The Call
By Becci J. Terrill
“…she believed the
One who made the promise
would do what He said.”
would do what He said.”
Hebrews
11:11b (The Message)
It
came when I least expected it, and frankly, wasn’t looking for it. My life was
already full, but God had a different plan. He wanted me to follow Him in a new
direction. Yes, it was a direction that I longed to go, but also secretly
feared to tread. He knew that, but He also knew that if I followed Him our
relationship would become stronger and sweeter. But that doesn’t come easily.
He
cleared the obstacles in the path so my answer could be “Yes!” He gave me an
overwhelming sense of joy in those first steps down the new path. He brought excitement
and hope in the journey. Then the unthinkable happened. I lost my way!
When
I realized this, panic welled up inside of me. I searched and searched to no
avail. I couldn’t find the path! What had happened? How had I missed it? I
stopped searching for the path and realized I needed the One who called me on
the journey. He knew my problem. He knew my fear. His loving voice reassured me
He had called me, so He would also lead me. I needed to keep my eyes on Him and
not the path.
Peace
flooded my soul. I couldn’t see the path, but my focus had changed. He had
called. He promised to be with me. I moved forward again with slower steps,
holding His hand and listening for His voice.
The devil whispered in my ear. He undermined my
confidence and caused me to doubt my ability to follow the call. He suggested
unhealthy ways to escape and save myself from failure and humiliation.
The
Holy Spirit inside cried out, “No! Get away from me. You have no power here.”
Healing words of Scripture soothed my wounded soul. I started out again on the
journey.
I
haven’t arrived at the destination yet. I don’t know what it looks like, but I
can see the lights in the distance and know God will get me there. I have not
overcome all of my fears, but I am clinging to the One who has called me and
the promises that He gives me every day - - He won’t leave me and He will guide
me on each step of the journey. I am learning to believe those promises more
and more.
I
think we call that faith.
GOING DEEPER:
1.
God loves calling people to do things they cannot do on their own. What is He
calling you to do? Will you trust Him and obey?
FURTHER READING:
Read
Hebrews
11 for a look at lives of faith.
Becci is a wife and
mother of two adult daughters. She is the Director of Ministry Partnerships at
Shepherds Ministries in Union Grove,
WI. She serves as WE Women’s
Special Events Coordinator and teaches 4th grade Sunday School.
