To the people that want to start responding to the call of God on their lives…
This is my first blog post to ever write and responding to God’s call is very close to my heart. This blog post actually is me stepping out and responding to God’s calling. While it makes me a little uncomfortable hitting publish on this knowing many of my peers may see it, I have decided to step out today. I hope this can be an encouragement to someone.
Here are 3 things to avoid when responding:
1. Running Away
Initially a lot of us can have the reaction of “who me?”
Why does God have to send ME?
In the Bible, Jonah is someone who just wanted to run away from God’s calling. So much so, that God had to put him in the belly of a whale to keep him from running!
Jonah got angry at God’s calling. God says to Jonah in Jonah 4:4, “But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”
Although Jonah did not feel like doing Gods work, it wasn’t right for him to be upset at his calling.
We have to remember that everything we do is for God’s kingdom purpose not our own.
2. Comparing Our Calling
It can be so hard to not want to play the comparison game. We can look at other people’s callings and think they look more “glamorous” or “easier” than our own.
We have to remember that God has equipped each person with different skill sets and abilities. The church needs the youth leader, music director, janitor, children ministry director, head pastor and many other people!
Your role is as important as everyone else’s. In the Bible, Jonathan was the son of the first king of Israel. He should have been the second king of Israel. Instead God anointed David as the second king of Israel. Jonathan willingly supported David’s calling, even though he could have gotten jealous of him.
We have to support others and not compare ourselves to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
We are all working together for one cause, to bring glory to God.
3. Half Listening
In the Bible, King Saul half listened to God when he was told to not take any plunder after winning his battle. God sent him into battle and told him to destroy everything. This plan did not go with what King Saul wanted. He chose to follow his own ideas and kept some of the animals for himself. Unfortunately, by disobeying he did not get the full blessing of God and God was not pleased with King Saul.
We want to fully follow God’s plan.
When we half listen, we do not reap the reward we could’ve received if we had fully surrendered to his plan.
Beware of running away, comparing your calling and half listening.
We are all called to say “yes” to Jesus. Sometimes this requires us to let down our safety nets and say “here I am, send me.”
Embrace grace with joy,
ALEXIS