Sept 17, 2026
Dear Church Family
In her message at the Women’s Meeting this past Saturday, Trudy told a story about a little boy who was with his mom at the general store. He was eyeing a large jar of colorful candy, when the store owner told him that he could take a some. The little boy stood still. Again, the store owner encouraged the little boy, “Go ahead, reach in a grab a handful”. The boy didn’t move. Finally the store owner reached in and grabbed a handful and put the candies in the boys pockets! When he got outside, the boys mother asked why he didn’t take the candies. He replied, “My hands are small and I would only get a few candies. The man’s hands were bigger and now I have a lot!” Trudy encouraged us that when we leave things to God, His ample, big hands do a better job at handling things, than when we get our hands on something. When we allow God, by His Holy Spirit to intervene, we get more! – Thank you, Trudy!
In the Kingdom of God, God has given us all gifts and talents. What we do with them, and how we use them, is our worship and our offering to God. Sometimes we compare our gifts to another’s and we feel inadequate. But God does not make mistakes. He has given you specific gifts for you to use for His Kingdom to bless others, to make things better in this world, to bring Him glory, and to shine for Him. We are given opportunities to use our gifts, but if we hide them “under a bushel” out of fear, a sense of inadequacy, or incompetence, then they can’t bring glory to God, and the body is lacking because that gift has been hidden away. Isaiah 41:13 says, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” His Word says He will help us. We just have to ask.
I heard the other day that our brains, as we age, can forget certain words if we do not use them enough. It’s the same with our abilities. If we don’t practice them, then we may forget how to use them, or they may not be as effective as they were, or could be. But if we give our gifts to God, and ask Him to help us use them for His glory; if we pray for opportunities and for the courage and strength to be used by God, then He is glorified when we step out in faith; when we are broken as bread; when we are poured out; when we serve. All of this can only be by His Holy Spirit. If we do it in our own ability and strength, then there may only be a small effect, as with the boy and his small hands. But when we leave it to the Holy Spirit to work through us, then big things can happen and all for His glory. What talents has the Lord given you?
