Wilberforce Bible Study #1 “Calling”

Ice breaker : Have you ever felt God was calling you to do something, whether it was something as simple as phoning a friend who turned out to be in need, writing a letter to a politician on a hot issue or something as big as changing careers or giving of yourself, or your resources in a significant way? Share how God spoke to you and how you responded. How did you know you were to do what you did?

Introduction : Some people sense God's call in the moments of their lives. Others do not sense specific messages from God, but are conscious of following God's character as revealed in Jesus. This was an issue Wilberforce struggled with, did God call him to end slavery? Throughout Scripture we see some dramatic callings from God. Mary was visited by an angel to announce that she was pregnant with Jesus. Moses had God speak to him from a burning bush. Paul was overcome with God's presence on the road to Damascus . Most of us will never have that kind of dramatic, physical encounter with God or one of his messengers. Today we will look at Esther and how she experienced God's calling to save her people. Esther's situation is very interesting because in the whole book, God is never referred to by name, but the reality of His presence is strongly inferred.

Queen Vashti has been deposed and King Ahasuerus sought a new queen. All the beautiful young virgins were gathered together, made more beautiful and sent to the king one by one. The king loved Esther more than all the other virgins and appointed her queen. Esther was raised by her cousin Mordecai because her parents were dead. They were Jews. Haman has become the king's advisor and hates the Jews because they will not bow down to him.

Read Esther 4:1-17.

1. What is Mordecai's response to the news that the Jews were to be executed?
2. Why does he choose to remain in sackcloth and ashes, effectively preventing himself from being able to see Esther directly?
3. Does he have the right to give commandments to Queen Esther?
4. How does Esther respond to the command from Mordecai?
5. After the “command” does not have the desired affect on Esther, how does Mordecai get Esther to respond?
6. How would you describe the “calling” of Esther? Is it a calling from God? How do you know as there is no direct word from the Lord about it?
7. Read Esther 4:16. Once Esther is convinced that it is her calling to save her people, what is her first step?
8. How would you describe Mordecai's role?
9. What is the role of prayer in accomplishing God's purposes?

Application : Esther was convinced that God was calling her to take action to save her people even though her own life was in danger. She was convinced of her calling because of the position God had placed her in and Mordecai's penetrating question, “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”

1. How did Wilberforce struggle with his calling from God? How did he resolve this?
2. What are some of the things in your life that God has blessed you with that could be used to bless others? This could be finances or a position as a professional, in business or in politics. Or perhaps you have a friend who has an important position. Or maybe you are willing and available for God's purposes each and every day.
3. On a scale from 1 to 10 (where 10 is very willing), how willing would you rate yourself to step out in faith to do something God is calling you to do even if it involves personal cost?
4. Prayer is an important part of anything we do in God's service. How would you rate your own prayer life on a scale from 1 to 10 (where 10 is “prayer without ceasing”)? Do you have a supportive prayer community, people who regularly pray for you by name? What would it take to have this kind of prayer support?
5. What steps could you take this week to listen for God's call in your life? How would you confirm that this really is a calling from God?