“All Christians are but God’s stewards. Everything we have is on loan from the Lord entrusted to us for a while to use in serving Him.”
John MacArthur
A few months ago, a friend gave me a prophetic word and when I heard it, I felt the weight of its responsibility. I ignored it and “covered my ears,” pretending I didn’t hear it for almost a month afterward because I feared what it might mean. My fear caused me to temporarily bury my “talent” instead of investing it. We invest something in order to multiply it, so it has a greater effect on others.
In the parable of the talent, Matthew 25:14-30, the Lord encourages His children to take what He gives to us and to multiply it. When someone entrusts to us a gift or responsibility, we need to steward and take care of it. The talents aren’t given just for us to enjoy; they’re given to us to multiply them and to give them away. Spiritual gifts are given to us by God to steward and manage so that others are ministered to.
God reminded me that the result of multiplying my gift instead of denying its existence is not only a “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21) but I receive joy as I share in God’s happiness. And when we’ve been faithful with a few things, He will put us in charge of many things (Matthew 25:21). Being faithful stewards of what God has given to us builds His trust in us which results in greater influence and authority.
Instead of keeping the prophetic word buried, I began to believe it and declare it. I told the Lord, “Yes” to receiving and unwrapping this gift. “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). I’m choosing to not let fear get in the way of multiplying what He’s given to me and I’m embracing the joy that comes from my partnership with the Lord.
Don’t let fear cause you to bury the gift God’s given to you. Thank Him for the gift, ask Him how to best steward and multiply it and allow His grace upon you to do all that He desires. Enjoy partnering with God and enter into His happiness.
“God charges us with utmost seriousness to be trustworthy with the treasures He’s entrusted to us.”
Beth Moore
Relevant Reflections:
What has God entrusted to you?
How are you multiplying it?