Since receiving the call, I've been deep in prayer preparing my heart for the vision the Lord has given me. I would have never imagined in my wildest dreams that this is how the Lord was going to use me to further His kingdom. I mean, come on.... this vision is way bigger than myself. Could He really use little ol me to take on something like this?
Finding your calling in life can be a source of great anxiety. We put it right up there with knowing God's will or learning our true purpose in life.
I've had every emotion imaginable: joy, excitement, fear, anxiety, doubt, and even un waivering faith where I know without a shadow of a doubt I've been prepared for this calling all my life. And still, I find myself asking if I'm really the right one to fulfill this vision.
During a day of prayer and fasting I sought God's will concerning this calling. I cried out to the Lord: Am I really the right person for this? I mean, I have never been to Kenya nor could I probably ever go. I don't know much of anything about missions. I know nothing about running a non profit. I don't have all the skills it takes to successfully pull this off. I feel so inadequate....
I could completely relate with Moses and his burning bush experience (see Ex. 3:1-4) as God worked to enrich my understanding of relationship and obedience.
Moses pleaded: "But I'm not the person for a job like that. O Lord, I'm just not a good speaker. I never have been, and I'm not now!" (See Ex. 3:11; 4:10.)
Que the excuses but..but..but
Even with God's encouragement and promise of faithful help, he still cried, "Lord, please! Send someone else!" (See Ex. 4:11-13.)
I could relate... so just like Gideon (see Judges 6), I threw the fleece out there looking for a sign, some definitive confirmation it was me he was calling. So I pleaded with God. Please give me something tangible that I can understand to know I'm being obedient to what you're asking me to do. Please reveal your perfect will concerning all this tonight in my dreams. Speak to me Lord.
The next morning, I woke up completely confused and a little disappointed. As the dream I had truly had nothing to do with this vision and calling- I dreamt Justin Bieber was sick in the hospital and Quincy was sad, so we went to see him... uh.... Ok Lord, I don't understand- I really wanted to hear from you. He must have a sense of humor cause it did make me laugh. (hehe)
It was Sunday morning and as I was getting ready to go to church- I prayed silently, "hopefully you'll speak to me through the message today Lord.." and my oh my did He ever! The message given that day was titled "A God who makes no sense- Gods calling"
My pastor started off by asking- Has God given you a calling that you need to say yes to? Is he asking you to do something that is completely outside of your comfort zone? Do you feel inadequate? Well just know, that everytime God is moving in a direction we can't understand- he's doing something in us that is WAY bigger than ourselves. So will you say Yes to him today to fulfill the call he's given you???
WOW!!!
Then they proceeded to show a video of missionaries who risked their lives to deliver God's message of truth and love with some people in an unreachable area in the Amazon Jungle!!!
I'm humbled Lord. I hear you calling me and today I will say YES!! I will go. I will follow you.
Do you feel God calling you?
What's he asking you to do that you need to say yes to?
Maybe it's to start serving Him at your church, maybe he has asked you to quit smoking or drinking? Maybe he's leading you to start a bible study Or maybe he's asked you to say Yes to becoming a Changemaker with me and investing in something way bigger than yourself to deliver his message of truth and love with the unreached people in Kenya.
Whatever it is... Will you be obedient to the call he's given you and say Yes with me?
If you would like to watch this incredible service. Please take about an hour out of your day to invest some time into truly hearing God calling you to action! You won't be sorry. I promise.
You may be having some questions.Well, let me help you- cause so did I. So let me share with you some of mine and the answers I found.
- What is a calling?
A calling is God's personal, individual invitation to carry out the unique task he has for you.
- How Can You Be Sure of God's Calling?
Do you open your mailbox one day and find a mysterious letter with your calling written on it? Is God's calling spoken to you in a booming voice from heaven, telling you exactly what to do? How do you discover it? How can you be sure of it?
Any time we want to hear from God, the method is the same: praying, reading the Bible, meditating, talking with godly friends, and patient listening.
God equips each of us with unique spiritual gifts to help us in our calling. A good list is found in Romans 12:6-8
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."
We don't recognize our calling overnight; rather, God reveals it to us gradually over the years. As we use our talents and gifts to serve others, we discover certain types of works that feel right. They bring us a deep sense of fulfillment and happiness. They feel so natural and good that we know this is what we were meant to do.
Sometimes we can put God's calling into words, or it may be as simple as saying, "I feel led to help people."
Jesus said, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…" Mark 10:45.
If you take that attitude, you'll not only discover your calling, but you'll do it passionately for the rest of your life.
If God is calling you to take a leap of faith, be encouraged by His presence.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”
Joshua 1:9
Joshua 1:9
And remember, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- How do you know God is calling you?
He is no fool to give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
Jim Elliott
Jim Elliott
Ready to become a Changemaker with us?
Please be in prayer over how God can use you to be the change you'd like to see in the world
If you feel led to partner with us in the work the Lord is going to do through Changemakers for Christ and Catalyst for Africa. You can fill out the contact form on the right, email me or donate here.
By partnering with us you will be helping missionaries meet their monthly financial obligations while they are out on the front lines winning souls to Jesus!!
If you choose to donate online-please email me with the details so we can keep track of it for out monthly budget to allocate the funds to our missionaries being sponsored.
By partnering with us you will be helping missionaries meet their monthly financial obligations while they are out on the front lines winning souls to Jesus!!
If you choose to donate online-please email me with the details so we can keep track of it for out monthly budget to allocate the funds to our missionaries being sponsored.
Please keep us in prayer as we step out for the lord. We would be very appreciative!
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. May God in Christ richly bless you!
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. May God in Christ richly bless you!
No comments:
Post a Comment