Tag: Calling

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When we can’t see a solution.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Abraham was now a very old man, and the Lord had blessed him in every way. One day Abraham said to his oldest servant, the man in charge of his household, “Take an oath by putting your hand under my thigh. Swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women. Go instead to my homeland, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son Isaac.” Genesis‬ ‭24‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Genesis 24 is the grand story of “a wife for Issac.” Genesis 23 closes with Sarah’s death at 127 years old and Abraham purchasing the perfect burial place for his beloved.

This chapter opens with two facts: One, Abraham is super old and God has blessed him immensely! But there is one major problem hanging over the patriarchal promise to Abraham – Issac.

Issac is not the actual problem, but the fact that he is now 37 years old, makes him a kind of “past his prime, bachelor. “ What happened? The relationship pool for Isaac was entirely and solely Canaanite women – a “no go” for the son of promise! Here’s the dilemma, Ab is old, now Isaac is aging quickly as well. There doesn’t seem to be a supernatural solution to a big human problem. Since Isaac is clearly the carrier of hope for the plan of God, wouldn’t you expect some kind of miraculous intervention? Why didn’t God send the woman of Issac’s dreams and the fulfillment of God’s promise to Canaan?

Abram marrying his own wife, Sarai seemed completely unexpected, if not just random. In Genesis 11, we find the that Abram married Sarai. We also find that Terah, was THEIR father. Abram’s wife Sarai was his half-sister, Terah’s daughter. When God called Abram to leave Haran to head towards Canaan, Sarai happily went with him. Abram and Sarai had experienced so many miracles to get them to this point in Genesis 24. The heaven fell silent.

Because Abraham realized his own age and that Isaac had not yet had been a successful suitor, he made a plan. He asks his most trusted servant and loyal friend to swear to finding a wife for Isaac. Abram makes him promise to not allow Isaac to marry one of the locals and sends him all the way back to distant Aram-naharaim. Abram’s servant asked a great question, “But what if I can’t find a young woman who is willing to travel so far from home? Should I then take Isaac there to live among your relatives in the land you came from?” Abraham was vehemently opposed to this; “He will send his angel ahead of you, and he will see to it that you find a wife there for my son. If she is unwilling to come back with you, then you are free from this oath of mine. But under no circumstances are you to take my son there.” The rest of the story is a beautiful, quite romantic miracle, that eventually leads Abraham’s servant to bring Rebekah home to meet Issac.

So what’s the point? There are many lessons to be learned here. I believe this is a great example of what happens when we know God has a plan and maybe even a promise, yet we see no movement, no answers out there. Abraham was in this same dilemma for a moment. But what happened? Abraham made a plan. And, he was very specific about what he wanted. A wife for his son, from his own tribe that is willing to leave her family and in faith come to marry someone she’s never met nor ever heard of. I love that Abraham even told his servant that there would be a supernatural assist in the process! “He (God) will send his angel ahead of you.” And that’s exactly what happened.

When I read this story, I see the fulfillment of one of my favorite Proverb – 16:9, ”The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Maybe not all promises are fulfilled through miracles from heaven. What if God is waiting for our faith and a solid plan? Have you heard a promise from God? Do you feel that He has called you to be something or do something, but you’ve seen no movement, no action? Do what Abraham did and so many others after him – make a godly plan and go for it. You’ll find that as your foot rises in faith, and returns, just before hitting the path of your destiny – that God has restructured your future to make your path straight.

Prayer

Dad,
Oh, what a wonder you are! You are not only the way maker, you are the path straightener. You are good. You are faithful to your Word and your promises are true and trustworthy. Thank you for your patient love towards us. Amen.

