Sunday, December 18, 2011

Follow God’s Call

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village in Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past. -- Micah 5:2

Mother Teresa was a small woman. Physically small. She was born in what is now the Republic of Macedonia. She became a Roman Catholic nun and she founded a charity. Perhaps you’ve heard of it. Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India. She had a passion for the poor and she dedicated her life to service. One life who touched many, many more.

I know. You’re not Mother Teresa. Neither am I. But we each have the capacity to touch lives just the same. We’re so focused sometimes on what we can’t do that we forget the power that lies behind what we can do.

This season, the Christmas season, is filled with possibilities. We remember a young couple welcoming their newborn son. We see the bright star that led the shepherds to the baby. We understand the wonder of a promise fulfilled.

So why do we doubt our own worth? Why do we question our own abilities to make a difference? Why do we push aside God’s call, telling ourselves there is someone better qualified, more worthy, better able? Because if God calls, surely He will provide the skills and the way. If God leads the charge, we can only imagine what could happen.

It all starts with obedience. I’ve heard so many people say they never hear God speak. Maybe that’s so. My question is always to ask them if they’re listening. We spend so much time telling God what we want from Him. How much time do we spend asking God what He wants from us?

A few months ago I began to hear God’s persistent voice telling me to teach Sunday school. I tried to ignore it. That didn’t work. I believed God was calling me to teach preschool children. It’s something I’ve done before. I enjoyed it and the children were great but all I could see was the need for energy I didn’t have. So I explained to God that I was just too tired.

God didn’t stop. He kept after me. So finally I offered a compromise. I would be a helper in the junior high class my friend taught. I thought I could handle that. It would likely even be fun. And I wouldn’t have to put out too much energy or effort.

Then one day the teacher in the adult class I attended said she wouldn’t be able to teach anymore. A family situation had forced a change. It appeared that this class I love so much was going to disband. I was horrified at the thought. And as I stood there talking with her, I heard God’s voice again.

I finally understood. God didn’t plan for me to teach small children again. At least not right now. Nor did He plan to let me slide into a class filled with almost teenagers. God’s plan was that I teach this adult class. I am so grateful and so thankful. In my blindness, I never saw it coming. But because He prepared the way, I was ready when it did.

What is God preparing you for today? What is He telling you? What is that gentle nudge you’ve tried to ignore? Pay attention. God plans great things for you. Listen and go forward. The blessings He has waiting will absolutely amaze you.