God's Timing, My Skills
Shared by Ian · 10/4/2026
I've experienced God's unwavering faithfulness throughout my life - from my marriage and the birth of my children to the solid foundation my God-fearing parents created. But for a long time, I struggled to combine my passion for technology and business with my desire to serve within the church. With my family's encouragement, I excelled at a prestigious university and launched a tech company serving a major university with 130 departments. It was fulfilling to give back to my alma mater and reconnect with friends, but I still wondered how to leverage my skills to support my local church more meaningfully. Determined to make an impact, I offered to volunteer at my church but received no response. Instead of giving up, I persevered. I didn't give up - I kept working on projects to hone my skills. Trusting in God's timing, I grew my business and my clientele to include celebrities, athletes, and nonprofits. Even after submitting proposals to the church for 15 years without a response, my desire to support the church's mission never faded. A Shift A turning point came after 17 years, when I connected with a new media ministry leader at the church. That moment coincided with a challenging season in my life - I was grieving the loss of my father. Two years of "wilding out" came to a head, and the church reached out and offered the support I desperately needed at just the right time - not just for my skills, but for my heart. My church community became a source of healing, offering encouragement during my darkest hours. After a few years volunteering, I began managing the church's digital marketing efforts. I felt an immediate sense of purpose. That role became a lifeline, as the compassion from my church community comforted and guided me. Finally, I had people I could genuinely turn to. My gratitude deepened as I acknowledged my community's support, reinforcing my belief that God is always watching, listening, and is just a prayer away. Words of Encouragement If you have a skill or talent you're working to harness for kingdom work, hone that skill. Learn and seek feedback. Find a mentor - I did all those things. Don't give up. I believe God has given each of us unique talents to cultivate for His glory. Today, as I juggle family, friends, and business, I draw strength from Isaiah 40:31, which helps me build resilience and tackle life's stresses confidently. Through my church community, I've adopted a discipleship mindset - I believe God places people in our lives who need to hear our stories. Sharing our experiences can uplift others who feel isolated in their struggles, whether it's addiction, relationships, finances, or other life challenges. The devil often makes people think they are alone. Sharing that you "made it out" can powerfully show others how God can transform struggles into tools for helping others.