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Unbelievable.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The Lord never appeared to you’?” Then the Lord asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied. “Throw it down on the ground,” the Lord told him. So Moses threw down the staff, and it turned into a snake! Moses jumped back. Exodus‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In our church, we’ve have been discussing God’s Grand Design through the idea of an individual’s calling. Old Testament patriarchs certainly come to mind. Moses calling is so extraordinary and filled with honest human emotions that come along with doubt. The creator of all things – God comes, makes himself known and speaks. But more than just revealing his plans, God chooses to include us in them. Why? We ask. From the beginning of time, God has invited us, even with all our faults and fears to be a part of our own redemption story. Amazing!

God tells Moses the what, the why and the who, but Moses throws up some protests, some reasons he believes that God has the wrong man.

Here’s Moses’ counter arguments:

First one; who am I – 3:11? The inference is, I am a nobody, an unknown, in fact a failure.

Second one; who am I to say sent me – 3:13? One can’t be a hero without the proper credentials, right?

The third protest; What if they don’t believe me – 4:1? I’m not sure why these sound a bit ridiculous, especially because no one is asking for a famous, royal ambassador who has made up a fanciful story about talking with God! Who’s asking these imaginary questions? Pharoah? The Jewish leaders? No, Moses is asking these questions in his own head because he does not want to do it and thinks he can convince God to move on to someone else! God helps Moses out by giving him a cool miracle – the stick/staff/snake! And the backup would be the miracle skin diseased hand healing. These are meant to bolster Moses’ faith, thus saying YES to God almighty. But Moses still persists in protesting – what patience God has! You get the feeling that God will not let Moses out of this.

Fourth protest; Moses throws out another idea – Oh… and I STUTTER! You can’t have a stutterer be your spokesperson – 4:10.

Four excellent reasons to choose someone else and four patient answers from God, all workarounds for Moses to be obedient. Talk about a super reluctant leader! In vs 13 Moses begged God, “please send someone else.” In vs 14 God is now angry with Moses. He concedes, not to let Moses off the hook, but to have his brother be the spokesperson for Moses! God tells Moses, Aaron will be your spokesman, he speaks just fine – but you are still my spokesman, God still chose Moses.

Moses was a reluctant leader, who constantly wavered with unbelief and never felt worthy of being the man God called to lead and free the Jewish people from the tyranny of Egypt’s enslavement and onto the promise land that God had in store for them. God calls whom He wills and His plans are always perfect. God still calls people to great things, and small things today!

If we say we believe God and we are followers of Jesus the we have a general call to obedience and most likely a specific call to ministry, to passion or to pursue our purpose with the gifts God has granted to each of us. Let me ask you, “what’s in your heart?” What is your purpose, calling and gift? What are you doing with it? Go ahead, run your own list of protests like Moses who tried to dissuade God, insinuating that God doesn’t know what He’s doing! After you run out of perfectly legitimate protests in your own head, you’ll be faced with the ultimate decision – to obey or not! And to not obey is disobedience! Flip your stubbornness into faithfulness and determination to obey instead of angering God and trying His patience.

Prayer

​Dad,
I put up a small resistance with tantrums and protests back in the day. And, still even today, question every one of my own beliefs, frailties and abilities. But through faith I will continue to believe you. With grace, I will continue to move forward to accomplish what you have called me to be and to do! I trust you far more than I trust my failures and doubts? Here I am Lord, send me again! Amen.

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When you know you know.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. ‭‭Acts ‭20‬:‭22‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Remember Paul received a very specific call from God to go to Jerusalem (Acts‬ ‭23‬:‭11). But remember that Paul had earlier received a general call to the Gentiles (Acts ‭22‬:‭21). Also, remember that Paul received both general and specific callings under extreme circumstances! His words started a religious riot among the warring religious gangs of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

In these verses above, Paul says he doesn’t exactly know what it will look like. Except he knows there will be prison and suffering involved. All he knows is that he must go and is determined to finish what God had assigned him. What part does pure GRIT play in pursing God’s calling? We know it takes faith! Maybe grit is a synonym for faith?

Speaking of grit, Paul shares with the very wild and talented people in the churches of Corinth his most transparent expression of exasperation! The churches had been listening to fake preachers brag about their pedigrees and their “burden” to spread the manure of a false gospel! Paul writes of his own riotous, quite miraculous journey to fulfill the calling of God. Because, when you know, you know.

