“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises….” —2 Peter 1:3-4a
God spoke to me this morning.
Through a Bible study DVD (“The Armor of God”) and speaker, Priscilla Shirer. She was talking about Jesus and the fishermen and how Jesus told them to go into deeper water and cast their nets for fish, despite the fact it was the wrong time of day for fishing and fish were caught in shallow water, not deep. Despite this going against Simon’s experience as a fisherman, he obeyed, stepped out in faith, and they were rewarded with a massive catch of fish that almost sunk the boat.
Priscilla went on to challenge us to step out in faith, do the thing that God is calling us to do. She began listing off scenarios, such as leaving a lucrative job for a lower-paying one, making amends with someone, serving an organization, helping a child, etc…, but when she got to “write that blog God has asked you to write”, my pulse quickened. Tears sprung to my eyes. I felt like God was talking directly to me. Gently. But with conviction.
We all get busy in life. There are times we forget what God called us to. I know God called me to write this blog in February, and I am humbled and thankful to all who read it. I am humbled that God gives me the words to say, when so often I sit at my computer with a blank screen. My last months have brought medical challenges, aging parents, college choices, and a host of other things. Sometimes listening to the voice of God gets overshadowed by worries, challenges, distractions, and prayer requests. Sometimes it’s hard to step out in faith due to fear of failure, insecurity, worry, or just plain “hard-headedness”.
As I “renew” my call, so to speak (or maybe it’s renewing my obedience to what God wants), I am reminded that we all need a gentle nudge. Not a pointing, accusing finger, but a gentle reminder that we are indeed called to do something for God’s kingdom. It may be something small or something large, but everyone has the power to transform this world with God’s love.
Pricilla gave me a gentle reminder, so I invite you to also think where God is nudging you to “renew” your calling. What has He called you to do? Where is He calling you to step out in faith? If you have gotten distracted, know He gives a gentle reminder to get back on track. A loving, kind, seeking, reminder. That nudge may come through the Scriptures, a friend, an opportunity, a nagging on your heart, or a DVD. Listen to it, don’t let it go. Ease back into where you should be, and look for the blessings to follow!
Prayer–“Gracious God, sometimes I get side-tracked and forget what you have called me to. Renew the passion in my heart to live out the calling you have given me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
Prayer For All Days 