“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” — 1 Peter 4:10
The Gift of Challenges
God loves us too much to let us stay the same. Embrace the pain in your life and be grateful for the discomfort that will lead to growth.
Easier said than done right?
After having his hand amputated at age 4 due to amniotic band syndrome, Seattle Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin spent the next 18 years proving his talent and passion more than compensated for his lack of a left hand. We know the happy ending: He silenced the naysayers and made it to the NFL. But this isn’t the best part of his story. Griffin turned his aliment into ability and his achievement into a platform.
Griffin serves as a reminder to everyone, disabled or not, that success can come on your own terms and not by the world’s standards. Now anyone who faces the uphill battle of being different can proudly join the fraternity. What the world defined as a burden, God used as a gift.
Wait, so the challenges we experience are a gift from God? Yes, but my point is God doesn’t bring us through storms for nothing. It is up to us to draw close to the Father, seek His face for wisdom and be ready.
You were created the way you are on purpose, not just for your benefit, but for others’ as well! Be ready to help people through their storms with your gifts, your experiences and the proof from your life that Jesus is good!
God has strategically brought you through seasons and is placing people in your path for you to guide. For some of you it will be mentoring in business endeavors, for others it will be bearing the burden of someone facing significant loss.
Griffin is a cheerleader for those who are facing the same adversity he did. Step into your calling, use your gifts and give God the glory along the way.
— Krystal Nungaray
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