The Gifted

A horrible earthquake. Three bodies ravaged by glass, metal and fire lay dying among the rubble. But their bodies were not the only parts of them ravaged. Their souls had grown accustomed to the obligatory Sunday church visits and nothing more. Just minutes before the earthquake, Bree, Andy and Carl had been sniping at each other over whose fault it was that they were the only three in attendance at their newly formed after work bible study.

In the midst of their arguing and finger pointing, the earth began to shake and within minutes, the three were covered by debris. Shards of glass and metal penetrated Bree's eyes while Carl's legs were crushed and Andy struggled to breathe as the smoke had seared his throat and vocal cords. As they lay in the rubble, praying, singing and talking, they each vowed to serve God better if he would only see them through this. Rescuers came and they were saved. The next morning, each awoke, completely healed of their injuries. A miracle only God could have delivered. They soon realize that healing was not all God had done. They were now each anointed with a different gift, ironically related to the injuries they had suffered from just the day before.

As the three realize that this is a sign from God to make good on their frantic prayed promises, they set out to share the word of God with as many people as possible. As they bring person after person to God, they marvel at how great their gifts are. But when they lose those gifts, will their voices still praise God? Or will they return to their pre-earthquake lives, waiting for someone else to do God's work?

Terri Blackstock has quickly become one of my favorite authors. She does a masterful job in The Gifted of reminding us of our purpose. I could relate to each of these characters as they questioned themselves, God's purpose for them and their ability to actually make a difference in the lives of others.

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have, as I wait in anticipation for her next work to be published!