Maybe it is not that tough!

The story is told of Leonardo da Vinci that at one time he was not as certain about his abilities as he could have been.  His elderly, well-known teacher asked him to finish a painting he had begun.  The young da Vinci stood in such awe of his master’s skill that at first he respectfully declined.  However, his teacher would accept no excuse.  He told da Vinci to simply “Do your best.”  With trembling hands Leonardo picked up the brush and began.  With each stroke of the brush, his hand grew steadier.  One could sense the genius within the young artist.  Soon he was so caught up in his work that he forgot his timidity.  When Leonardo stepped away from the painting, his frail and weak master was carried into the studio to see the finished work.  With a smile on his face the master embraced his student and exclaimed, “My son, I paint no more!”
I am completely convinced that each and every Christian has unique God-given abilities.  Abilities that when used correctly will bring much glory and honor to the Lord.  Unfortunately too many believers feel inferior because they don’t have as much talent as others.  I don’t think God is too happy with that type of spirit.  God doesn’t hold us accountable for what we don’t have.  He wants us to discover and develop the skills we do have.  As a young, struggling college student I questioned in my mind what would be best for me to do.  The thoughts of dropping out crossed my mind more than once.  A certain young lady that I was seeing on a regular basis (her first name is Elaine), encouraged me to look into teaching as a chosen profession.  After thirty one years of teaching I can look back and am most thankful for that encouragement and ultimate decision.  I wasn’t a scientist or an accountant.  I had no interest in business, law or medicine; all professions that at that time seemed very prestigious.  I became a teacher and through that profession I was blessed to be with some of the greatest kids in the world, who are now some of the greatest adults I know
Neither you nor I need to think or feel our talent is inferior because we don’t have the talents others have.  I realize of course we can’t all be a Leonardo da Vinci.  But we don’t have to be.  The apostle Paul simply told the church at Corinth; “It is required in stewards that one is found faithful” (I Corinthians 4:2).  What does that mean to you?  I believe it means doing our best and leaving the results with God.  Who knows, we may just surprise ourselves.  It has been said that the greatest ability is dependability.  In God’s kingdom there is room for all of us to use the talents he has given us.  Why not take a closer look at who you are and what you do.  You may just surprise yourself.