Every Good and Perfect Gift
By Andrew Cascio
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James 1:17 NIV
I had a conversation the other day in a coffee shop. A guy opened up to me, I just listened, knowing God brought him into my life for a reason. He's had a rough life, used drugs, got in fights, and was sexually active early on. I listened to his story and he told me how he's turned his life around, how he coached kids in the past, helps people battle through their issues, how he tries to build people up instead of knock them down, how he has fixed his own anger problems, and has changed for the better. He says he has had kids tell him many years later how he has positively impacted them. He gets Father's Day cards from them praising him for the good he's done in their lives. He had goosebumps and tears in his eyes as he told me these stories. I told him that he is doing God's work and there's a reason for him to have had the past he has. He's able to help these kids and build them up for their future. The fact of the matter is, God has gifted all of us in different ways. We all have abilities to do things and can do them better than others. These gifts come from God, we just need to use them to magnify and bring glory to him. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He doesn't change to suit the situation, he doesn't go back on his word. Everything that happens, good and bad, can be used to help us to grow and learn. These things can strengthen us, and make us better people. If we choose to look at it in a constructive way instead of placing blame and having doubt, it will help us grow. Looking at things with faith when times are tough is easier said than done, but that's where you can really learn about yourself and get a closer relationship with God. Like this man I had a conversation with, he didn't allow his rough childhood to ruin him. He saw what was wrong, he changed it, and now he's doing God's work in ways that only he can, he's reaching people in a very special way. Stop for a second, think what it is that you're able to do, how can you reach people in a special way? How can you be the light and bring someone out of the shadows? I believe with prayer and faith God will show you how you can use your giftings to reach people.