The Calling

There are many times in life where I have heard God calling me to accomplish something. Not audibly, but I just knew that I knew that I knew that it was God. He called me into ministry. He called me to start a midweek program for the youth at our church. He called me to move and leave so many things that I loved, behind.

There have also been times in life where I haven’t heard God. Either He wasn’t speaking, or I wasn’t listening, but I heard nothing. A season just like that recently ended in my life and I have heard God again. What a refreshing voice to hear. It rejuvenated me and gave me vision and dreams again, and excited me for the future and what it holds.

It reminds me a bit of the disciples. They watched Jesus ascend into heaven with His parting words, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, but also in Judea and Samaria, and in the uttermost parts of the earth.” Jesus left them, speaking to them and giving them a vision to run with. I can imagine the 11 men sitting down and formulating a game plan, and dividing themselves into groups that went out. If they were anything like I am, they were ready to go right then and there. Sure it was an overwhelming task, and they may not have felt qualified to do it, but they had a direct assignment from God to accomplish!

I feel that way a bit. I have a direct assignment from God to accomplish, that is overwhelming and a bit scary, and I would love to start cracking on it today. But just before Jesus gave the disciples that assignment, He gave them another: wait. He was sending them a helper, and they needed to wait. And that is where I am. Waiting. Waiting for my Helper. Not only that, but I need to finish this assignment I am on first. But while I am doing that, I am planning and preparing for Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and beyond.

Don’t jump the gun. Don’t play the role of God. Finish one assignment before diving too deep into the next one. This assignment qualifies you for the next assignment.