Talent or Spiritual Gift?
Exodus 31:1-5 shows a beautiful picture of God taking a talent and making it a spiritual gift to be used for His glory: “The Lord also spoke to Moses: “Look, I have appointed by name Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with God’s Spirit, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in every craft to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for mounting, and to carve wood for work in every craft.”
Today’s post by my daughter Alycia is her own personal journey in the area of God’s transforming power to take talent and make it a spiritual gift. (And if you missed her post last week you can read that here: Restoration and Redemption)
All of my life I have been a doodler and a note taker. It wasn’t bad art, but really nothing special either.
Several years ago I became interested in Bible journaling because of some images I saw online. My parents purchased me a journaling Bible and I began to draw, sketch and paint on the pages. At first it was about the art, but as I began to have to really read the scriptures to find an image, it slowly evolved into understanding God and His Word more.
The more I studied and turned what I learned into art, the more detailed and gifted the art became. I shared it in hopes that the images would encourage others to experience the Word and the beauty I was discovering.
As time has gone by, God has gifted me with art styles that are beyond my own ability. The more I share the images and point to Him, the better it gets. I get to use the artwork as a form of evangelism as it helps me bridge a gap where my words are inadequate to share of His message, grace and love. When my ego gets lofty, He strips it away and it’s terrible.
Recently I was stung on the wrist by a wasp. I am allergic to insect stings and within hours, my hand was so swollen I could not make a fist. The next day was Sunday and I always illustrate the services, not just to help me grasp the concepts presented, but also to share for other more visual learners.
I shouldn’t have been able to hold a pen. Physically it was almost impossible to close my hand to grip. Yet as I was listening to the sermon, knowing I was going to share His words through my pastor, I was able to use that pen.
So I want to encourage each of you. You may not be the best speaker, writer, artist or whatever…but if you lay your gifts at His feet and ask Him to use it, He will multiply it within you beyond your abilities. Don’t be ashamed of what you have to offer, because He will make it great.
Three things to remember:
- Prayerfully, consider the gifts that God has given you and how you can use them to serve others.1 Corinthians 12:5-6: There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work
- No matter if it is speaking, writing, art, visiting the sick, teaching or any assortment of gifts; know that this was a gift from God to be used to show others what His love and grace looks like here on earth.1 Peter 4: 10-11: Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen
- Remember, everything we have and are comes from God.James 1: 17: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
A talent or a spiritual gift? How are you using it?
Alycia Neighbours is a resident of Hendersonville, TN (where her art is on display at her local library!) who focuses her art pieces to be deeper than just a drawn image. She got her start through illustrating scripture and sermons to help her grasp a simple message through somewhat complex passages. In sharing this type of art with others, she found her God given gift and passion of “sketch-notes”
Alycia has taught several classes to others focusing on hand-lettering, simple images to convey words and how to express what is auditory into something visual. Her sketch-notes and Bible Journaling pieces have been shared nationwide and opens the door for many other opportunities. Including special commissions through her ink style, watercolor, acrylics, pyrography, sculptures and crochet.
Alycia enjoys an active lifestyle in nature which she credits to her inspiration for art. Whether riding her horse through trails, kayaking the local lakes, hiking with one of her 4 dogs, tending her mini-farm of goats and one sassy pig; she looks closer to find textures hidden in all that surrounds her. When she is not busy raising her 6 kids at home or off having an adventure with her husband, you can find her busy sketching these images out in hopes of touching more and more people to look deeper.
All artwork by Alycia Neighbours
