Are you Ready in an Instant?
I have to confess something to you readers. Lately I have
wondered about my calling from God. Not that I wonder if He called me to do
something but if I was maybe wrong about what He said. You know, we are only human
and even when people tell us something is from God we need to check our spirit
to see if it identifies with the Holy Spirit in them as well. So , I prayed and
told God it felt like my calling was fading from my vision. It was like a photo
that sat in the sun and began to fade in my mind’s eye. Not long after that He
answered me in a few ways.
I love it when God does this! He gave me scriptures in
answer.
And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing
of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the
way to life and immortality through the Good News. And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle,
and a teacher of this Good News.2 Timothy 1:10-11
He reminded me that I was called to speak and to preach and
to teach to all people, of all walks of life and ages. In my writing I do this,
in my speaking before crowds or before one or two people I am doing this. Then He went on to encourage
me more.
I solemnly urge you
in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and
the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be
prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and
encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will
no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their
own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their
itching ears want to hear. They will
reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every
situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others
the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 2 Timothy
4:1-5
Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the
prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you.
Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks
so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and
on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation
and the salvation of those who hear you.1 Timothy 4:14-15
When Jesus walked the earth He taught us many things, His
disciples share so much with us all the time, the Apostle Paul gives us a ton
of information as does Peter. I have to admit I am excited when I read
something that feels good, but sometimes we have to feel a rebuke for our attitudes
too. Sometimes it is we who are ignorant of the meaning of the Word. With so
many translations out there it is no wonder we can get confused, right?
That is why I always want to go back and restudy, check out
the original text whenever its available and be sure to seek God in prayer. I
study to show myself approved by God at least.
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it
says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word
and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what
you look like. But if you look carefully
into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t
forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. James 1:22-23
We have to remember to do the will of God we must do the
Word of God. Obey, follow directions, love one another, and well, to be certain
we need to be forgiving one another, encouraging one another and being kind to
one another. You know the fruits of the spirit kind of things? Its more than
just knowing what it says, or means, but doing that thing that counts.
What is your calling? Ask God to show you it! Seek God and
find out what He chose to gift you with to further the kingdom. After all the
main part of all our callings is to share the Gospel, to grow the Kingdom of
God and to love one another, encouraging other believers to live like God’s
Word tells us to!
That and …. Whatever God has gifted us to do! Do not neglect the gift that is in you!
In His Love,
Teresa Wilson
Want to read more? Try reading the full book of James, you
can do it in one sitting! Then check out
the Timothy’s books! I am sure you will find direction for your days and encouragement
for your life! In Jesus’ name!