Disney’s Encanto (released in November 2021) tells the story of a young girl named Mirabel who longs to discover her magical gift. She believes that if she can find it, she’ll finally have value, purpose, and belonging. So she strives—doing whatever it takes—hoping that one day her gift will be given to her.

When it comes to following Jesus, I’m grateful our reality is different. We don’t work hard in hopes that God might someday approve of us with a gift. Our Father is pleased to give good gifts—freely and lovingly. “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). Peter writes, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). And Paul reminds us that God has already prepared good works for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10).

Let that sink in: God didn’t just save you—He shaped you. He prepared gifts and assignments for your life, and when you use them, God is glorified, others are helped, and you get to better know the Gift-Giver.

In Acts 18, Paul recognized the value of his everyday skill: tentmaking. After leaving Athens, he traveled to Corinth—an influential city known for idol worship and sexual immorality connected to the worship of Aphrodite. Corinth wasn’t comfortable, but it was strategic. Paul didn’t run from the darkness—he brought the light of the gospel into it.

And when Paul arrived, God had a divine connection waiting: a Jewish couple named Aquila and Priscilla. Acts 18 tells us that Paul stayed with them and worked, “because he was of the same trade” (Acts 18:2–3). In other words, a shared skill became a shared life. A trade opened a table. Work created relationship. And relationship created space for gospel impact.

We don’t know exactly when Aquila and Priscilla fully came to faith, but we do know what they became: one of the most significant ministry couples in the early church—hosting churches in their home and helping teach and strengthen believers (Acts 18:26; 1 Corinthians 16:19). And it all started with making tents.

Today, reflect on the gifts God has placed in your life—spiritual gifts, work skills, relational strengths, creativity, compassion, leadership, athleticism, numbers, hands-on ability. Thank Him for them. Then ask Him to use what He’s given you to know God better, serve others well, and make Jesus known—right where you are.