Paul writes about prison-time, beatings and left for dead. Five times he received the famous thirty-nine lashing (believing that 40 would kill a man, it was merciful to do 39) from religious leaders behaving as thugs. Three more beatings with rods. He lived after being stoned. He survived three shipwrecks, including a night and day drifting in the open sea. He faced dangers from rivers and from robbers, deserts and seas. He worked tirelessly, hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. He had been hungry and thirsty and often gone without food. He had shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep warm. Then, besides all that, he carried the daily burden of concern for all the churches (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭23‬-‭28‬).

Doesn’t this sound like a great prep-talk or sermon about the wonderful “calling of the Lord?” Paul wasn’t complaining to the Corinthian community, he was bragging about God’s power, seen through one human life. Paul knew what he knew and with that grit, he did far more than just survive this life on a dark planet – he thrived and flourished! Paul made it to Jerusalem to share the gospel with Caesar himself. God’s blessing, His grace, mercy and protection would not be found in Paul’s fame, money or power. It would be found in a spectacular resilience and strength to accomplish His will.

What is your calling? Don’t be afraid to ask. And don’t be afraid to hear the answer. I am no Paul, but thankfully God has called me. I am called to the broken. I am called to restore hope in those who have been told they are worthless because of what they have done or what others have done to them. I desire to be a hopebroker to the very end!

Prayer

​Dad,
A full third of my life was a struggle! A struggle of value, identity and purpose. You gave me a life that I could not ever of dreamed. It has been above and beyond adventurous along with some adversity. I was and still am determined to fulfill the calling you have given. With the grit of your grace I will be faithful. I know that I know. Thank you. Amen.

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The timing of when God speaks.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well. ‭‭Acts‬ ‭23‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There’s a story in the Old Testament of Elijah waiting to hear from God. The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” 1 Kings 19:11. There was a thrashing wind, an earthquake and a fire, but the Lord was not in any of those. Then came a gentle whisper. It was in this manner God spoke to Elijah. Yet, God doesn’t always speak in whispers either.

Here in Acts, Paul is giving his story, his testimony, to an agitated group of Jewish religious leaders. The crowd, hearing Paul speaking in Aramaic, quietly hung on every word. They listened intently that is until Paul said, But the Lord said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!’ Acts ‭22‬:‭21. Within moments the crowd turned on him and began rioting. Jews would show their disdain by tossing off their robes and throwing dirt into air – both signs of rejection. Maybe the “dust-bombing” was connected to “shake the dust from your feet,” dismissing Gentiles or Jesus telling his followers to do similar when Jewish towns would reject the message of him being the Messiah. Riots triggered quick responses from the Roman guards because of “pax romana,” or Roman peace. The Roman watch commander dragged Paul away and ordered him whipped for causing the ruckus. Paul smartly asked the officer, ready to beat him, “Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been tried?” Paul had a legal, natural born Roman citizenship and knew his rights! Even the commander had to “buy” his own “Roman rights.” The next day, the commander called in the religious leaders to get to the real cause of the disturbance.

Within moments the high priest has someone walk up and slap Paul’s face for being sassy, and immediately declaring his innocence, when he said, “I have always lived before God with a clear conscience!” Paul quickly retorted back, “God will slap you, you corrupt whitewashed wall!” He didn’t realize that Ananias was the high priest and apologized for his harsh words.

Paul knew the situation was not good for him, so he brilliantly declared the “real” reason he was on trial, saying, “I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead!” He knew the council was filled with both Pharisees and Sadducees. His own tribe believed in the resurrection, the opponents, the Sadducees did not. This started yet another riot! The Roman commander, once again had to pull Paul out of the place lest the religious leaders tear him apart.

