A gift is the transfer of something without to someone without the later making any form of payment for same. Erica Jon once said “Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow the talent to the dark place where it leads”. Truly, the talent or gift of a man can make him stand out if only he can develop and use it consistently until it blossoms. It does not matter how man obstacles are waged against such a person, neither does it matter how many people are against him or her, what matters is the persistence to continue using that gift until the light of God shines upon it. For telling them about his gift of dreams, the brothers of Joseph conspired against him – Genesis 37. They sold him to slavery in a foreign land. Then, the devil through the wife of Portiphar tried to snatch his destiny but Joseph escaped - Genesis 39. While in prison he had another opportunity to sharpen his gift of interpretation of dreams. Accordingly, he interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s lieutenants correctly – Genesis 41.

Yet, even though thee was no recompense, he carried on his life and duties faithfully. Eventually, the same gift for which his brothers despised him, the same talent which the cup bearer ignored earlier opened the door for Joseph to become the Prime Minister of Egypt. Had Joseph become discouraged because of the attitude of his brothers, had he become unenthusiastic because of the treatment he received from the cupbearer perhaps, he would have abandoned his gifting. But no. Joseph kept on using his talent until it opened breakthrough doors for him. What is your gift? Have you decided to abandon your talents because of discouragement? Let me tell you, that is not the winning attitude. Follow it to a logical conclusion and your gift shall make way for you in Jesus name.

See also http://hubpages.com/hub/How-King-Davids-Humble-Beginning-Led-Him-To-Greater-Heights