The gifts are given as God chooses, and they become operational when the Soldier of The Cross steps forward to serve the Body of Christ.
It is distressing to see some of the literature on the subject that is being dispersed today. I recently saw a study guide that is being used in some churches to teach individuals to identify their gifts. The basic questions were, "What do you like to do? What comes naturally? What makes you feel good?"
If that were the basis for identifying my spiritual gift, I would declare myself to be to be an anointed food-tester.
The gifts develop and are evident to those in spiritual authority when the Holy Spirit is allowed to reign in a Christian's life. The gifts are for the Body, and the Lone Ranger Christian will not be in a position to exercise any spiritual gift.
It is not necessarily the thing that one does naturally that is his spiritual gift. Often it is after years of following the Lord that the gift blossoms. Gladys Aylward was a a preacher a rescuer of children. Much could be said about her gifts. But the Lord put her in a position so that the first years of her missionary service were spent in turning mules' heads into the compound of the missionary under whom she worked.
There is much to be done. The Soldier of The Cross must be available for jobs that are not glamorous and for jobs that may not feel right. Quite often, the Lord does not choose the most experienced or the naturally gifted for His work. What about Moses?
Years ago as the pastor's wife, I was in charge of a huge banquet. After it was over, I asked a woman near me if she would grab a broom and help me sweep. She looked at me and said "No." Although most definitely a Christian, she was unquestionably not ready to minister or exercise any gift. Now years later, that same woman is a devoted and spiritually gifted teacher.
Soldier of The Cross, God does not hide and He is not in the business of hiding His will or His gifts. Be available.
The Living Sacrifice is available for anything.
Tell Him you are available and then put your weight under the nearest load. If you have given it to Him, He will let you known if it is not for you.
Tell Him aloud.