men."

Consider the teacher who teaches students but doesn't have a following, a platform, likes, views, or social recognition, because what they do is done without all the accolades. They're nurturing the student who doesn't have anyone to nurture. They're loving the student who doesn't have love in their life. They're encouraging the student who needs the encouragement.

What about the person who's laboring in prayer that no one knows about, but God is laying things on their heart, and they're not out publicizing or sharing via social media what the Lord has given them or what they're praying for? They're simply laboring in prayer, shedding tears because their hearts are breaking for the things that break the heart of God. They're up sacrificing and fasting as God leads and directs them.

What if the great man God is referring to has nothing to do with a person who has status, recognition, acknowledgment, platforms, titles, or positions? What if the great men are those who are great in His sight … the ones who are not striving or seeking public acknowledgment? They're only seeking to please and honor Father God. What if these are the great men that God is referring to?

Many people like the last part of that scripture, "… and place you before great men." And I understand why. Because it screams opportunity, recognition, influence, promotion, open doors, and being positioned in front of people of status. But, you know what? The part that speaks to me most is the beginning: "A man's gift makes room for him." Here's why? Because, to me, that part screams of opportunity to serve others, to surrender, and to take on the responsibility and accountability of stewardship. And, there is something special about all four.

It is acknowledging that our gifts are the gifts He has given us, and anything He gives to us is for His glory and the benefit of His people. That teacher I referred to uses their gift of teaching and has a significant impact. The prayer warrior's gift of intercession is significant and impactful. As are the gifts of singers, musicians, speakers, parents, frontline workers, etc., all significant and impactful. When we have grasped that understanding, our mindsets shift. It becomes more about honor than being noticed, obedience over building a name for ourselves, and pointing people back to Jesus.

Gifting becomes more about honor and stewardship than boasting and flaunting. The responsibility that comes with knowing Father God has entrusted you awakens a sense of accountability when we think about what's at stake: souls. That's a deeper level of love and selflessness. You begin to understand that there is a partnership between you and the Father, enabled through His Holy Spirit, to carry out whatever tasks using your gifting, a gifting that would encourage and point people back to Christ and to a right relationship with the Father.

Such understanding anchors our faith and trust, allowing us to see beyond self and set our eyes on the big picture. Gifts are not just gifts, talents are not just talents, they're strategy in the hands of God and opportunities for partnership in ours to steward whatever outcome the opportunity of the gifting presents… whether public or private, seen or unseen, celebrated or quiet. Our gifts are the Pied Piper, leading people back to Christ.

Your gift will make room for you and place you before great men. Be open, the great men may not be as you think.

Be blessed!
Prophetess Ceola J.