Gifted to do MORE than this!

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware.
~ I Corinthians 12:1

One day as I was working hard to cross off things on my ever growing to do list for all the many facets of my life that I manage, this popped up in my notifications in my memories on Facebook:

I can't remember what specifically happened to make me post this, but I do remember my last traditional marketplace job was ALWAYS filled with hate, drama and it sucked the very life from me. Reading this made me even more grateful that I said #nomoredrama and took the leap of faith 7 years ago to live out my destiny in a context that is challenging but yet has left me fulfilled. No, this journey in being a business owner with my spouse hasn't been easy or without its share of risk and uncertainties but I wouldn't go back to the dreading and drama I would feel each day walking into that toxic stifling environment. In 7 years, I accepted the calling on my life; started a viable business that serves a segment of the real estate marketplace; started a ministry that reaches across the nation and abroad; completed a undergrad degree in Religion; and currently completing the last year on my Master of Divinity. Yes, it was the best decision I ever made was taking my Father up on His offer to be a woman focused on living out His purposes thru my vocation.

I am sure you have heard the saying, "I was born to do more than pay bills, go to work and then die." How many of us have felt the sting of these words as we realize that this one sentence summed up how the vicious cycle of our lives. I know I can raise my hands and say that this is were I was 7 years ago. I worked in the traditional marketplace from the age of 18 years old. I was born in a time when we were told to go to school, find a good job so that you can pay your bills and be a productive citizen. You will vacation about 2 weeks out of the year if you have a decent PTO plan and you will also have the 10 paid holidays, 11 if your employer recognized Veteran's Day. Those gifts and talents, that thing you are good at or passionate about, you take that up in your spare time or later in life. But you never have the spare time and your later never comes because we are to tired and to burned out to explore it. We are never really encouraged to utilize our gifts in the marketplace to earn money or a living when we are seeking our vocation in life. 

It has been made clear in the Word that every believer has spiritual gifts. Our Creator gives us each a different combination of spiritual gifts, and as we grow in Him the gifts we have develop and mature. In fact, we may even see that the gifts change over time as God uses us in different capacities in the vocations and ministries of our lives. These gifts have been freely bestowed by the grace of God, we didn't earn them, and we certainly don’t deserve them He has gifted us with everything we need to serve Him not just in a church context. He understands our limitations, and by the power of the Holy Spirit within us, He has given each one of us unique gifts that enable us to build up and advance the Body of Christ to glorify Him. Our Lord is gracious! He never asks us to do anything we are unable to do. But He does give us bigger task that stretches and challenges us to show His glory by doing them through us. Its almost as if our Father doesn’t want to leave us any room to say, I really would serve You if I could, but I just don’t have anything to offer. The decision to allow Him to work through us, is the stimulus from which we move from the ordinary lives to the extraordinary.

When we use our gifts wholeheartedly for Him  giving Him glory for all He is doing in and through us we experience an extraordinary, joyful life. I can attest to this. I have such joy teaching others in my mentorship and empowerment programs how to heal as I did so that their gifts and talents can emerge into profitable and purposeful streams of income. I am most fulfilled when I see the fruit from our #TrueVisionTour and witness women breaking down barriers and living with #nolimits. 

Reading this memory is reminder that everyday I am blessed to see the sunrise and able to work the land I have been given I will #pursueandbuild it with a passion and drive that will be pleasing and profitable to my Father. ​​

If this thought has been profitable to you, please share with your friends and family.​ Like or click the social share button or leave a comment in the box below for Pastor Yolanda. If you have been searching trying to discover your gift and how to live your extraordinary life, click here to discover more about my empowerment and mentorship programs.