Anchored... To His Calling

DEVOTIONAL

I think it is important for us to realize that God always calls us from the place where we are. Sounds like a simple concept, however, how many times do we say to ourselves, “God would never ask me to do that, I am not qualified, I’m not ready,” or “Someone else is a better choice”?

Consider Moses: In Exodus chapter 3, we find him hiding in the desert, watching sheep, running from his past. Then God showed up and called him to greatness. How about Esther? She was a pretty girl, a subject under Persian law. Dare I say, not looking to be a hero? Then God came on the scene and called her to greatness. What about David? Youngest son, just a shepherd doing what nobody else wanted to do... Then God…. Greatness!

We are familiar with these stories and these champions of the Bible, yet it may seem a little difficult to relate to them. I mean, the things that God did through them are amazing and miraculous. You might even be thinking, “Well, if God speaks to me in a burning bush… or if the fate of my family was in the balance… or if the prophet calls me out of my work and anoints me… then I would.” Obviously, these were pivotal moments in each of their lives; defining moments that God said, “Here it is, do this.” What if they said no? We have the power to choose, right? What if they said, “I don’t think God is talking to me; I am going back to what I was doing.” The answer is, God would have called someone else, but the powerful thing is, he or she were each God’s choice for the task.

You may not have a burning bush experience, but recognize that God has strategically placed you and has unique callings in your life that He entrusted to you--you are His choice. I think we can get caught up in looking for those moments and miss the opportunities that God has called us to.

The relationships that you have with those around you are a big part of your calling. In marriage, we are called to love, prefer, and honor the other. As parents, we must instruct and teach our children, introduce them to God, and lead by example. We are to be a light unto a darken world, to share the gospel, and make disciples of all people. The burning bush just happened; God is calling you to greatness right where you are. Through your obedience--not your ability--God will impact people; you are God’s choice.

CALL TO ACTION

Write down those specific and unique callings that God has chosen you for.  Put them in a place that you can see them regularly.   Thank God and ask Him to show you how to answer those calls. Be obedient to His direction.

SCRIPTURE

“10 ‘So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.’ 11 But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ 12 And God said, ‘I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.’” — Exodus 3:10-12 (NIV)

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” — Esther 4:14 (NIV)

“11 So he asked Jesse, ‘Are these all the sons you have?’ ‘There is still the youngest,’ Jesse answered. ‘He is tending the sheep.’ Samuel said, ‘Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.’ 12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, ‘Rise and anoint him; this is the one.’ 13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.” — 1 Samuel 16:11-13 (NIV)

“in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:6 (NIV)

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” — Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)