Friday, November 1, 2013

Are You Being Called?

As a mature Christian, the term "called" is a very familiar term to us. What has God put on your heart to do? One of the things that God has placed on my heart to do, is to get back to writing my blog.

Yes, it has been a VERY long time since i've written anything. And i have tried to turn a deaf ear to God's nagging about this. You know...when you ignore God's calling, He only calls louder & more consistently  until you can't ignore it. Have you ever had something like that happen? Something that gnaws at you, that you can't shake, no matter how hard you try? Well, you better start listening when that happens, because that is God speaking.

So, what's been nagging at you? Maybe you're feeling a bit guilty because you don't go to church regularly. Or maybe you do, but there's a volunteer position that you haven't stepped forward to do. Perhaps there's a shut in that you think of often, but just don't seem to find the time to stop by for a half hour visit...or more. Or maybe there's someone that you could invite to church, but you don't know how to ask.

We are all guilty of this. I've already admitted that i am. So, why don't we heed God's call? For some, it's procrastination. That's my biggest struggle. For others, it's fear. Like Moses, we don't understand why God chooses. us. We feel that we're not worthy. Well...that is correct. Non of us are worthy. But remember, God doesn't call the anointed; He anoints the called. The God who calls us, equips us.

"Moses said to the Lord, 'O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech & tongue.'
     "The Lord said to him, 'Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go: I will help you speak & will teach you what to say.' "
Exodus 4:10-12 (NIV)

We never need to be fearful or anxious. Fear & anxiety are symptoms of doubt. That often means that our focus is on our self, instead of God. But when we trust God to do what we can't, it takes the burden off us & places it on Him. By giving it to God & allowing Him control, He will use you to achieve the potential that He sees in you.

And when that happens...look out! God wants you to be confident in, & certain of His plan & purpose for your life. Whether you're called to serve with in your church, your community, or as an active worshiper with your church family, there is no need to fear. You can be confident that God will provide all that you need.

"God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

If you don't know your purpose, ask God to show you which path to take for His purpose for you. And if you sense that He is guiding you in a certain direction, especially an unfamiliar direction, then be thankful. You've got the best tour guide for a new adventure.

"The One who calls you is faithful & He will do it."
1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NIV)