Saturday, April 18, 2009

Called

I was called by God.

I've told that to many people over the years since it happened.

Usually I am asked what I was called to do. Or sometimes someone will ask why I am not obeying my calling. I understand the sentiment, too, because they mean why am I not a pastor or a missionary or something similarly vocational.

When it happened I thought only of vocational ministry. But the Lord made it abundantly clear that vocational ministry was not what He had in mind. He told me outright in fact. But it was a desire that lingered within me for a very long while. Just before I came to live with mom and dad I had applied to attend a seminary with the idea of pursuing a chaplain job. The seminary rejected my application. At the time it made me feel pretty rejected.

I am not proud of my obstinacy. But I think it does indicate how much we associate God's calling with vocational ministry.

Sometimes people ask about the circumstance of my calling. It was a dream. I think it was anyway. I am pretty sure I was asleep. I was like a tiny baby cradled in huge arms. I was being comforted. There was to be suffering in my future. But the comforting I was receiving would be sufficient for my perseverance.

"But where in that dream were you called?"

I don't know but that was when and how it happened.

"So you think you were called in a dream about comfort and you don't know what you were called to do?"

When I write it out that way it does sound pretty crazy.

I know what I was called to do. I was called to serve.

The circumstances of my life thus far have provided ample opportunities for me to serve the Lord in all sorts of ways. Those are the ones I know. There are probably many I do not know. There may have been times when I served and did not know it. There were definitely many times I should have done something and did not.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men
Col 3:23 NIV.
One might say that verse applies to all believers. I do not disagree either. My calling is only special to me.

I don't claim for myself anything special.

I could be the poster child for "being saved by grace" because there was surely nothing about me that deserved anything.

I have no super powers for certain. But I have found that I have been prepared for whatever I've needed to do when I needed to do it.

God's grace is sufficient.

5 comments:

Katmir said...

ohh- you're definitely serving! it may not be traditional.... but honestly, that is what makes your call to service special and-- very important.

keep doing what you're doing!

susie mccoll said...

Isaiah 40:11 "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young."

I have struggled with wondering what my calling is. Sometimes I think I should be doing so much more for the kingdom of God. But, then, God reminds me that my most important job is raising my four kiddos to love God and know His Word. However, sometimes I'm quite sure I'm failing at that, also!

arutherford said...

I too have been called by God and what an honor and privilege.

You, Terry, have established a huge ministry through your blog, your service to your parents, and to everyone you come in contact with.

We don't need labels to serve God, just a willing heart.

Abundant Blessings to you, my friend.

Lori1955 said...

It is such a humbling experience to be called for His purpose, whatever that may be. I wonder how many have been called though and have not heard.

You are a good servant of our Lord, Terry. I don't think you even know how much your blog has helped others.

Staci said...

That is a beautiful post.