Response:

Thanks for writing.

I do have a couple suggestions for you.

1. Spend much time in the Word of God and prayer. God will direct you through the Scriptures, if you diligently want Him to.

2. Begin today to do exactly what you know God wants you to do today. The Bible is "a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path". The light does not necessarily show me the entire way to my destination. It simply shows me where to take the next step. If I get today's step right, and tomorrows, and so on, eventually I will arrive throughout my life exactly where God wants me to be. Proverbs says "In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths". This means that you need to be aware of God's leading, and attempt to follow it, in all aspects of your life today if you want Him to direct your steps tomorrow.

3. God does give people gifts and talents to be used for Him. I don't think it is limiting God to think in terms of using those things He has given you. I know that spiritual gifts and talents are not the same thing, but I Corinthians 12:7, speaking of spiritual gifts, says that "the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal" (to be profitable to all). In the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, those talents were to be used in service to the Master. I believe if God gave you something, He did it for a reason. That doesn't mean that because you are musical you must be a professional musician, but it does mean that God gave you your abilities to use them for Him.

I hope this gives you some things to think about. Remember, James 1:5 says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let Him ask of God, Who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him." God wants you to ask for His leadership. Remember to ask in faith (James 1:6), and be willing to do whatever it is that God says.

By Dr Mark Montgomery Ambassador Baptist Church 1926 Babcock Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15209 (412)477-3210