On Calling & Sending

The Christian’s walk is often referred to in the Bible as a journey or a race—something that requires endurance, patience, perseverance, training, & commitment. There is also a requirement of hard work.  However, we frequently misplace to whom the brunt of that hard work belongs. No, we are not to sit back on our haunches and let others take over or let God do it all Himself... He has given us the blessed gift of being a part of His divine plan—isn’t that the understatement of the century?  
 
We must remember that we are, indeed, on a journey—and what an incredible journey it is.  God hasn’t left us alone on this journey; He has given us the Holy Spirit as a guide and relationships with our brothers & sisters in the Body of Christ.  Let us not forget that we may be called to Christ, but then He sends us out to do the work that He has created us for and for us.  Many of the facets of our lives that we call a “calling” (or “vocation”—Latin root: vocare, “to call”) are actually areas where we are being “sent” to serve in the name of Christ, our Savior.  For example, our jobs.  We may say, “Teaching is my calling” or “Creating beautiful artwork...” or “Singing...” or “I am called to build homes” or “...design skyscrapers” but the truth is: Christ has called you by name unto Himself.  He is your calling.  Once you recognize that, you will learn to know and embrace the strength that comes from being sent by Christ to do the work He specifically designed you for and for you.

What you do does not define who you are or how valuable you are.  What you do is a response to whose you are.  Who has called you?  Who are you led to?  Who are you loving with all of your heart, mind, and strength—or is it better to ask, what are you loving with all of these things?  What is calling your heart on a daily basis?  Are you listening?  What does that which calls your heart lead you to do—where is it sending you?

If Christ is the one who calls your heart and you listen, you will be sent to people, places and jobs in ways you never could have imagined.  And while there will be trials and difficulties along the way, you will be restored and blessed—both now and even more so in eternity—by the One who supplies all your needs and strength to continue on the journey He has laid out for His beloved ones who love and serve Him. 

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”    (Romans 8:28)