As believers, we have been given gifts of the Holy Spirit to be used to edify and strengthen the church. But many times, we are tempted to compare our gifts to others or to want to make our calling all about us. God, however, called us to obedience. He wants us to trust Him as we faithfully steward the gifts He’s given us and follow where He is leading us in life.
Everything that we are or that we do as God’s children should be for His glory. It should honor His name, especially when He has called us to serve in His body.
God may call you to go to a place or step into a situation that may be scary or uncomfortable. You may want to stick to what is familiar and known. But God can be trusted in these moments. There’s blessing that comes from being obedient to God’s calling. We see this throughout Scripture.
When God encountered Abraham in Genesis 12, He made a very profound statement to Him. A promise actually. Let’s read it.
“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go out from your country, your relatives, and your father’s household to the land that I will show you. Then I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you, and I will make your name great, so that you will exemplify divine blessing.’”
– Genesis 12:1-3
A lot of times, people will focus on the blessing piece of this Scripture, and they miss out on the incredible call of obedience Abraham was given by God.
God called Abraham to and for Himself. He gave Him instructions to carry out. Yes, Abraham’s family would be great and would be known throughout the world. But it wasn’t Abraham who would be the one to deserve all the praise and glory. It was God.
God was the one who was calling Abraham to a life of great purpose. Abraham’s job was to simply obey. God essentially said, “Abraham, as long as you follow me and live in obedience, it is I who will make your name great. It is I who will exalt you. You won’t have to look or seek anything, I will deliver to you all that you need.”
The same is true for us today. When we trust in Jesus for our salvation, we are brought into a great calling for our lives. But in our world today, some have forgotten obedience. Some have forgotten that all we have, that position, anointing, speaking gift, ability to lead, or ability to serve was made possible by God. He gave you that ability not for yourself but to use it for His people. It is for His glory.
We see another beautiful example in Jesus.
Though Jesus is God, He chose to lay down His glory for a while so that the ancient promise in Genesis 3:15 of salvation might be fulfilled. We see throughout the Gospels how His mission was to serve God’s people and ultimately die for them, restoring them back to the Father.
He always pointed back to the Father. “What I do, is what I see my Father doing” (John 5:19).
He ascribed all to the Father.
His calling was to die. But it wasn’t king to be just any death. It was a death that would restore humanity back to God.
His calling was for the glory of God. He didn’t bat an eye. He served with everything He had.
Today, I challenge you, dear friend, what is that thing God has put into your hands to do?
There are moments when we question or doubt what God has asked us to do. I know I have because it isn’t as grand as that of our neighbor. But the thing is, God has a purpose for us all. Each individual’s role is meant to work together for the good of the whole body.
What God has placed in your hands or asked you to do is important. I am here today to encourage you to do it with the whole of your heart for His glory.
My prayer is that God opens your eyes to what and where He has called you to. May He give your hands and heart the strength it needs to do the work. May He also in mercy surround you with people who will encourage, strengthen, and cheer you on as you complete the calling on your life. In Jesus name. Amen.
Shalom, Shalom
