The Call of God

Back in the day some sixty years ago, the word I heard that changed the direction of my life was commonly known as a call to preach.  As the years rolled into an era of many specialized ministries, the term I knew became out dated.  No longer were people called to preach; instead, they were called to ministry.  It is, perhaps, a better way of speaking of that moment when someone realizes their life no longer belongs to them in the sense that God wants them to be involved in a life of full time service in His behalf.  

God's call is a powerful thing.  Because of it Mother Teresa went to the poorest of India and washed the feet of those so sick no one would touch them.  Because of it E. Stanley Jones passed up on opportunities to live safely in a college professor's office and also went to India.  Because of it Burleigh Law became a martyr in the Congo.  Because of it some college friends lost themselves in service to the forgotten in a large metropolitan area.  Because of it many of those who grew up in my day became preachers in churches scattered across this state and beyond.  There is no end to what men and women will do simply because they have heard the voice of God calling them to let go of personal dreams and plans in order to embrace His plan for their lives.  

The truth is God's call comes to everyone of us in some form or another.  Sometimes it comes for a life time and sometimes it comes for a season.  When we say "yes" to Jesus we are not just saying, "Yes, I know You are my Savior," but we are signing up for whatever.  When we are baptized, it is not just a feel good moment in the church, but for those who take it seriously, it becomes a moment when one declares himself or herself available for the work of the Kingdom of God.  We are saying that God can count on us. I am amazed at the ministries to which some are called which require not a seminary degree, or ordination, but only a willing heart.