Gifted for This Time

God doesn't recruit you without a calling. God calls everybody to use the gifts and the passion that they have, but not everyone picks up the phone.

The only way you're going to hear is if you listen. You've got be quiet, you've got to get alone and spend time with God.

When Mordecai sends Esther word that the Jews are going to be annihilated, he essentially says, "Don't think that you can just ignore this disturbing trend. Yeah, I know it's been tough, but this is your destiny. God put you here. It's no accident that you are a Jewish girl and now the queen of Persia.'

It's important to read on and see Esther's response to Mordecai in Esther 4:15, "Go, gather together all the Jews and fast for me. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law" (NIV).

Esther knows confronting the king is likely to mean certain death. She's going to have to use her gifts of beauty, brains, and personality to persuade him. But before she goes to see him, she sets aside three days to fast and pray before God.

When you are seeking God's call on your life, follow Esther's example. First, get all the support you can. Second, you need extended time alone with God. I want to encourage you to schedule a retreat with God. Whether it's an overnight, a weekend, or longer if you can, you won't hear God's call on your life if you don't get alone with him.

*Taken from Rick Warren's Daily Devotional.