That night, back in the Roman holding cell, Paul hears from God. God speaks to Paul amidst the craziness of chaos, debates and riots! God tells Paul his assignment is to get to Rome! Paul would eventually, rightfully and legally plead his case to Caesar himself! The book of acts, written by Luke is likely the notes Paul used to share his testimony to the emperor himself. Paul’s closest companions begged him not to go. And, as we read the 13 letters from Paul to the churches throughout the Roman empire, he was imprisoned almost the entire time. What a story! You never know how, when or where God might speak to you and call you to purpose that He has designed just for you! Be ready, that’s all I advise.

Prayer

​Dad,
We use a popular phrase to help us deal with the extraordinary ways you place a calling on our lives. “You equip those you call.” I believe it. I have lived it and seen it come true in so many lives. It is an honor to hear and obey your voice, your calling. May we continue to recognize that calling in others and encourage each other along the way. Amen.

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Is marriage a distraction dilemma?

Reading Time: 4 minutes

”I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.“ ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭32‬-‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Apostle Paul was never afraid of weighing in on hot topics or super controversial conversations. Pity the fool who thought, or thinks they can take on Paul and win a philosophical, theoretical or theological argument!

Paul was a fierce thinker, a natural debater. That’s just one of the reasons God chose him to take on the rigorous religious paradigms of his day. Remember, God didn’t try to argue with Paul to win his heart, He simply floodlit him on the way to being judge and executioner of innocent believers. The voice from heaven broadcast, “Why are you persecuting me?” Paul didn’t even know who was talking, saying “who are you?” Jesus replied, then blinded Paul for three days so he could see a little more clearly.

Here, in Corinthians, Paul lays out a ton of solid Biblical instruction, but also gives some of his own wisdom, as he writes – this time on marriage! Paul is honest and clear about this point. He writes about young women desiring to be married and says he does NOT have a command from God for them. He adds a critical, contextual phrase that helps us understand the situation Paul is addressing, “because of the present crisis,” they should remain single.

Paul uses the word, anagké, which is a word for constraint, or better yet, a compression. We know the cultural pressures of that time was severe. Persecution was at its highest and the demented Roman authorities were using the torture of family members to coerce confessions out of believers, getting them to deny Christ. Google “Blandina,” and you’ll see what Paul was writing about. Also, because of the great persecution, Paul absolutely believed the parousia, the snatching, the 2nd coming of Christ was near! So in his mind, the priority wasn’t on getting married, having kids and owning a home – it was on spreading the gospel, the good news, because the end was near. This was the time of soul-harvest, not settling down, in Paul’s thinking.

So, definitely content, culture and context play a huge part in Paul’s seemingly anti-marriage message. But Paul is not anti-marriage! He is anti-distractions. If you read all of the book of Acts, then all of the letters Paul wrote to the churches, you’ll find that Paul lived on MISSION! He was driven to do what God called him and gifted him to do. There was winning people to Jesus, there was church planting and there was mentoring young men and women to the high calling of being a pastor. Paul had zero time for dating. Who would want to be married to a man that was so passionate about mission that he traveled constantly and started riots in many cities where he preached. What kind of married life, father image would that be?

Cutting through all the cultural context, there is still a question that must be answered, “Is marriage a distraction dilemma?” The answer, is yes! It CAN be, but it should not be. Paul nails it when he uses these two words, “think” and “please.” Marriage and family take up a tremendous amount of thinking and pleasing when it comes to our wife, husband and/or children – doesn’t it? Paul seems to be focused on something far deeper than the word “distraction,” because he uses these two much more serious greek words: think: merimnaó: to be anxious for and please: aréskō – properly satisfy. My take is that when a distraction becomes an obsession over and away from God working in my life then I have taken it too far!

Dr. Henry Cloud just came out with a great article on what he calls, “Focused Attention.” But it was what he wrote about distractions that got my attention. He wrote, “Today a countless amount of distractions will fight for your attention. They will come in the form of urgent and even good, but their subtle ability to pull you away from your main priorities prove that they can be the silent thief of success.”

