Sunday, June 28, 2009

Aren't you going to answer that?



God's on the Phone and He's Asking For You.

...and has saved us and called us according to His holy calling, and not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. 1Tim. 1:9a

When the phone rings what do you do? Do you let it ring and ring and ring or do you answer it? Hopefully you answer it. Hearing a constant ringing can be extremely annoying. And trying to live and move around your home with a ringing phone in the background is almost impossible. Ridiculous even.

What about God? Has He ever called you? No, not on the telephone. But the example is the same. Has He asked you to do something for Him? Has He gently tapped on your shoulder trying to get your attention, all the while you ignored Him?

Once you finally answer Him, you realize there are reasons you have been uniquely made. There are gifts you have been given only you can do in the way you can do them. It's only a matter of time before He calls you to use your gifts and talents for Him.

Your calling is many times something you already love to do. For some, it is a passion deep inside, a gifting of your DNA. For me, my greatest calling is to be a wife to my husband and a mother to my four children.

Most recently, my calling has been to write for Him. And thankfully He doesn't expect me to be an Erma Bombeck or a Charlotte Bronte. He expects me to be Joanne at Blessed..., a woman who has been asked to use the little talent she has for His glory. I have not been called to be them. I have been called to be me. I don't have to be the best, I only have to be obedient to His calling. And when the job seems overwhelming, it is His strength that carries me through.

So, how do you know your calling? Goodness, that's a tough one. God can use many ways to get His point across to you. In my case I knew I had been called to write because:

* No matter where I am or what I'm doing I see things in words.

* The young mom at a coffee house trying to scold her poorly behaving toddler is soon a blog post or an article about coffee house spankings.

* Waking in the middle of the night to use the bathroom I am putting together sentences in my head.

* If I don't write I will burst.

* And most importantly, God has given me scriptures of confirmation.

So, how about you? What have you been called to do for Him? What gentle nudging have you pushed aside to avoid the scary thought of stepping out in faith? What is it you love to do, but don't feel good enough or smart enough, or talented enough to do for Him? Is pride holding you back from looking foolish? Remember, God says in His word, “Anyone who trusts in Him will not be ashamed.” Romans 10:11


Do you hear what I hear? Aren't you going to answer that?





13 comments:

Denise said...

Amen, when God calls, we need to answer sweetie.

Barbara said...

What a great post...I think we are on the same wavelength today..as my post goes hand in hand...its about the calling on our lives...when the voice of God speaks to us.

I love how you posted how you knew that writing was yours....and God certainly confirms it in the words you write...they are anointed.

Thanks for sharing....

Anonymous said...

Oh that is such a great post!! I love that! God called me back to school to be a teacher and He confirms it every day for me!! Not that He needs to confirm it because He doesn't, but through other people and myself I know I am on the path for Him!!

Melanie said...

Thanks, Joanne, for such a great reminder to listen and to follow!

Marsha said...

I totally understand what you are saying! He has impressed it within me to write for Him that I see something to write about everywhere I look. Everything is a story. Sometimes my camera is able to capture the word picture for me. Notepads and sticky notes are my friend... and so are you! Can't wait to see you in October!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your post. It has hit very close to home. He has been gently nudging me forward to something I've only dreamed about for so long. I don't really know why I have been moving so slowly. My lack of self confidence is a poor excuse. Considering your encouraging words reminding me that it isn't me or my strength that would pull me through. It's His. Thank you for starting out my week in such an insightful way!

Valerie

Faye said...

Joanne,What a beautiful post! I needed to hear this.WE all need to listen to his calling for us! May God Bless!

Lauren said...

this is so motivating! Thank you for sharing ... I have, sadly, let the "phone just ring" at times ... but lately I've been picking up at the first indication of a ring --- it's so worth it!!!

One Prayer Girl said...

I could completely relate to this blog. I have so many God nudging me stories - sometimes He's not just nudging, He's just about pushing me over.

I have blogged a few of these in the past, but can't find them in my blog history. I loved your blog so much I may be motivated to combine some of my God stories in a single blog and post them.

(When I was in my 20s, I had no idea where these things came from....UFOs? Spirits of the dead? Some weird ESP or psychic phenomenon?)
I didn't know, but I knew the events were beyond special, defied the logical universe, and I held onto them all my life.

Now I know.
Prayer Girl

Runner Mom said...

Hey, Joanne! This post was wonderful! What is He calling me to do? Step out of my comfort zone and encourage women through a ministry at my church. I have worked with little people forever--I was a kindergarten teacher--so working with my peers is a little unnerving. But He is patient and continues to gently nudge me.

Hugs,
Susan

Charlotte said...

Sisters: God has weaved throughout our lives His gifts and callings; the threads of His will for us. I think they are easiest for us to see when we ask Him, “what?” instead of, “why?” “What do you want me to do? What does this mean? What is your plan in this?” Then, as He answers those questions in our lives, we become amazed to find out that He had planted seeds there from the beginning. They were growing and becoming what He intended them to be all along, we had just hidden them in our own doubts and fears. He is faithful and patient, but let’s not wait until tomorrow to do what He has prepared us to do today. Let us trust Him right now! In doing so He will be glorified in what He creates through us…for a writer - it is a story, for a singer – it is a song, for a poet – it is a poem, and for a gardener – it is a bed of beautiful flowers. Whatever it may be, do it today… His blessings are for today!

Thank you for this post Joanne, your gift of writing is clear. You bless us by using your gift, while glorifying the One who gave it to you!

Beth in NC said...

Oh girl, I wish I could answer that question. My greatest desire is to lay hands on the sick and see them healed. That has been the cry of my heart for more years than I can remember. I am just wired that way and can hardly stand to see people tormented.

I also love to write, though as you and I discussed -- we will just have to see what happens there.

You are definitely moving forward in your calling!

LisaShaw said...

I can totally understand what you've shared with us. Thank you for speaking it as the Lord led you.

Blessings to you dear sister.

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