How to Identify Your Spiritual Gifts #4

Aristotle was the first to classify the five senses – sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. Today scientists agree that there are more than five senses – anywhere from nine to seventeen.

One example is the sense of presence. This occurs when you think you’re alone, and suddenly sense the presence of another person in the room. Now it’s possible this experience is not a true “sense;” rather, it may be an example of various senses working together. The brain collects a lot more sensory data than we consciously know. For example, the ears can pick up the subsonic sound of advancing footsteps. And the skin can sense the movement of air as someone approaches.

This sense of presence applies not only to the physical world. As believers, we also sense God’s presence spiritually. There are times when we just know that God is present. Ideally, this experience would be moment-by-moment; realistically, most of us sense God’s presence only in special moments.

Using your spiritual sense of God’s presence is one of the most important means of identifying your spiritual gifts. Start serving in a church ministry. As you serve, notice if you sense the presence of God

Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Listen for His still, small voice whispering to you in your soul. If God is at work through you, you’ll know it. And He will confirm it within you through your sense of His presence.