Back to the distraction dilemma… my point is this. Husband, wife or kids should not be the number one priority in a believer’s life and rhythms! Wives, you will be at your best if Jesus is #1 and the benefactors will be your husband and kids. Husbands, guaranteed, if Jesus is #1, He will lead, guide and mature you as a man! Your wife and kids will absolutely benefit because of that proper priority. Single? Make Jesus #1! Not career, travel, hobbies or financial independence.

Paul’s point is true and throws no shade on marriage at all – do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible! Without anything (aperispastós) drawing you away. Anything could become a distraction dilemma for our relationship with Jesus, it’s our job not to let that happen.

Prayer

Dad,
It’s a no brainer to figure out that bad things can and do draw me away from you. My own desires and evils are fairly easy to see. It becomes much more subtle to see that good things cause me to drift from you as the priority in my life. Busyness masquerades as doing good, then I just feel too exhausted to spend quality time with you, praying and reading Your Word. I just don’t have time, I say, as I shuffle off to one more crisis, one more new idea, one more good deed for others. I may not be the most focused person, but I can tend to what’s most important- and that is You. Thank you for being patient when I lose track of priorities. And, thank you for gently calling back to that place of quiet with you.

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Just another extraordinary day.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him. A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men. Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬-‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The calling of the first followers. Mark’s gospel has Jesus seemingly, randomly, asking men to join him in mission. We know this mission would be exciting at first, but eventually move towards a frightening, grief-stricken ending. We also know that each one of these first followers would later be called to martyrdom!

I don’t know if Jesus knew every detail of his life ahead in these first moments, or if he found out as he went along. If you’re wondering about Jesus’ omniscient ability as God, the Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 2, that Jesus laid that down to fully live as a human being.

I do believe that Jesus received guidance, inspiration and power through the Holy Spirit, just as he would expect his followers to do (us as well). Maybe it was just a morning stroll, talking with God and enjoying the stunning vista of the Sea of Galilee- it is amazing. I find that God often speaks and leads in all kinds of situations. An S.S.A. (situational Spirit awareness) is required.

As God guided Jesus, he still had to SEE Simon. Jesus still had to SEE the Zebedee boys. And once he did, he called them out. Somewhere in there, I believe the Holy Spirit said “There they are. That’s them. You know what to do!” or something similar. Of course, we’re not told any of this, I just want you to know God moves in both very spiritual AND very ordinary ways at the same time.

Jesus saw them, he called them and they left everything to follow Him. Do you think maybe the Holy Spirit had been at work in their lives before that morning moment on the beach? I do. I am learning that God is ALWAYS at work (the Bible says so – John 5:17, Rom 8:28). God handles the hard part of working in the human heart! God also handles the providential details that astound us. When Jesus listened and obeyed the Holy Spirit, He was showing us that this is how easy it is to join God in His mission! Yeah, Jesus had to call them out – okay, that part is challenging for many of us. But God had already set the entire situation up for each one of those “yeses” to happen.

It takes a little practice to hear the whisper of the Holy Spirit leading and guiding us to be used of God. It takes a little practice to see God at work. And it does require the response that pleases God more than anything else – FAITH! But, come on, look at what happened when Jesus was obedient – those guys helped change the world. Jesus didn’t turn these ordinary men into extraordinary men. Jesus taught them to do just as he did, SEE, LISTEN AND OBEY. God did the supernatural, phenomenal miracles through them!

Next time you take a stroll, shop for snacks or get stuck in a line at the DMV, look around, listen for the Holy Spirit and wait to see if God might have a supernatural assignment for you. Then make God smile by believing and obeying his offer to join Him on mission. Just do it!

Prayer

Dad,
I get giddy watching you weave a plan together and marvel at watching you work! Sometimes I look around and see a sea of people and remind myself, you are working in that life, and that one, and another one over there, buying lottery tickets. Oh how I love it when a good God plan comes together. It’s like I am peeking into a whole other realm, an other-world experience that happens on the heart level in every human. It gives me Spirit chills to think that you invite us into that kind of Holy mission. Thank you for not just working in me, but working through me as well. Heaven will be filled with glorious stories of our great God! I can’t wait to see it all come together. Amen.

