I often wonder just how fruitful I am? Could I be doing more for the Lord? Do you find yourself asking the same questions?

Today, I read afresh the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. The servant with five talents doubled his talents, as did the servant with two talents, but the servant with one talent buried it and was punished for not investing it. The important thing to notice that all the servants had been given something, to varying degrees.

I used to worry so much about my own ability, comparing myself so much to others that I felt too scared to do anything. I don’t write as well as others, I don’t sing as sweetly as others and I can cook but not to gourmet standards, like some other people can. But God has shown me that you mustn’t compare yourself to others. You must just use the talents and abilities that He has given you, to give Him glory and He will bless your efforts and multiply them.

I might not write as well as others, but I can write a blog for Him that is read all over the world and if someone comes to know the Lord as their Saviour as a result, wouldn’t I have written well? I may not sing as sweetly as others, but if I can sing in the Worship Band at church and draw people into God’s presence, then won’t I have sung well? I may cook basic meals for my family, but if I cook a bit extra and share it with others who maybe can’t cook for themselves or are lonely, then isn’t that better than cooking fancy food and eating it all ourselves?

Don’t compare your own ability to that of others and don’t be afraid to use your talents. Whether you are good at sewing, painting, gardening or golf, pray and find a way to do it for God’s glory.

Be yourself, do your best in your own way and maybe one day you will hear the Lord say, ‘Well done my good and faithful servant, with whom I am well pleased.’