So the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A rod.”

Exodus 4:2 NKJV

A story was told about acres of diamonds. A farmer sold his land and went in search of these acres of diamond. After years of searching without result, out of frustration he killed himself. But the new owner of the farm discovered some unusual stones when he dug into this field. Upon careful examination he was told they were diamonds. All along, the entire field was sitting on an acre of diamonds. The moral of this story is that what you need to succeed is right within your reach only if you will recognize it, value it, cultivate it and allow the blessing of God to rest upon it.

In the above scripture, God sent Moses as a savior to bring the Israelites out of Egypt, the land of servitude, into a land of abundance. When Moses expressed fear and doubt, God asked him “What is in your hand?” He said “A Staff.” And with what was in Moses’ hand, God wrought diverse miracles which eventually led to the freedom of the Israelites. That which is in your hand is what God wants to use to bring you out of bondage into your fulfillment. It is with it that you will prosper.

When the widow of the prophet came to Elisha for help, he asked her, “What do you have in the house?” When the disciples came to Jesus for food for the people, He asked them, “What have you got?” God will always use something within your reach, something you already have but you’ve despised; that cooking skill, singing skill, fashion sense, the ability to coordinate, attention to details, ability to listen, ability to talk to people and help them see solution, ability to negotiate, things you can do easily that others can’t do.

Ask God to open your eyes to recognize your acres of diamond, and to pay attention to what you have. The most important thing is to identify your gifts, allow God to breathe on it and you run with it. Stop the search, you’ve already got it. It’s in you. 

“A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.”

Proverbs 18:16

Recommended text for further reading:

Matthew 25:14-30; 2 Kings 4: 1-6; Matthew 15:34; James 1:17; 1 Peter 4:10-11.