Talent Enquiry

A mix of great admiration and envy shone in Agnes’ eyes as she carefully considered the canvas before her. She wasn't there by choice, she had only come as a volunteer from the gallery to pick up some of his work for an upcoming auction. But then she couldn't help but gape in awe as she fought the urge to run her hands over the colours and forms that drew her in. She smiled slightly as she remembered her boss’ stern warning, “Don't touch!” but that smile was quickly replaced by an ache, a loneliness that had threaten to envelope her since she first saw a friend of hers speak at a youth seminar the previous week. “How is everyone so good at these things?”, she wondered. “Why am I not good at anything?” Agnes took a trip down memory lane as a single tear formed at the edge of her eye, threatening to slide down her cheek. She had always been the average kid who was average at everything; not particularly ugly but not exactly stunning, not particularly dumb but not exactly intelligent, not particularly poor at everything but not exactly an all-rounder, and Agnes was all too aware of this fact. Releasing a sigh, Agnes took one last look at the beautiful painting of God with outstretched arms, a painting that already deeply resonated with her and would soon resonate with hundreds of other people. She couldn't believe what she would have called an ordinary painting could touch something in her like that. “This is real stuff. I can't believe someone actually did this”. “I wish I could do something this well too” “Bye, Mr. Moses. I'll see myself out the door”, Agnes called out as she made her way to the door with a stack of papers in hand that detailed everything about each painting from its name to its size to its asking price. Everything here is pure art, Agnes noted to herself, unable to help but notice the antique clock that stood in the corner and the two petite Russian dolls that stood facing each other on the grand shelf in a corner of the beautifully decorated living room. It seemed that Mr. Moses’ life revolved around the subject. Pity my life doesn't revolve around anything.

Agnes exited the beautiful house and made her way to her middle-aged Honda parked outside. Sliding into the driver's seat, she released another sigh and started the car. As she drove out of the driveway, Agnes’ frustration became almost palpable. Why did everyone have what they were good at except her? What was she on earth for, then? to live to die? Suddenly, she didn't feel like going to meet up with her friends to discuss an upcoming outreach as previously planned. Instead, she pulled in next to a basketball court on the left side of the road. Feeling listless, she wore her shades and nose mask and went inside. Finding an unoccupied seat in the corner of the court, Agnes proceeded to try to clear her mind. God, I've always trusted you. I've always obeyed you. I've been good. So could you please tell me why you haven't blessed me with even an ounce of talent? Agnes waited for some form of reply. There was none Look around at the rest of the world, Lord. People are doing awesome things that they love and are good at. Now, look at me. I'm just average at everything. I'm just doing tedious work 12 hours a day 5 days a week. I'm tired of it. Isn't there something more for me? Don't you have plans for me? Agnes waited again. No reply. At first. But then, she remembered a verse she came across a few days ago. "For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."- Jeremiah 29:11 (AMP) Then another verse her pastor had mentioned in church the previous Sunday came fluttering into her mind. "But indeed for this very reason I have allowed you to live, in order to show you My power and in order that My name may be proclaimed throughout all the earth."- Exodus 9:16 (AMP) Hmm What does this all mean, God? "To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and then he went on his journey."- Matthew 25:15 (AMP) Taking a moment to process it all, Agnes heard God. No, there was no audible thundering voice. And no, there wasn't the violent shaking of the Earth's floor or swaying of trees. No, there was no mighty breeze or dove flying down from the firmament. But God had just spoken to Agnes. And Agnes had heard. Another verse: "Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth."- 2 Timothy 2:15 (AMP) I get the message, Lord. I'm called to serve. and you're preparing me for that. There's something huge in store, but I'm still work in progress. I'm still in training. Oh, help me to be ready, Lord! That I do not miss what you have in store for me, Help me so I do not disappoint you and myself. As Agnes said these words, she smiled as a deep peace filled the whole of her being. a huge burden had been lifted off her shoulders. Agnes stood, ready to serve with a new heart.

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"...asking [specifically] that you may be filled with the knowledge of His

will in all spiritual wisdom [with insight into His purposes], and in understanding [of spiritual things]"- Colossians 1:9b (AMP)

Oftentimes, life's situations can make you feel inadequate, incompetent and maybe even

irrelevant. But God's word tells you that's not the truth about you. You're not a mistake; you're here for a reason. What you have to do though, is identify that reason and the process to achieve it. Chances are someway, somehow, what you're going through now is preparing you for the task God has ahead for you.