Do You Feel God Calling You To Something New? Will You Accept?
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Photo by María Victoria Heredia Reyes on Unsplash
I recently read this sentence in an advertisement for a writing program: “The material we present assumes that you’ve accepted the call to write…”
What stood out to me was the word “accepted.”
In the journey of living a purposeful life, I think many people feel that finding their call is the hard part. Once they know what they’re called to, they think the rest will be easy.
But that’s not necessarily the case.
I believe it is not discovering but rather accepting our callings that is often the hard part.
THE COST OF OUR CALL
In Matthew 19 we find an account of a wealthy young man seeking eternal life.
In response to his questions, Jesus said, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (19:21 NIV).
What Jesus was asking him at that moment was clear: Give to the poor and follow me. For this young man, the cost was too high. He knew his call, but he did not accept it. Matthew tells us that, rather than follow Jesus, “he went away sad” (19:22).
Accepting God’s call can be costly. It may cost us financially. It may cost us time. We might have to let go of certain relationships or sacrifice social prestige. Our habits might have to change.
I remember the day that I knew without a doubt God was calling me to be a writer. But though the call was clear, it was still up to me whether to accept.
There were many things that could have held me back from accepting that call. I wondered how I would make money. I felt a little sad about the status I would lose when I was no longer a licensed professional counselor. But I knew God well enough to know the reward for following Him would far outweigh any sacrifice I would have to make. On this side of things, though there certainly have been and continue to be challenges in my journey, I have absolutely no regrets for saying yes to His call.
THE PRICELESS PRIVILEGE OF PARTNERING WITH JESUS
In Matthew 4:19-20, we find another account of Jesus calling people to follow Him. To his soon-to-be disciples, Peter and Andrew, Jesus said: “Come, follow me…and I will send you out to fish for people” (NLT).
Unlike the rich young man who went away sadly, when Peter and Andrew heard the call they left their nets “at once” to be with Jesus.
Whatever God’s call, whether it’s a “big” call to write a book or a “small” call to send a care package to a friend, I want to be like Peter, Andrew, and the other disciples who immediately accepted Jesus’ call. I want to follow Him wherever He leads me. I don’t want to let the cost stop me, because relationship with Jesus is priceless! The joy, peace, and fulfillment in saying yes always outweighs any sacrifice we must make.
What have you felt stirring in your heart lately?
Do you sense God calling you to begin or improve your relationship with Him? Do you feel Him nudging you to start a blog or start a new job? Start a family or a start business? Or to move toward some other goal, dream, or relationship? Will you accept the call? The choice is yours to make.
You are in my prayers, and I'd love to hear from you!
In purpose and faith,
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P.S.
I wrote this post because I’m on a mission to encourage and equip women to live the life of faith, passion, and purpose that we were made for. You can help make a difference by sharing this post with a friend (or friends!) who you think would be encouraged or inspired by it. Thanks!
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission, with no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
