CALLED AND APPOINTED
14th Mar 2018
I grew up in an era when commitment to follow Christ was costly. I was called to face the cost of obedience, especially when that challenged my own desire and plans. There were role models who had left fame and fortune and risked all to do what they believed was a higher call on their lives. They all shared the deep conviction that they were doing what Jesus had asked of them and were prepared to stick at it until the task was completed.
Jesus said, “If any man would come after me let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) Aware of the call on His own life given to Him by the Father he said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:34)
What is the call on my life? I am conscious that if I aim at nothing I will accomplish nothing! So I am constantly asking, what should I be doing in this season of life? Jesus sent out the 70 disciples with specific instructions and they were to report back once the task had been accomplished. (Luke 10:17-20)
I personally believe that as a friend and follower of the Lord Jesus I should be aware of His specific call on my time and resources, my whole being to be ready for His command. I want to be focussed, not just filling time, but living with purpose every day. Walking and working in harmony with the Holy Spirit, aware of His promptings, using His resources and seeing Him in action wherever I carry Him. (See John 15:16)
My life so far has been full of excitement as well as mundane activities. I see some of my contemporaries seemingly waiting to go to heaven, and some of the younger generation with little challenge to live for anything other than pleasure, also stressed and working so hard that there seems no focus on a higher call.
Will you pray for yourself to be conscious you have been called to be engaged in God initiated, God resourced work - whatever it looks like?
If you have lost the way, are fatigued and without purpose, go back to Jesus, report back and start over with a fresh vision that gives clear focus to life.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
