Responding to the Call

Abraham heard the calling voice of God in a land not promised, Moses out next to the wilderness, Samuel in the darkness of the night, and Isaiah in the midst of worship in the Temple.  Each place became the epicenter of an spiritual soul shaking which rocked the world of the One to whom God spoke.  Reality declares it can be no other way.  Even if these ancient men of faith had not responded in a positive way, their lives would have always been different from an experience of denying the call of God on their lives.  Saying "no" has a different impact than saying "yes," but it has its impact, nonetheless.    

The most memorable encounter with the call of  God that resulted in walking away is with Jesus and the rich young man.  When Jesus told him what was involved in becoming a follower, this would-be-disciple walked away.  Matthew records the moment with the words, "When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions."  (Matthew 1(22)    He was obviously one who could have made a difference in the work of the Kingdom, but in the  moment of the calling he judged something else to have such a hold it could not be let go.   

Every now and again we run into someone who carries with them the spirit of this young man.  To listen to the conversations of those who look back remembering a call not heeded is to hear a wistful longing and a heart of regret.  While they chose a different road and life has been good, there often seems to be moments of wondering about what might have been.  When God puts His call on our life, it is often a like a window that opens for a moment and then the opportunity passes.  And even though such might be a part of our memory, it is always important to remember that God does not judge us to be of no use to the Kingdom, but will once again come to us with a voice that calls us to some new act of faith and service.