Gifts of the Spirit

Romans 12:6-7

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁶ Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us,each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, ^[a]according to the proportion of his faith; ⁷ if ^[b]service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching;

Footnotes:

1. Romans 12:6 Or in agreement with the faith
2. Romans 12:7 Or office of service

God gives us all a spiritual gift.  The gift grows along with our faith. It's kind of a shallow faith: small gift; deep faith: big gift type of thing.  Years ago, I was told I had the gift of prophecy and teaching (especially children).  I have since lost that gift.  

I'm sure many have their opinions as to why, but I believe it's because I did not take care of it.  I did not "feed" it.  I did not "water" it.  I stopped praying unless specifically asked to.  I stopped reading my bible.  I began letting things into my house I would've previously banned like certain TV shows, music and video games. Unfortunately, I now have to deal with the consequences of those decisions.  

I began to move away from God.  The farther I went the more my gifts faded.  Now, if someone asks me about something Messianic, the answers aren't there any longer.  I flounder in my responses.  I don't like that.  It makes me look weak and uneducated.  But it's my own fault.

God gives us these gifts as an act of love. Just as you lose muscle tone if you do not exercise your body, I did not "exercise" my gift and lost it.   I can't help but wonder if they will return as I rediscover Him, or will He give me something else?