Last week as I thought about all of my roles, I started to feel a bit overwhelmed. Especially as I looked at my to do list for the rest of August, September and October. As I have been facilitating a book about “Balance” for our Bible study, I wondered how on earth I was going to balance it all. I felt ill-equipped and unsure of myself.
But then, I remembered the call to each of these roles. I know with out a shadow of doubt in my mind that God called me to each of these ministries.
He gave me my wonderful husband and precious children. To be a wife and mom is a high calling indeed! He knew I was the right wife and mom for them...and no other can fill that role like I can. I take this role seriously because I know God does too. No other ministry tops this one in importance!
Recently I shared here about how the Lord clearly called me to be on the leadership team for Rise & Shine Women's Retreat. What an honor to be on this team for a third year!
A while back I felt Him prompting my heart to start a new women's Bible study. I have seen confirmation after confirmation that it was the right choice and am incredibly thankful.
Then, about a month ago, I again felt the lord pricking my heart to step up to the role of coordinator for our local MOPS group. A role I said “no” to at first. I thought I was too busy and had too much on my plate, but as I read “Experiencing God” by Henry Blackaby, I felt the Lord stirring my heart that I had said “no” too quickly and that He wanted me to join Him in His activity there. Funny, I was praying that leadership for MOPS would rise up to fill the call. He answered my prayer...just not the way I expected! I stepped into the role and gave up teaching Sunday school for a while.
STILL, I wondered if all of this was too much! Why did God call me (little ol' me) to fill all of these roles? Did I hear Him right? Could I handle it all?
Then, I read this, “When Jesus asks us to get involved (calls us), He already knows how He will accomplish His work through us. What we need is faith and vision – the ability to see that God wants us to be His instruments, and the He will supply what we need.” Randy Kilgore
Then, this, “Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your cause like the noonday sun.” Psalm 37:3-6
Then, I read this, “Jesus stressed a daily reliance on the Father, who provides for His children day by day...As the Israelites wandered in the desert, they had no way to get food. Miraculously, God provided manna that appeared on the ground each morning. God's provision was sufficient for one day at a time...God wants us to trust Him...it keeps our relationship with the Lord in its proper perspective as He reminds us daily of our dependence upon Him.” Henry Blackaby
THEN, (only one more!!) I remembered hearing Renee Swope speak these words at Rise & Shine Women's Retreat '09, “God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called.”
I am CALLED and, therefore, I am equipped! The truth is: I can't do it, not on my own! But, through Christ's strength and the Holy Spirit dwelling within me, I (along with others) can accomplish His will. As I submit myself to Him, He will give me what I need from day to day, reminding me of my utter dependence and constant reliance on Him. If I will trust Him and commit all that I do to Him, I will see a righteous reward...spiritual fruit. Thank you for that promise, Lord!
The same is true for you, my friend! Each of us are called to fill certain roles in this life. Although we DO have to be careful about overcommiting ourselves, we also have to be open to what He has for us. What is God calling you to? Are you willing to join Him in His activity? If you don't know where He is leading you, ask Him. Then, be prepared to follow. Do you feel ill-equipped? Get in His Word and spend time in prayer. Remember He will equip the called...and go forward in faith!
One more Henry Blackaby quote, “God is looking for absolute surrender. We must have a willing heart to do whatever He asks, and then trust Him to enable us to do it...He loves us enough to involve us in His work, and He refuses to leave us where we are when He knows we could be experiencing much more of Him...” SOOOO TRUE!! Looking forward to experiencing more of Him, how about you?!
So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of His call. May He give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.
II Thessalonians 1:11
AMEN!
