“The intersection of discomfort and God’s faithfulness is a beautiful place to be and to experience.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 27, 2026
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you. 2 Timothy 1:6
A few weeks ago, I was enjoying a Mexican dinner with my four sons-in-law. We learned from our server, Omar, that he was passionate about table tennis and playing the guitar. In fact, he had a scholarship to play table tennis in college, and for many years he practiced and learned to play the guitar. But life happened, and he was unable to pursue these passions. As we continued our conversation, you could hear the energy and desire in his voice to reengage with these passions and his giftedness. The smile on his face and his animated body language told the whole story of what was stirring in his heart.
Omar reminds me how easily all of us can drift from what God has put in our hearts and from where He’s called us to develop our gifts. Our circumstances change; we face issues; we get distracted; we pursue other things that seem more interesting. But in fact, becoming who the Lord has called us to be is where the fruit is and where the joy lies. Are you living in the sweet spot of God’s heart for your life? Or have life’s challenges caused you to neglect the gift of passion you once found energizing, drifting away because of others’ opinions, or maybe a little shame or embarrassment?
I want to encourage you, as Paul encouraged Timothy, to stir up your unique gifts. Allow the Holy Spirit to rekindle them with power and influence for the kingdom of God. Recalibrate your calendar to remove distractions or burdens that weigh you down and keep you from His best. It may mean a lower income or a period of uncertainty or discomfort, but that’s OK. The intersection of discomfort and God’s faithfulness is a beautiful place to be and to experience.
Listen to Peter’s admonishment, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).
This reminds me of one of our daughters, who is beautifully gifted in creativity, art, and decorating. She found an outlet for this in high school and, to some extent, in college, but after marriage and raising children, she did not have the margin for this pursuit. Now it’s starting to show in the renovation and decoration of their home. It’s really beautiful to watch her joy as her hospitality reflects who she is. I see a similar expression of giftedness in my wife’s systematic planning and passionate care for the foliage around our home. The flowers, plants, and tomatoes are bursting with life, and as they flourish, I see her flourishing, too!
Maybe yours is a desire to write, run a half marathon, start a nonprofit, or volunteer at the church. What is that gift or desire God put in your heart, and how are you allowing the Holy Spirit to stir it up so you become more like Jesus and serve others in Jesus’ name?
The godly follower of Jesus, A.W. Tozer, gives us a helpful word: “Let every man abide in the calling wherein he is called, and his work will be as sacred as the work of the ministry. It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular; it is why he does it.” The Pursuit of God
“And he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills” (Exodus 35:31).
Prayer
Father, stir up the gift You placed in me. Free me from fear, shame, and distraction. Breathe Your Spirit into what I have neglected, and let me flourish for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
This week, take one quiet step toward the gift you have set aside:
Related Reading
Psalm 37:4; Jeremiah 1:5; Romans 11:29; Philippians 1:6
Worship Resource
Pat Barrett (feat. Chris Tomlin): Build My Life
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