Called By God - What Instrument Do You Play?

"Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" - 2 Timothy 1:8-10

"There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—  one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift." - Ephesians 4:4-7

I was talking to someone yesterday about people he knew who felt called by God - not their general calling to salvation - but to their specific place in the Body of Christ. About a stirring in their inner being that there was something specific for them to do, something more. Not all are called to be pastors or missionaries or to be in what is known as full time ministry, which is not meant to imply that being a Christian and a witness to the world as salt and light is not a full-time responsibility. 

Not everyone is called to leave their life behind. But we have all been called to fill our place in the body of Christ. The question for each of us is - what is my place - what is my role. I know, in my case, I felt a stirring soon after I was born again - like there was something more, but it was not clear to me what it was the God had purposed for my life as His child. I just knew there was something. Something more! Something that I could not see clearly. It is like being asked, as a child "What do you want to be when you grow up?"  You don't have a clue but you do have a child's imagination.  Perhaps you have felt that tug at your heart, perhaps not. For some, their Christian life is enough being planted right where you are, living out the Christian life in the context of family, friends, and vocation. It is a perfect fit for you - God's purpose for you. 

Circling back to my conversation, I asked if he was familiar with the book, "The Purpose Driven Life". In it, Rick Warren uses the acrostic "SHAPE" to describe how God shapes us for His purposes. Spiritual gifts, Heart or passion, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. Mine are not the same as yours. The mix is unique to every Believer, and yet, God brings all of that together in perfect harmony as the Conductor of a magnificent symphony orchestra. God not only calls us- but He prepares us for our part in His production. That stirring we feel is His call to get out our sheet music, take our place, and join in the song of new life.

I then referred my friend to Henry Blackaby's Experiencing God. What he calls Spiritual Realities 3, 4 and 5. God invites us to join Him in His work, God speaks by His Spirit through the Word, prayer, circumstances and other Believers, and that leads to a Crisis of Belief where we must exercise faith in responding to what He has said. That is a lot to take in - but it is part and parcel to this new life we live. Daily life can drown out His voice and quell the stirring in our heart, so we must be disciplined and deliberate in our pursuit of God and our relationship with Him. It is not enough to know - we must be willing to go. To step out in response to what we know the Lord has said. 

Sometimes we need to be encouraged to go beyond ourselves. We all need to be encouraged from time to time. Hmmm, perhaps I have written too much so I will close with this. In the CS Lewis book, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Susan asks Mr. Beaver, "Is Aslan (the lion) safe?" To which Mr. Beaver replies, "Oh no! He is not safe, but He is good!" The life you and I have been called to is not without its perils, but if God is for us, then who can be against us! Yield your heart fully to God. Take your seat, pick up your instrument and join in with the holy orchestra.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone