Your
Calling
What's God's Calling on Your Life?
So
what have I been called to do?
The
thing to realise is that we've all been called to live
godly lives and that can be tough - a lifetimes work in itself.
You
could say that's all we need to know, but this ignors the desires
that push and pull us in every direction imaginable. Not
surprisingly many people want to do the glamorous things in life
-it's natural. But don't
be seduced by media glamour - God
probably has more useful plans. Push
doors but take each day at a time. God
will give you things as you can handle them. Remember - small
steps done well achieve better results. There are no short cuts
to the top (despite current wisdom) and what appears a shortcut
may actually be a side or even a backwards step.
how
do I know if I'm in line with God's calling?
For certain you will have a nagging disquiet
if you're not in line with God. It happens to everybody so don't
worry if you're having trouble with it. You don't have to be perfect
to be used by God. Just stay open. Another thing to remember is
God says his yolk is light - in other words if you're excessively
stressed -you may be off course. Search your heart, check your
motives and
chose a path that suits your character and gifting for the right
reasons. Whatever you do, do it the best you can.
What's
gifting then?
We
all like to label ourselves with some romantic titles - painter,
musician or businessman! But what
would you call youself if there were no paintbrushes instruments
or businesses? It's not what you do that defines who you are -
you're not actually a painter or
business man, you're you. The
gift is the particular way your brain's wired not what you do
with it - and we're all wired differently and capable of different
things sometimes overlapping in abilities. Michelangelo
said "you paint with your brains not your hands".
But then what did he know!
Unfolding
the rosebud - a poem
A young, new preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned
preacher in the garden one day and feeling a bit insecure about
what God wanted him to do, he was inquiring of the older preacher.
The older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young
preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off
any petals. The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older
preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud had to do
with his wanting to know the WILL OF GOD for his life and ministry.
But, because of his high respect for the older preacher, he proceeded
to TRY to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact. It
wasn't long before he realized it was impossible to do so. Noticing
the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud while keeping
it intact, the older preacher began to recite the a poem...
"It is only a tiny rosebud, A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals With these clumsy hands of mine.
The secret of unfolding flowers Is not known to such as I. GOD
opens this flower so sweetly, When in my hands they fade and die.
If I cannot unfold a rosebud, This flower of God's design, Then
how can I think I have wisdom To unfold this life of mine? So
I'll trust in Him for His leading Each moment of every day. I
will look to him for His guidance Each step of the pilgrim way.
The pathway that lies before me, Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments, Just as He unfolds the rose.
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2003 |
