God has given you talents, skills, possessions and relationships—all of which can be used to serve Him.

Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14).

A man was nearing retirement after a successful career as a defense contractor. His wife’s artistic quilts were highly prized and she had the chance to more fully pursue the hobby she loved. As empty-nesters who had just paid off the mortgage on their home, this couple was in a position to live a life of ease.

Instead, they chose to follow God’s call into full-time ministry, offering to use their abilities any way God saw fit. They currently play an important role in strengthening marriages across the country. Although engineering and quilt-making had no obvious connection to family ministry, God had truly prepared them for their current roles.

Esther felt inadequate for the job she was asked to tackle. Yet her position, relationships, and possessions as Queen had all been given to her in preparation for her role as an intercessor.

Think about all you have been given. Perhaps your list includes some of these:

• Salvation
• A Bible of your own
• Access to solid teaching
• Education
• Savings
• Investments
• Communications devices
• A home
• A position in a company
• Transportation
• Experience

It is not by chance that God has provided these things. True joy comes not from hoarding the gifts He has given, but by giving everything back to Him. Have you asked God to show you the purposes He has for your talents and possessions? Who knows whether He has prepared you for such a time as this?

Take my silver and my gold, Not a mite would I withhold. Take my intellect and use Every power as Thou shalt choose, Every power as Thou shalt choose. –Frances Havergal