Your Turn
As we conclude the lesson from March 17, the writer points this out -
Jesus also reveals the purposes of the Father in our maturity. As our faith increases, our relationship with God enlarges. As we grow to be more like Christ, our minds and hearts conform to God's purpose for our lives.
Consider this question: Are we more aligned with the Will of the Father when we are obedient or when we are rebellious?
Trusting God isn't merely about doing what you believe to be right; it's about following His personal guidance for you. Remember, if we gauge our goodness on our own beliefs, we would all think we're good enough for Heaven. But we know that this is WRONG! We are but filthy rags compared to Him!
Isaiah 64:6 NIV - All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
Doing Requires Knowing
To do God’s will means we must KNOW God’s will. How do we know? There are general guidelines like the Ten Commandments; warnings against things like witchcraft, gossip, drunkenness, etc. And then there's the PERSONAL leadership of God. What has God specifically called YOU to do?
So to DO God’s will means we must KNOW God’s will. How do we know? There are some general things, like the Ten Commandments, the things mentioned in the Sermon on the Mount, the things we are warned against like witchcraft, gossip, drunkenness, etc.
But then there is the PERSONAL leadership of God. Not only being ready to give a defense “if asked.” But what has God specifically called YOU to do?
Consider the spiritual gifts that ALL believers are given. This isn't just for some people; ALL have been given AT LEAST one gift. I plan to explore this in depth in the next post...
My Calling
Let me share specifics with you. There was a time when I received a specific calling from God. How did I hear that call? I asked! It might sound simple, but it's profound. Sometimes He hasn’t told us because we haven’t asked. Because we haven’t given Him the CHANCE to tell us.
I didn’t just say, “okay God, what would you have me do?” It was much deeper than that, and came from the heart. We were at a gospel singing with the Barnett Family and the invitation song was “Jesus Use Me.” The song mentions “surely there’s a work that I can do” and continues with “even though it’s humble, Lord help my will to crumble.” I realized that I had not prayed this prayer! I was already a Christian - already ‘following’ God - going to church - praying - etc. But I had never asked for a PERSONAL calling!
What did I expect? I didn’t know what to expect! I just laid my heart open and said, “You are Lord! You are my Master! You lead me where you want me to go!” I had never felt like I was supposed to be a missionary and go to a foreign land, but at that moment that I prayed that I knew that was a possibility - and I was ready to do it if that’s what He said to do!
That’s the bottom line! It doesn’t matter WHAT the calling is. What matters is that you give up your free will and ask what He wants you to do. Have you prayed Jesus Use Me? Did you ask Him what He wants YOU to do? Did you give Him multiple choice or leave it open ended?
Another Season
I am happy to tell you what my calling was, but again the point is not WHAT it was, but the fact that I turned it COMPLETELY and ONE HUNDRED PERCENT over to Him. I followed where He led until I felt just as strongly to call NOT to continue. It was a season of my life where I had a particular job for Him, then was called to another season.
Today, I feel that God is using me in yet another way. I feel led to share my thoughts and the words that He has laid on my heart. I do that through personal witnessing, evangelism, writing this blog and teaching in a class. I feel led to start a study and prayer group at work. Though I’m not sure how to go about it and haven’t actually started it yet, that’s on my list.
I also carry oil with me. I am ever ready to pray with or pray over someone. God has laid it on my heart to be a minister of prayer. I keep the anointing oil with me so I can anoint with oil, lay hands on for prayer, etc. I believe in healing, but even more so I believe in using it as a tool to help open someone else’s eyes to faith and the Gospel message!
Invitation
As you read this, I want to offer an invitation, just like we do at church. First of all, if you’re not saved - the Invitation is open! Simply recognize that you are a sinner and turn to Jesus! Believe that He died on the cross to pay the price of YOUR sins, just like He did for mine, and ask Him to forgive you! Repent of your sins - that means to turn away from them - and put your trust in JESUS CHRIST!
Now, if you are already saved but don’t know what your calling is, this part of the invitation is for you. Right now, wherever you are as you read this, talk to God. Tell Him you want to know what He wants you to do. Believe in your heart that God really does know best and that He has all knowledge and really does know more about your life than you do. Believe that whatever He tells you to do He will give you the strength to do it!
Now, one last thing - don’t give Him multiple choice answers. Don’t limit God. When Jesus died on the cross, He paid it ALL! He didn’t limit it - He didn’t pay for SOME sins but not others, so don’t give Him SOME of your life - give it ALL to Him! Trust Him - say these words FROM YOUR HEART!
Jesus - use me - I know that there’s something you want me to do. Even though I’ve humbled myself to You, I still have a will to do things my way. Help that to crumble. That wall I’ve built that prevents me from truly seeing and hearing what You are leading me to do - I want to tear it down! I want to give myself completely to YOU.
Now trust that whatever it is, He will give you the strength to do it! Please let me know that you’ve done this, as I would love to pray for you and WITH you! If you’re not where we can meet, we can talk or FaceTime or zoom - whatever is best for you!
Proud
I’m proud of you for being willing to do this… Grace to you!!!
So well said!