Have you ever walked through a buffet line when you were extra hungry? Isn’t it hard to focus on what you want when there are so many items to choose from? You have a choice to get one large plate filled and not return for seconds, or simply get a smaller portion the first time, and return more than once to the buffet line. I have found that if I take smaller portions, I enjoy my food more, because I can focus on the one or two items that are on my plate. You can always go back for more when it’s a buffet.

I have seen people with their plates filled to overflowing and think to myself how in the world will they be able to eat everything they have on their plate! In my case, before I could eat it all, my food would more than likely get cold and unappetizing.

Reaching out in ministry in too many directions at once, without proper preparation, brings to mind, the Israelites when they were traveling in the wilderness. The manna from heaven was delivered fresh every morning, and there was plenty enough for everyone to feed their families. In every crowd, there are a few who still haven’t grasped the concept of God’s provision. They are so afraid that there will not be enough, that they try to ensure there will be, by getting extra, while it promptly spoils, because you can’t expect your way to work, if you fail to listen to what the Lord is instructing you to do.

It’s a matter of trust.

The promises of God are spread on a banquet table, untouched and waiting for us to claim  them. Why do we often hesitate to receive his promises? It is because to receive the promise, you must first learn to trust that God is a reward of those who diligently seek him. It is better to seek God first before you venture out to gather.

In the buffet line, maybe there are so many talents that I have a hard time choosing what are the best gifts for me. It’s not the quantity of gifts that will make us more effective, it’s the time we spend developing the gifts that we reach for. It is important to not grab every gift, when you go down the line, because to do so may mean that some do not get developed and fade away.

It is better to leave some gifts on the table for others, and receive the gifts that the Lord is leading you to. It may not be the greatest, in your perception, or the most dynamic of gifts, but if you take the time to seek God, he will direct you to choose the ones that will be the best gifts for you to nurture. The gifts you choose may not have even entered your mind to pursue, as you may feel unworthy, or even undeserving to take them, but my God doesn’t look at how undeserving we are, he gave his life for us, and he freely gives his gifts. Do I want to reach for it when he offers? If not, what is holding me back: fear? Doubt?

The table is filled with his blessings that will change our lives, and the Lord is offering it to us freely if we will only believe. In this week’s Lattereign, we will step out in faith and boldly,  Claim your Promise.