Call and Necessity
Congregational Life, Missional / Emerging Theology, Personal Discipleship May 23rd, 2008After a few conversations recently, I am again reminded of the nature of God’s call on our lives. When God calls us, he does not “need” us. His motivation is blessing. He desires to bless us. So he calls us. The things to which he calls us are the vectors and the means by which he blesses us - even now. When we run from God’s call, thinking he is asking too much, we run from God’s blessing. God cannot bless us as much or as fully if we disobey rather than obey.
This runs alongside the call-burnout issue. We think we have to do so much - this activity, that activity… we end up so hyperactive, we don’t know what to do with space and silence except that all the stuff we’ve packed away comes to the surface. So then we blame God about how tired we are (since he has called us) or what we’re going through (because it hurts) and then don’t want to listen to what happens in the silence and so run harder and further.
And all God wanted was for us to do what he called us to do: no more, no less. A long time ago I decided to follow God’s call - wherever that led. I decided to let God do as much as he possibly could. And it has led me to some very surprising places. Not the least of which is Warren, Ohio. It’s been a tough call, so far. Crazier by far than anything I’d imagined.
But God’s blessing has been greater than anything I’d imagined, either. And it isn’t over yet - not by any stretch. This week, I’m preaching on Isaiah 49:8 - 16. In that passage, God’s people feel overwhelmed, abandoned by God and unable to fulfill their calling. Yet, even so, God chooses to bless them. They’ve been failures as his covenant people. Yet, he chooses to give them something greater than they had to begin with. He even wants to bless the journey back from exile into the land of promise. He’s not just blessing the land, he blesses the journey too.
No, we have not been forgotten. We will not be forgotten. But we must pursue the call to receive the blessing. We must pursue the call of God and no other calls. This is the Word of the Lord; Thanks be to God!
May 24th, 2008 at 11:59:46 (-0500)
What happens if you feel called to do everything you’re doing at the moment (and then some, such as the situation with the youth group at my old church) but still feel overwhelmed? What if you can’t see yourself letting go of anything because you truly believed the Lord was calling you to all of it?
How does one decide which activities get discarded?
Yes, I paid attention when we were discussing this on the phone this morning, but I’m still a bit confused. I don’t mind if you answer here or just call me. Perhaps you should answer here, though, in case somebody else is struggling with this too. I would like a bit more clarification, if you don’t mind. And I’m fully aware that I might not like your answer, but I’m sure it will be of God…so I won’t complain. Thanks!
May 25th, 2008 at 15:14:52 (-0500)
Michelle, are you overwhelmed in terms of time and planning and energy, or are you overwhelmed as in “I don’t know how to do this task that God has asked me to do?” For me, those are two different things. In a way, the second one is easier to grapple with. Through prayer you can seek wisdom and be reminded that when we are weak, weare most abor to glorify God by leaning on Him. But the first one is hard, because it concerns competing values: Which activities will the whole family need to keep and which can be eliminated or delgated to someone else? How can things be prioritized? Will I have enough money if I give up a paying job to do something that is voluntary? It’s hard. But here again, if anyone asks for wisdom they can ask God, who gladly gives it. The answers may come in very surprising ways.
May 25th, 2008 at 15:49:10 (-0500)
Hi Joyce! Well, all aspects of your first question have applied to me periodically this year. At one point this spring, I had a total of five jobs (one was voluntary but the most time consuming other than my full-time teaching position).
As your son can attest, I get cranky when I don’t get enough sleep…and let’s just say that’s been true far too often lately. ;o)
I thought for sure that God was calling me to some stuff not only with my church but also with another one (my old church). I got so excited, and when I spoke/prayed with the friend I’d be working with on Friday nights, we both felt God’s presence. But the prospect of working one night a week at my old church has caused a teeny, tiny bit of friction.
I’m a little confused.
Your comment on money vs. a voluntary position struck a nerve. The high school choir director, who is a dear friend, mentioned the insane amount of money I could be making as a music director, but I don’t feel God calling me to go anywhere. (I almost did anyway, even though I knew without a doubt that God hasn’t released me to do that. I’m trying to be obedient, though.)
I guess I just need to pray some more. But thank you so much for sharing your words of encouragement! Lord knows I needed to hear them. There’s so much more to say, but I don’t want to share too much private stuff here. If God gives you something specific for me, just ask Matt to have me call you; I still have your number. If you still have mine, you are always welcome to call anytime!
(Sorry, Pastor Matt, for taking up so much space. You don’t have to print this in your blog if you don’t want to…but please relay my response to your Mom!)
May 28th, 2008 at 9:49:53 (-0500)
Have you ever noticed how many people chase after their own goals and dreams and try to make that what God has called them to? What do you think leads one to the kind of clarity that is required to know true calling? Do you think it is harder to know one’s calling when it isn’t to an obvious “ministry” (defined here as church work or missions, etc.)? Do you think God calls and we are supposed to find our place within that call based on our gifts and interests or that God has a specific calling for each individual person? Scripture can lead us to think both possible ways depending on where you look. I could definitely use some more insight on this topic.