I got ahead of myself. It’s a personality trait.
After reviewing my notes, I realized once we’ve established that we are called, it’s important to know that God equips us for the job. That’s what we’ll look at today. Then tomorrow we’ll look at what “the call” looks like.
There was tale of an elderly woman in the church who had served the Lord for years. She was tired, worn out, and longed for heaven. But because there was still so much work to do, she feared that she would never die. Eventually, she did die. I guess God wanted His job back.
From the perspective of most, today’s mature Christian leader is much like this woman. She is head of Women’s ministry, teaches Sunday school, bible study, sings in the choir, is on the prayer team, cooks meals for the sick, and counsels the pastor on a regular basis. (smiles)
Somewhere between your calling and severing Him have you taken over, rushed ahead, and set your own agenda only to experience burn out? If so, you’re like many others who instead of relying on Gods resources began to depend on themselves. Yet, God never called you or me to work for Him, but to be His witnesses—not by our strength, but by the power of the Holy Spirit.
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8).
The call of God into service is unlike any other job. You and I could be a leader in any other profession through learned skills and techniques. However, the call to ministry is different. It cannot be done by just anyone. It is only accomplished through God’s super natural power and presence.
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have abundance for every good work (2 Cor. 9:8).
The Lord didn’t call you and then leave you alone. No, He is more than enough to fulfill your calling. He is all-sufficient. He enables you with His presence, provision and promises. A leader must believe this by faith and then trust God to provide all they need. The leader who has absolute faith and trust in God will not carry the burden alone, but will know that God is there pulling along side of them. Otherwise, if we do it alone we are refusing His grace.
And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain (2 Cor 6:1).
God has equipped you, my sister, to accomplish every good work. He has equipped you by making available to you every promise. He has separated you unto Himself and given you everything you need to live a godly life. This is crucial because your call and provision affects others who are watching. Not only is God bringing you into fullness of life, but those whom you minister, and your family, friends, and neighbors as well.
However, His promises and provisions are only knowledge of what God can do and desires to do for you unless you walk in them. When you rely on His promises for provision, then your spirit will shout, “Amen,” in agreement to all He has promised because you have experienced them to be true.
As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, escaping the corruption of the world through lust (2 Peter 1: 3,4).
To the one who lives a holy, separated life before Him, and relies upon all His resources, is the one that God can accomplish much through. Protect your relationship with Him, in which your call came, depend on His power and presence to enable you to serve, and you will walk in a manner worthy of your calling.
Pondering Thoughts for Growth:
1.) Have you been depending on yourself, setting your own agenda, and working by your own effort in order to serve Him? If so, what needs to change?
2.) Are you relying on God presence, provisions, and promises to fulfill your calling? How?
3.) Are you walking worthy of your calling by living a holy life style before others? Explain
Lord, Thank you for choosing and calling me to serve you. Help me to rely solely on your power and presence in my life to accomplish your kingdom tasks, in Jesus Name, a-men.
Cris Nole says
Awsome Blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
elaine @ peace for the journey says
Micca:
In particular, I’ve needed to rely on God for my writing lately. I rarely suffer from a lack of something to write about, but to write with purpose and for God, requires a deeper dependency. I can tell the days when it doesn’t just flow. Summer has been particularly difficult for me. However, I am learning to go to Him and to his Word prior to putting one thought on paper.
He is always so faithful to move on my behalf.
This is good stuff, Micca. Can’t wait until the next post!
peace~elaine
Dana says
mommy23Micca:
I am so thankful that God has allowd me to become your “pupil” so to say. I am 100% positive that hearing you @ She Speaks is exactly why God sent me there. I have been “speaking” in some fashion for most of my adult life whether it be job related or family related. Since my early 30’s God has steadily been revealing to me my “calling”. I know I have been called to witness for him. My audience is a variance of ages and genders…God is not a discriminator of persons – lol! I just wanted the opportunity to say Thank You. These last several blogs have really helped me examine exactly how to proceed…not making it about me…but making if from HIM! I look forward to each blog b/c I am sure I will grow and learn each time I read on…write on sister…This audience of one has been sent to read it!!
Dana says
Sorry about the Mommy23 thing – It must’ve been a typo I missed!
Tonya says
Micca:
Thank you for the your last 2 blogs. They are exactly what I needed to hear. I’ve been praying since She Speaks that God would reveal his plan for me in regard to my calling (was I really called; am I “hearing” things.) 2 good friends of mine at church keep telling me to email my pastor about my calling. I’ve not done it; I’ve been praying that the Holy Spirit would reveal to me when I should. This very morning I prayed for God to give me a fleece to know when to contact my pastor. I think your blog is my fleece!!! I’m crying right now.
Thank you for your openness and honesty. I was not in your speaker group, but I felt an instant connection to you when you spoke. Maybe it is the Southern thing; maybe it is a God thing, but I truly appreicate your words of wisdom.
Now, I have to tell my 2 friends about this!
God Bless,
Tonya
Sharon Sloan - Joy In The Truth says
Hi, Micca….
I must say, you have really got me thinking…and praying…and listening for His voice! Thank you!
Sharon 🙂
Angela @ Refresh My Soul Blog says
Again, good stuff girl!
much love,
Angela
Bonita says
I’ve found recently that walking in my calling makes me want to know the Lord in a deeper way. I’m facing so many new things and they can be overwhelming at times and I’m keenly aware of my total dependence on Him. It makes me want to spend more time in Bible Study, prayer, and just getting to know my Jesus because I know that the better I know Him personally the more I have both the wisdom and power to share Him with others.