Such an interesting question. No harm in the asking, no malice intended, but my answer seems so sad and lame to my own ears. We don’t seem to be doing much of anything right now, or at least that is how it feels many times.
Then this morning I received a copy of the Pentecostal Evangel featuring Dr. Beth Grant. Across the front of the magazine are written the words, “Many Roles, One Call.” As I read Dr. Grant’s story, I felt the Holy Spirit’s gentle whisper asking, “What did I call you to do?” I stopped and pondered that for a moment. Being a pastor for the last nine years, my calling has been wrapped up in my occupation and vocation. So being unemployed right now, my calling must be put on hold too, right?
But God’s callings are irrevocable, correct? (Rom. 11:29) So where does that leave me, and others in my present situation?
Several years ago, God asked me to read and study Isaiah 61:1-3—really study it. At the time, I thought it was to describe the feeding ministry at our church. But as time went on, I realized this was the calling for Mark and me, not necessarily our church at large.
As the years have gone on, this passage has become more and more dear to me. “God has anointed me to preach….” What a concept! The Maker of the universe anointed ME, simple me, to preach, to speak, to lead!
So right now I lead from my pew, my computer, or my phone. I preach through my blog, my emails, my conversation, my smile, my hugs, my touch. Right now my platform has been removed in the way I was used to, but my platform will never be gone.
Just today I read this additional verse: “I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills His purpose for me.” Even in this time when I seem to be jobless, I am not purposeless! I’m still anointed! I still have purpose!
How about you? Are you feeling like your calling has become vague or even misplaced? Don’t despair—you too have purpose! You are not forgotten and neglected by God. What can you do to live your calling, your anointing, your purpose out loud?
My role is definitely changing, but my calling hasn’t changed. Many roles, one call.
In pursuit of zoe,
Good word!!
ReplyDeleteGreat Word of encouragement to each of us!! We each need to remember that we each have a platform & God expects each of us to be His representative to a lost & dying world. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteWell my friend I have known for a very long time that you needed time to re-group and then you would begin to look for ways to reach others. We trust that God was well aware that this season was coming and He was preparing you for it. Just as He prepared you to start a new journey He is preparing your heart for a new ministry. Day 3, book two, Sandy Phinazee, Habakkuk 2: 3 “…slowly, steadily, surely the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently , for it will surely take place, it will not be delayed. Sandy said, “ …make yourselves ready for the out pouring of My Holy Spirit. I am going to pour out My Spirit in an unprecedented way.
ReplyDeleteI do not have a clue as to how or when but the anticipation is building. Pastor Mark said many a time when we lift up our head and realize we have made it through the valley we can then focus on the new goal and begin to climb back up the other side. Why we always have to go through those valleys I have no idea. Most likely it is to bring our full focus back on Him.
When life is coasting along we are not fully focused on our Lord. When He has something for us to do we have to spend a great deal of time in preparation. That usually means one of those valleys is where we will be. I pray that we will climb the other side soon.
Love and Prayers, Miss Gayle