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God chooses outliers.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

”The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Just to be transparent. These exact verses came up a year ago, but I have recently been in a sermon series called, “Stepping into God’s Story,” so I’ve been marinating in Abram’s call all week. I’m copying over some discoveries from my notes, because it is absolutely fascinating to see how God chooses and who He chooses to allow them to partner with Him to save humanity. Here’s what we know about Abram…

▫️His dad was an idol worshiper. The Bible confirms that his father, Terah, was an idolater, worshiping other gods (Joshua 24:2)
▫️ He was considered to be a pagan, a non-God or multi-god believer.
▫️ God pursues him, speaking to him, promises are made.
▫️ At 75 years old – he listens, believes, and obeys God.
▫️ Abram was wealthy.
▫️ Sarai was stunningly beautiful, but barren, she could not have children.

And even though God reminds Abram several times that He will keep His promises, Abram still has a lot of questions. He BELIEVES, but tries to figure out how the promise could be fulfilled because he and Sarai were barren and old! Abram asks God how it will happen!

Maybe you were taught or believed that you could not ask God questions. Maybe you were taught that questions equal doubt or disbelief. I am here to tell you – that’s just not true. Here we have the most famous, ancient patriarch of Judaism asking God a lot of questions! Now, I realize, God did not answer him with specifics, but continued to reinforce His promise and His ability to fulfill that promise. It’s almost a comical dance that takes place when Abram asks about his future kids, God says “look at the stars, count them – that’s how many kids you’ll have.” God didn’t give details He gave an object lesson in truth and trust! Isn’t that beautifully FRUSTRATING! We want details, God just says, “TRUST ME.” Faith over form! Let God handle the details. Thats hard for us as “checklist,” scheduled, calendared people! We want to control the details and the timeline, but that is not our job. Our job is to believe and obey!

Abram and Sarai get themselves in the biggest mess by trying to circumvent or help God with His plans! Sarai gets weary of waiting, gives up on God’s plan, and makes her own. She convinces Abram to use their slave girl as a surrogate to produce an heir. The Ishmael/Isaac story is one of the most famous feudal fiascos of all time! And, we are STILL paying the price for that decision thousands of years ago.

A couple of things we can learn from all this: 1. God often chooses the least likely people to accomplish His purposes. Maybe God is calling you to listen, obey and follow, no matter where He leads. 2. God makes and keeps His promises. Through the Holy Spirit, God wants us to listen for His voice, His leading. God wants us to believe and have faith in Him. God wants us to obey and follow him, even if no one else does.

Prayer

God,
As I read Your living Word, sometimes I have to remind myself that life is, or can be, very simple. By listening, believing and obeying – it becomes so uncomplicated. Not easy, but simple. Faith is difficult but also very freeing. Looking back on my life I know this to be true because you chose me – the outlier, the underdog, the underperforming nobody. This alone brings gratefulness and joy. It brings a humble confidence, not at all in myself, but in you. It also has me convinced, if you can do this wondrous work in my life, you can do it through anyone! It has not been easy, but it has been good, because you are good. Amen.

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If only it was this simple.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

”Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it over Saul’s head. He kissed Saul and said, “I am doing this because the Lord has appointed you to be the ruler over Israel, his special possession.“ ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This whole story of God relenting and giving Israel what they were BEGGING for – a KING, is amazing. Like little kindergartners in the global playground, Israel’s leaders wanted to be like all the other nations surrounding them. Samuel warned them that they did not fully understand what they were asking for, but they wanted a King nonetheless. Here in these chapters is the process by which God selects their first King FOR them. God only does this kind of selection a couple of times, before Israel decides for themselves. I am fascinated of how gracious, kind and thorough God is in this process of their first King appointment.

