March is a transition month; it is not quite spring, and yet, the warm days help us break free of the memories of a hard winter. I can remember a time in my life enduring those long cold winter nights sitting in the doldrums, watching old movies, or reading classics, wondering if my life would have turned out more exciting if born in a different era. My husband affectionately called me a “Lounge Lizard” because of my 1940’s style deep jazzy voice. He said he could picture me sitting on top of a piano belting out one song after another. But you see, God placed me in this era for a reason, and His timing is perfect.
But enough about me, what does God say about you? God has given you specific beauty, personality, characteristics, talents, gifting, a genuine unique design, different from every other person. Take for instance George Beverly Shea, considered “America’s beloved gospel singer”, he was obviously musically gifted. Hearing him sing “How Great Thou Art” stirs my heart and seems to amplify and magnify the greatness of God!
Others are gifted with the tone, rhythm, and timing of their voice, and well suited for evangelism. Billy Graham, known as America’s pastor, and many consider the greatest evangelist of our time, spoke a very simple direct message, but did so within his purpose, with the anointing of God.
Not all of us can sing like Bev Shea or preach like Billy Graham. The Word of God says, “There are different kinds of gifts but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service but the same Lord. (1 Cor. 12:4-5) You may be gifted in hospitality, missions, leadership, mercy, etc.; all are essential to God’s plan.
Consider Billy Graham’s Los Angeles Tent Crusade in 1949, the attendance the first three weeks was good but could have been better. The great media mogul, William Randolph Hearst, put his newspaper empire to work and the crowds began to swell. The Crusade was extended and thousands of people came to know the Lord. This was no accidental short story in the newspaper; Hearst used his God given talents and God given authority to expand the Kingdom of God. God’s Word encourages us to use our gifts to help others and glorify God. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Pet. 4:10)
My friends, some of you may believe, “if I had been born one of Billy Graham’s children, I could do great and mighty things for the Lord. I could make a difference!” The thing is friends; we all can do great and wonderful things for the Lord. We must be willing to place our agenda at the foot of the cross and say, “Here I am Lord, change my heart, change my agenda, move me, use me, equip me to share your love, your Word, with the world.” We must say, “Yes Lord, with your help, I will be who you called me to be!”
We know God’s Word tells us in Psalms 139:14 that “we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and that God’s works are wonderful, but Satan, and the world, has twisted and perverted God’s beautiful daughters. Many women have bought the lie that they must dress provocatively, or sensually, to attract people. There is nothing in His Word that says we have to strive to gain the attention of others. As a matter of fact in Romans 8:6 “the mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the spirit is life and peace.” I enjoy dressing trendy, and stylishly, but this should always be done with modesty.
Queen Esther is a perfect example of one of the most beautiful women in the history of the world. She was humble, and graciously allowed God to use her beauty for His purposes. Esther was Jewish and a stranger in a foreign land. Her Uncle Mortdecai adopted her and raised her as if his own child. While beautiful, her strong character and generous spirit endeared her to other women. Women were not jealous because she demonstrated the qualities of a daughter of the Most High King! Esther was open and receptive to advice, and listened and obeyed instruction. I would encourage you to spend some time studying this beautiful and courageous child of God. Esther allowed God to use her beauty to attract the King, and set her people free.
Yes, the signs are pointing to the end of winter, with animals rising from their sleepy slumber. The signs in the Bible are guiding us as well, directing us to awaken, and use our gifts, talents, and testimonies, for the harvest. The hibernation is over, it is time to deny self and place Jesus on the throne of your life. God wants the church to come to life beyond the walls! He wants us to take Jesus to work, school, and the Marketplace. God has prepared and equipped you for this great harvest! You can do it with His help!
In Esther 4:14 the Bible testifies to working within His purpose, “You were born for a time such as this.”