Identifying some of the
characteristics of a divine calling
When
God calls, He is more likely to speak first to a person rather than a committee
(Nehemiah 2:12).
When
God calls, it is not invariable that He has to speak to us with “thunder and lightning”
(Acts 9:3, 1 Kings 19:12). The Chief Shepherd often speaks through a ‘still
small voice’ to the sheep in His flock with ears sensitive enough to heed His
call (John 10:27).
When
God calls, He often lays a burden in our hearts which gets progressively discharged
as we work out His will for our lives (Nehemiah 2:2, Jeremiah 20:8-9).
When
God calls, He opens the doors of opportunity and supplies all the provisions
needed to complete the task (Nehemiah 2:7-8).
When
God calls, He gives us a vision of a need (Nehemiah 1:3-4) and how we fit into
a strategy to meet that need, joining hands with others of like mind (Nehemiah
4: 6, 21-23).
However,
a need does not necessarily constitute a call; where our gifting lies also
matters.
When
God calls, He often uses our intrinsic gifts and talents as well as our
educational background and professional training (Philippians 3:4-6).
When
God calls, He gives us a personal rhema word which is later confirmed
by a prophecy (Amos 3:7), word of knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8) or wise
counsel from godly men (Proverbs 15:22).
“Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing
without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7).
When
God calls, He empowers us to do what we could never possibly accomplish through
our own strength and wisdom (Ephesians 3:20).
When
God calls, He does not expect perfection (Philippians 3:12). But He expects us
to be His co-workers (Philippians 2:12-13), eyes fixed on the pioneer and
perfecter of our faith, Jesus, (Hebrews 12:2), and constantly striving for
excellence (Philippians 3:13-14).
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PLANS AND PURPOSES
Is
it possible to know God’s calling for our lives?
IDENTITY CRISIS
Unless
we are clear in our minds about our identity in God’s eyes and are committed to
living it out, we will not be fulfilled in life.
THE POWER OF VISION
By
embracing a God-inspired vision, we can live purposefully—by design and not by
default.
THE MARKS OF A LEADER
Leadership
lessons gleaned from Nehemiah’s life—the six S’s
RUNNING AFTER PROPHECY
When
prophets are treated like psychics and soothsayers, offering instant solutions
on guidance, then something is seriously wrong with our faith.
When God called me I had no idea what he wanted me to do. Now that the waiting period is over 20 years later and with many tribulations to boot I realize he also uses my story and growth to pioneer a work for the wounded.
ReplyDeletePraise God that you are able to respond positively to the trials in your life and seize the opportunity to minister to others.
ReplyDeletePlease do not misunderstand that, just because God calls individuals to a task, a believer should work in isolation from others. God called Nehemiah as an individual but later he was moved to galvanize a team of workers to begin reconstruction of the city walls which was in ruins.
ReplyDelete