When God Calls
In a couple of weeks, I will be celebrating my third wedding anniversary. I still remember vividly how God spoke to me during the season of dating my husband. Just a few short days after our first date, a ladies’ Bible study speaker admonished me to “abide in Christ” — her illustration about Alaska struck a nerve as my beloved and I had chatted about Alaska on our outing. God was calling me to abide in Him during our courting. Of this, I was sure.
Have you ever felt God calling you to do something specific? This week, as I was digging “Into the Word,” I read a story in Acts 10 where God specifically called Peter to do something outrageous. He also clearly spoke to a Gentile named Cornelius. What did both of these men have in common that brought them to God’s attention and made their paths intersect? The key was in verse 4 when an angel explained:
“Your prayers and neighborly acts
have brought you to God’s attention” (MSG).
Both Peter and Cornelius were seeking God fervently through prayer, and their devotion to God and service to others lead to their being selected for a monumental moment in history. This is a reminder to me that prayer is the work of the church — as we pray, God calls us, gives us marching orders, and His work is advanced in and through us.
Q4U: How has God spoken to you and called you out to do His work?
Every Monday we will be working our way through Anne Graham Lotz’s 52-week study “Into the Word.” Hop on over to the 3dLessons4Life Blog Facebook Page to join us as we dig into God’s Word together.
Linking up with a like-minded sisters at Faith Filled Friday, Thought Provoking Thursdays, Good Morning Girls, God -Bumps and God-Incidences, On Your Heart Tuesdays, Soli Deo Gloria @ Finding Heaven, Playdates with God and “Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday!”
Isn’t it amazing how God draws two people together in ways we never see with our eyes, but thankfully feel with our hearts. Great post!
He works in mysterious ways, does He not? 🙂
I find that I serve God by serving others–it started out small and as I was able to handle more God gave me more. He’s the best boss ever!
so true, Renee. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I so love to listen to the Word for personal instruction. Happy anniversary coming up! I have been praying for you, my friend.
thank you so much for those prayers!
Lyli, I am so glad I came by here for your post reminds me of the ways in which I am to be obedient to God and do and be the Linda He has created.
I have been looking at the Anne Graham Lotz book for a while now and thinking I ought to get a copy to start for 2013. You have encouraged me. Thanks, Lyli.
I, also, am so thankful that you are feeling better and doing better. God is healing you at every turn and will bring your digestive system back to its wholeness, I pray. Thank you for praying for me and for my precious Mama. I am so thankful for your prayers, Lyli, so thankful.
So glad God made our paths cross like Peter and Cornelius.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Thanks for stopping by, Linda. I am really enjoying the Lotz study — it’s a lot of Scripture digging. I haven’t done a study like this in quite a while, and have been blessed by it immensely. — I do wish I could jump right through this computer and give you and your sweet mom a big hug. Asking God to give you mercy and favor during this season.
Sometimes I feel like God gives me very specific ideas of what I should be doing in ministry and other times I more just follow the desires of my heart (which I hope are from him, too.)
Me, too, Glenda. I think as we are in the Word, we can let the peace of God in our hearts be our guide as we move forward.
His invitation is usually quiet and subtle. I have to lean into Him to hear His voice & feel the brush of His nudge. When I do tune my heart to His, the results are always extraordinary!
So true! Love your wording — “leaning in” to Him is the key.
Prayer…something that was on my heart last week. How did I miss this most?? Lovely, as always!
Thanks for stopping by. Theresa!
God, I believe, is calling me to do something outrageous and radical – just like Him. I read your post and was thankful for the support I have at church. I know they are praying for me as I seek to walk this radical and specific way. Aren’t we supposed to go when God says go! Part of me is afraid, what if HE doesn’t provide? Even though He’s told me, where He guides, He provides. I wonder if Abram was fearful when God said Go!
prayed for you this morning. Exciting!
Thank you!! But now I am questioning if I am going crazy….lol. Maybe it is too much, too quick, and too soon!!! Blah.
Get into your Bible — If God gives you a Scripture, hold on to it as confirmation. I would also chat with your pastor or other strong believers at your church for some sound advice. Blessings to you, my sister.
Thanks. Great advice!