God Will Hone His Gifts in Us

Today's quote comes from John MacArthur, writing in The MacArthur New Testament Commentary on 2 Timothy:

"Although Timothy's gift was given to him by God through the Holy Spirit and placed within him, it could not become evident or begin to function until he was commissioned to minister. In a similar though not as unique a way, every believer must genuinely and unreservedly devote himself to serving the Lord in the energy of the Spirit before his giftedness can become truly evident or effective. When our heart's desire is to please the Lord, the Lord will guide us by that desire into the specific areas of service for which He has gifted us. The Lord does not mock His children. He lovingly bestows desires that correspond to His gifts. 

When we begin to function in the area in which God has gifted us, our boldness in His service will grow, because we know we are doing what He has appointed and equipped us to do. Nothing gives a believer more courage and more protection from being ashamed of Christ than knowing he is in the Lord's will and is operating his gift in the power of the Holy Spirit." 
John MacArthur