God's Calling

Have you ever felt God's calling? He doesn't always speak the same to me each time, but I know it's Him. When I was 11 years old, God called me to Him, wanting me to believe in the saving power of His son Jesus' death. I understood the message the preacher was giving, "Come and believe Jesus died for you." I realized the sins in my life. I understood that I had done wrong and needed a Savior to pull me out of my sin. As I sat in the church pew next to my mother, I knew God was calling me forward during the invitation. He wanted me to step out into the aisle, walk down to the carpet covered pew before the pulpit, kneel down and pray for forgiveness. Tears flooded my eyes as soon as I stepped out. He called me to Him that day, and I went.

I sit in this hot, air-conditionerless room, typing these words, and I feel a different kind of calling. Not one to kneel down, but one to stand up and use the talents He's given me. As believers we are all called to serve God in some way, whether to preach, to teach, to pray, or to clean the church kitchen after Sunday afternoon potlucks. He has given us all gifts. It says so in his word. We don't all have the same gifts. That is why we are called a body of believers. Some function as the hands, some as the feet, some as the mouth. Together, not alone, God has given us the abilities to accomplish His will.

God has called me to write in some fashion or another, maybe through this blog, maybe through a church newsletter, or maybe through writing books. But, I've been having a hard time believing this calling. Why? Because I have a tendency to seek other's approval. And why would God use someone who has a tendency to seek her own glory through others? Maybe that's what God is working on now. He's showing me He will ultimately accomplish His will, and He will change me to become more like Jesus. He will help me to put this selfish need aside and show me that the only approval I need is His. He created me, and He will be glorified.

God, if this is truly my calling then help me to prepare. I'm waiting on You.