you were never meant to be hidden🕯️
A Personal Reflection on Using the Gifts God Has Given You
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
— James 1:17 (NIV)
This morning, I woke up hearing these words in my spirit:
"Every good gift comes from God."
It felt like a gentle but firm reminder from the Lord — not just a truth I know, but something He wanted to impress deeply on my heart. I realized that I’ve been tempted, at times, to hold back. To hide. To feel like I need to tone it down or tuck away the very things God Himself has placed in my hands.
God has given us all gifts — and not just spiritual ones. He's entrusted us with homes, businesses, platforms, influence, creativity, relationships, and so much more. These gifts were never meant to be hoarded, hidden, or diluted to appease the world. They were given to be used for His glory.
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house."
— Matthew 5:14–15 (NIV)
If I’m honest, I’ve felt the fear of man. The fear that shining too brightly for Jesus might turn some people off. That being vocal about my faith might cause me to lose opportunities or make others uncomfortable. But that fear is not from God — it’s a distraction from the call to shine.
We don’t glorify God by staying silent. We glorify Him by boldly, humbly, and faithfully using the gifts He’s given us — even if it makes us stand out.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
— Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
“The righteous are as bold as a lion.”
— Proverbs 28:1
"If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes..."
— Luke 9:26
đź’ Reflection
Have you been tempted to hide your gifts or your faith because of fear or pressure?
What has God placed in your hands that you’ve been neglecting — not out of laziness, but out of fear?
Where can you begin to shine a little brighter for Jesus today?
Let this be your reminder too: Don’t hide your light. Don’t neglect your gift. You may be the only glimpse of Jesus someone sees.
🙏 Prayer
Father, thank You for every good gift You’ve given me. Thank You for trusting me with influence, opportunity, and purpose — even when I’ve felt unsure or unworthy. Forgive me for the times I’ve hidden my light or buried my gift out of fear. Today I choose to shine. I choose to speak. I choose to glorify You with what You’ve placed in my hands. Give me boldness to live for You without shame and without apology. Let every good gift reflect Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, amen.