The Life to Which God Called You
By Lili Richey Willard |
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Posted 9:27 pm on November 09, 2011
'I urge you to live the life to which God called you.' - Ephesians 4:1
I love kids. But I admit that I am not a natural with them. At least not until I get to know them and they get to know me. So when God called me to work in the childrens department, one Sunday night per month, I quaked! I ran, I reasoned, I rationalized. I found all kinds of answers and resolutions to my problem. I did NOT want to do this!
But at the same time, I knew there was nobody else. Others were not lining up at the door, just screaming for the chance to serve in this ministry. I never heard the words, 'I so wish it could have been me!' Nobody offered to 'job-share'. It was me...only me.
So, with lots of moaning and groaning, I stood up and took my place. I realized God had put me there, at least for a season. Each and every time it was my turn to serve in the Kings Castle, which was made up of 5 and 6 year olds, I dreaded going in to church that night. I wanted to be in church! I needed to hear God's word. Why was I being punished?
Then I would walk through those doors and start to receive the children. Hmmm...sounds familiar, doesn't it? Jesus received the little children, even though there were those who didn't feel they should be bothered with. The Master was too busy, too important, for such as these.
After a few minutes, I would be enjoying myself. Yes, truly. I would be coloring, or tracing hands and noses, or watching Veggie Tales, or something to that effect. And all of a sudden, the parents would show up to claim their own. What? Where did the time go? We had just begun to have fun!
I was in this 'fix' for about three years. By the end of it, even though it still was not my area of comfort, or even innate talents, it was where I had been called, for that time. God knew it. I fought it. Then, I saw it.
I went on to teach third and fourth graders in Sunday School soon after that time ended. My husband and I shared that position together, and we complimented one another in our efforts. We totally and completely enjoyed it. Again, it was a three year period, and when it was over, God called us on to new things. And now I go willingly.
My point is this: we may be called by God to do something we cannot see ourselves doing. But He knows best where to place us, when to place us, and how to place us. And once He does this, He will enable us. He didn't say it would always be a comfortable place to be; but He does tell us that He will use us where it most serves Him and His Kingdom. He will teach us what we need to know, and He will bring others alongside us to help us when we need it.
Is this place not the place where we should wish to be? If you don't feel that way now, try it. Step out and do what He has called you to do. 'Man-up' or 'Woman-up', whichever the case may be. And then step back, and see the great work He has done in your life, through you, by Him, and for you. There is no way you will be able to view this as anything other than one of the many blessings of your God!
Tags: calling, children, service, spiritual gifts, teaching
I write the 'Rosebuds of Faith Devotional Series' on my personal blog, Ohiolilisview.blogspot.com/, and Angelwing Devotionals at angelwingdevotionals.wordpress.com. Currently working on a devotional e-book, I love to write about what God has done in my life and the lives of others. I am also available to speak to women about God and what He is to them, and what they are to Him! I am active in my church, and monitor a Ladies Prayer-Care-Share email site for the ladies of my church family. I am happily married, and though a born Yankee, I currently reside in the south, and love it! I believe God is just waiting to bless each of us...but it is up to us to see the blessing and to receive it...and then to give Him thanks!
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