God’s spokesperson, Samuel, is given the responsibility of setting up a private meeting with a young man named Saul, and telling him exactly what God will do in him and through him. When we read these verses, 10:2-6, we find four specific moments that Samuel tells Saul exactly what will happen and who it will happen with and where it will take place. Amazing! The who, what, when and where of God’s plans for Saul’s life at the start. If it were only this simple today!

Samuel explains what would happen next, in perfect order: First two men at Rachel’s tomb and what they will say. Then three men at the oak of Tabor, and what they will say (plus! the bonus of a couple loafs of bread – always a treat). Then at Gibeah, a band of prophets, along with the instruments they will be playing. And finally, the Spirit of the Lord will come on him and Saul will prophesy with the band! And, Samuel tells Saul “you will be changed into a different person.” It happened exactly as Samuel said it would. Saul did not tell his father about any of it!

Yet, even with all that detail, and powerful confirmation moments that God is choosing Saul to be Israel’s first King, what happens when the big announcement goes out and Samuel wants to present God’s choice to the people? Saul goes AWOL. ”So Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel before the Lord…” Even though Samuel knew who God’s choice was, he still went through the process of using Urim and Thummim (polished round stones that were a part of the High Priest’s robe) to “cast lots.” Family by family, until finally down to one individual was determined. Of course, it was Saul. But where was Saul? He was HIDING! When it came down to it, even after all the supernatural confirmations that God was leading him – Saul was terrified, scared to death to be chosen. The people found him, cowering, hiding, and brought him out to be their King.

There is so much here about why and how God chooses individuals to lead. There is so much truth about how many of them have a difficult time believing it, even with overwhelming proof. Saul is not the only one who struggled with such an overwhelming calling on his life. What has God called you to be, to do? What is God supernaturally laying out before you to convince and confirm to you that He wants to use you in His great plans in the Kingdom of God. No, it may not be the position of a king, but who knows? Saul had everything laid out for him, yet still he had enormous doubts. Even his friends and family kind of mocked him after he went home. Sure, Saul was tall and handsome, but people could clearly see that he was no leader! But God, right? Same with you and me. Maybe you don’t see it. Maybe your family and friends don’t see it. But God sees it, he sees you and who you will become!

It’s funny to think, “yeah, if all those crazy things happened to help me believe… then I’d say yes.” Really? Those things did not convince Saul either. I said this in a sermon yesterday, “Know God. Believe God. Follow God.” He is trustworthy to believe and God knows what He’s doing. Just say YES and start moving forward.

Prayer

Dad,
I still remember how hard it was for me to say “yes.” I still remember feeling awkward and uncomfortable, not really knowing what I was saying yes to! It took years to figure out, I wasn’t saying yes to a position, calling or pursuit, I was simply saying “yes” to You. The more I tried to figure out what I was supposed to do, the more I had to learn to listen and obey you. I wanted a supernatural roadmap of how my life would go and the only thing I discovered was I needed to get better at listening, not actually leading anything. You have been faithful. You are still faithful. Others get impatient that I don’t lead or do what they expect, but I am only called to please YOU, by obeying You. Thank for your grace and mercy as I muddle through this wonderful life of mystery.

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To thine own purpose be true.

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“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 ‭4:14-16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

​“This above all: To thine own self be true.”William Shakespeare wrote this in Act 1, Scene III of the famous play, Hamlet. The Apostle Paul writing centuries before, told Timothy something far more eternal, and far more profound. Paul’s version would be, “This above all: To thine own calling and purpose be true.”

Not only does every person carry a purpose from God within, but each person is encouraged to find it, let others help shape it and then fan the flames of that calling into an effective, God-glorifying pursuit. You can only be you! You SHOULD only be you! God’s purposes, His truth is eternal, so Timothy as well as you and I should be completely focused on that.

No matter how we may fantasize or compare to others with more wealth, influence, fame or following – we cannot be someone other than ourselves! Several phrases come to mind to help me deal with my own deficiencies. My favorite, God works in and with my weakness. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” I have no idea how or why God continues to see my sin and weaknesses, yet still uses me to participate and accomplish His will.

