Scripture: Isaiah 48:17


Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go.

There are many with great ability who abuse or under-utilize what they have. When we yield our gifts to the Lord, He teaches us how to use our gifts profitably and guides us with wisdom to place our abilities in the most suitable contexts.

The story is told of Emmanuel Ninger who was arrested in 1887 for passing counterfeit $20 bills. A search of his home revealed the tools he used for producing his counterfeit notes hidden in his attic.

They were very simple: an easel, some paper, a paintbrush and some paint. You see, Emmanuel Ninger was a brilliant artist. Meticulously, stroke by stroke, he painted the $20 notes by hand.

When the authorities searched the attic of his house they also found three amazing works of art that he had painted.

At a public auction some time later, those three paintings sold for a little over $16,000. Here’s the irony of the story: It took Emmanuel Ninger about the same time to paint a counterfeit $20 note as it did to paint a beautiful art work worth around $5000.

Emmanuel Ninger had great talent with a wrong value system and sense of priority. He had an amazing talent and skill as an artist, but he wasted it on copying something of little comparative value. That condition can be found in many lives as people with great gifts and ability function in roles far below their potential.
Prayer: Lord, teach me to use the gifts, talents and resources that You give me in the most beneficial way. Scriptural Reading: Isaiah 48:17-22