Which Biblical character has a lot in common with you? Find out, and discover your gifts and calling!

     If you find yourself without a soul-mate, a little jaded by romance, you might be the woman of Samaria, Delilah, or Ruth.  What made the difference in whether these woman became famous or infamous?  Their response to God's call on their lives. The Samaritan woman witnessed to a whole village after confessing Jesus as Lord.  Delilah cut the locks from her lover's head and handed him over to his enemies.  Ruth followed her Godly mother-in-law, and found lasting love in an unexpected kinsman.  The outcome is up to you!  God still has great things for you. 

     If you are eager to please the Lord, but the nuts and bolts have been left to you, and you are stressing....you may be a Martha. Have you taken on too many jobs to do them well?  Are you wondering why all the work is left to you?  Back off, spend some time in the Word.  Pray.  Then undertake the tasks in God's strength.

     Is your delight listening at the feet of Jesus?  Is your sister impatient that she doesn't see much action in your department?  You may be Martha's contemplative sister, Mary. You have chosen that intimate spot, close to God's heart.  Let your confidence grow strong, so that when Lazarus dies, you may not be crushed. 
   There are many passages in the Bible that list gifts and calling of men and women in the Lord.  Romans 12, I Cor. 14.  But going beyond the list, God gives us snapshots of women at work in His kingdom.

     There were women in the Old Testament, like Deborah, called to fill an unconventional role.  Miriam helped lead Israel beside her brothers, but stepped beyond her authority and contracted leprosy temporarily. 

    If you serve beside your devoted, Christian husband, you two may be Priscilla and Aquila. If you serve in the background, you may be Peter's wife.

     Regardless of your marriage, social status, or education, every Christian is called to certain roles.  No matter what our calling, these things are commanded:

1.  Pray

2. Know the Word

3. Tell the world about Christ

4. Build up the Church

     As we uncover our gifts, we do better at these things.  However, our calling is not usually a spectacular thing, but a matter or quiet obedience.   I'm often called to do things a little outside my area of comfort and expertise. 

     Remember, the spiritual gifts are described in broad strokes.  "Prophecy," gifts of mercy and helps, and teaching are pretty applicable to many circumstances and age groups.  They are made to suit us to fulfill diverse needs.  And we aren't to become enamored of our own ministry.  Recall when the disciples were send out two by two during Jesus' earthly ministry?  They were totally jazzed, saying, "even the demons are subject to us in Your name."  They were in danger of being swept away by the great power channeled through them.  Jesus admonished them, saying, "I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning.  Nevertheless...rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven."  Don't get too heady over the power.  It's your birthright as a Christian.  Be thrilled about your birthright.  (Luke 10)