I love how Paul closes this thought with Tim. “Stay true,” he writes, “for the sake of YOUR salvation and OTHERS.” I am leading my own life in godliness, attitudes, loyalty, discipline and persistence. However, in that pursuit, there are others watching, learning, listening and some are following. That’s a huge weight of responsibility on every believer. That’s a responsibility as a parent, with our own littles, teens and twenties following. That’s a responsibility as a husband or wife with our lifemate following. That’s also a responsibility as a good friend with our community following.

I cannot neglect those gifts of purpose, I must pursue them and focus on being and doing what no one else on this planet can be – ME.

Prayer

Dad,
I may not like what I see in my sin or the reflection in the mirror each day. However, when I look back and see who I used to be, the way I used to believe and behave – wow – you have changed me significantly! I press on, with your grace. I press on in my weakness as your power is perfected in my life. I keep moving forward with faith in who you are and who you have made me to be. Amen.

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Finding God’s purpose for your life is not a linear process!

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“All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?” Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. After a while some of the Jews plotted together to kill him.” Acts‬ ‭9:21-23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Well, you know what they say, “if you can’t beat ‘em, kill them!”

For awhile back then Saul/Paul found himself despised by all and feared by believers. After, he comes in from his desert experience, Saul immediately starts preaching Jesus is the Son of God.

His life, his radical turnaround forces this question, “Isn’t this the guy that…?” Basically, this happens in all well known previously bad-human conversions even today. One’s transformation story is very powerful when people ask about the former life. Saul got his speaking groove down so well, that the Jewish religious elite just couldn’t refute his proof. So, rather than see truth or change their hearts, something more sinister took over their thinking. “Let’s kill him,” they said. What hubris, egregious hypocrites. They couldn’t deal with truth, so they ramp up a riot. Sounds like our modern political climate right now.

Saul continued to start with civil synagogue discussions in every town he visited. Yet, it just got increasingly violent, until finally he had to give up going to the Jews first. He believed he was called to the Jewish people! A little providence and a whole lot of death threats convinced him that maybe his calling wasn’t to the Jewish people.

This seems to happen when discovering God’s will. You think it should go one way but door after door continues to close until you realize- that’s not what God wants you to do! There’s something else out there. Paul shifted his focus solely on the Gentiles (non Jews) and then took that passion all the way to the Church leaders, convincing them that the gospel was ALSO for the rest of the world. Acts 15 was all about a fulfillment of God’s plan for Israel and his own favored people to be the ones who brought salvation to the whole world and not just to keep it for themselves. Israel always had a tough time with that idea.

Saul/Paul would go on to bring the message of Jesus to all the major regions of Gentile populations and plant churches (not synagogues) everywhere he went. Paul would come into town, set up his tent making, tent repair shop. Then he would make friends with all the local businesses leaders in the town through shoptalk. He led highly influential men and women to Jesus, then convinced them to use their nicely sized homes to meet in for church on Sundays. Many of those original business owners became church elders and pastors. Paul also ended up writing a large part (almost half) of what we know as the New Testament with thirteen letters, written to correct and encourage these new churches. I would say, all the death threats and riots resulted in explosive growth in the gospel going out to all nations.

Have you started any riots? Received any death threats? Are you struggling with what you think God has called you to do? Maybe there’s something else God has in mind?

PRAYER:

Dad,
Your calling, your purposes are not always the easiest to discover and even more difficult to accept. I have seen a very non-linear path in my own life, right? It’s seems like more of a scribble than a straight line! Yet, you have been faithful and patient. I am thankful for that. For many years, I never thought I would be any kind of first chair leader. There were hopes dashed and failed possibilities. I just settled into the fact that I would be a great second chair for the rest of my life. Then, SURPRISE, through an extraordinary turn of events, I get a callback to serve in my home church as the lead pastor, or Chief Servant Officer as I say. Who would have thought? So now I need your wisdom and favor more than ever before!