A Gifted Steward

by Ralene Burke @RaleneB

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10

Many of my novels deal with God using ordinary people in extraordinary ways. I believe that many people sell themselves short—or rather sell God short. God freely gives us what we need to follow the path He has laid before us.

In the Bible, over and over again, God uses ordinary people. Moses had a speech impediment and self-esteem issues, David was a shepherd boy, Paul persecuted Christians in the early church—yet God worked miracles in their lives because they followed His lead. Look what He did with them! Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, David was the first king of Israel, and Paul became one of the greatest apostles.

Each person is given a gift to minister to the whole of God’s people. This is not meant to be a controversial statement about spiritual gifts, but simply a fact. No matter who we are, when we become believers, at the very least we are called to serve as Jesus served. We’re given the capacity for compassion and to serve those around us. 

And each person is a steward of that gift. A steward is a manager or trustee of something. In most cases, it is someone in charge of management and provision for a large household. These people had access to (some of) their employer’s money, and they had their employer’s trust to run the household efficiently. And so we are expected to do the same with the gifts God gives us. 

Like in the parable of the faithful servant, when we use our gift(s) to God’s glory, we are rewarded with more of the gift. Using our gift is much like using a muscle. When we use a muscle regularly, we build it up, make it stronger. But when we don’t, it becomes flaccid and useless. Our gifts work the same way.

Be not afraid of the gifts God has given you. He has a plan and purpose for everything. It may not seem safe or comfortable, but hey, we weren’t guaranteed a safe and comfortable life. In fact, Jesus tells us we will NOT be safe or comfortable. We will be persecuted. People will not like us. Still, God calls us. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. Col. 3:23

God has given me the gift of writing, and it is my honor and duty to use that to bring glory to Him. The more I leave up to God, the more I’m excited to see where He takes me on this journey. As much as I hope that readers benefit from my stories in many ways, I find that I am the one that learns so much more.

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Whether she’s wielding a fantasy writer’s pen, a social media wand, or a freelance editor’s sword, Ralene Burke always has her head in some dreamer’s world. And her goal is to help everyone #SHINE Beyond their circumstances! Her novels, Bellanok and Armor of Aletheia, are available on Amazon. More fantasy novels coming soon!

When her head’s not in the publishing world, she is wife to a veteran and homeschooling mama to their three kids. Her Pinterest board would have you believe she is a master chef, excellent seamstress, and all-around crafty diva. If she only had the time . . . You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or at her website.