Do Something About That

Do Something About That
by Rick Warren


"When Esther's servants told her what Mordecai was doing, she was deeply disturbed." Esther 4:4 (TEV)
"Make a list of the needs you see that disturb you. Then pray and ask God to show you ways you can use your gifts to make a difference. "

The second key to discovering your destiny is to identify the needs that stir your heart. What is it that upsets you? What causes you to think, "Somebody ought to do something about that"?

Whatever it is, that is the key to your destiny. My wife, Kay, calls it being seriously disturbed. It bothers you so much that it moves you to action.

In Esther, chapter 4, Esther's servant tells her that her uncle, Mordecai, is publicly mourning because of Haman's plot and the king's decree to kill all the Jews. When she hears what Mordecai is doing, it deeply disturbs her. She probably thinks that a lot of people will die unless she does something.

Does anything disturb you or is your life so insulated that nothing makes you say, "Somebody ought to do something about that"?

Saddleback Church became the leading church in America in the fight against AIDS because Kay read an article in Newsweek that said 14 million children had been orphaned by AIDS and it seriously disturbed her.

And she's not alone. In our church there are over 300 ministries started by people in our congregation who saw a problem, a need, a hurt or an injustice, and decided to do something about it.

Isaiah 58:6-11 gives ten amazing promises to those who act on injustice. Take a moment to read it. God promises that - his favor will shine on you, your wounds will be healed, he will always be with you, he will save you and protect you, he will answer your prayers, he will turn darkness to light, he will guide you, satisfy you with good things, and keep you strong and well.

All of those promises are built on being generous with people less fortunate because God wants us to learn generosity.

Here is your homework assignment for today: Make a list of the needs you see that disturb you. Then pray and ask God to show you ways you can use your gifts to make a difference.