Answering the Call

Growing up, I always believed that answering the call of God on my life would mean full time ministry, preaching His word, something BIG.  But, I'm starting to realize that sometimes that call is just for me to write, or encourage others, or intercede.  Those are gifts and talents He's given me, so instead of burying them, perhaps I should use them!  I guess it takes some growing up, knowing the Lord on a more intimate level, and trusting that He will do right by you. 

Honestly, if you told me 20 years ago that I would be a suburban mom driving a mini van, I would have laughed and said you were missing it.  I was in bible college at the time, and truly believed that I would be a full-time missionary, or traveling minister for the rest of my life.  I thought for sure I'd be married by 20, and have 7, yes SEVEN, kids by age 30.  I had this Utopian life all planned out for myself, and I didn't give a second thought to anything else.  So, when 20 came and went, all the way to age 27, I was confused and couldn't figure out why God wasn't matching up to my plans.  HA!  As if the Almighty would follow my plan.  Things I know now at age 38. 

So, when I find myself wondering what it is I'm supposed to "do", I often go back to the little things I've seen in my life that had to be the hand of God and not my own doing.  Sharing Jesus with the high school football player that sat behind me in Government class, writing songs and poems about God's love, encouraging friends and family, and just praying over people.  I KNOW that God has gifted me to pray, so why does it seem so insignificant?  The truth is that intercessors are necessary to the church, to the community and to the world. 

God is so good.  I love having a heart to pray for people who need prayer, and really, who doesn't need prayer for something.  Thankful for God's word, Hebrews 4:16 (ESV) says "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."  Thank God we can boldly go before His throne of grace in times of prayer!  I am now daily answering the call God has placed on me to pray.  I feel at peace knowing THIS is my big call, THIS is what I was created for, and THIS is my purpose! 

Falling in love all over again...

I am so in love with my Lord and Savior.  He always meets me where I am, and is constantly working in my life.  He is so steady and faithful.  Yesterday, I was talking to someone about where I was in my struggle with food, my emotions, my walk with the Lord.  I told her I felt like I was on the mountain, getting close to the top and God was working on the other side preparing my ram (symbolizing Abraham and Isaac and the ram God prepared for them as they obeyed Him).  This flooded my heart for the day.  I just could relate so well as I am endeavouring to obey the Lord in all that I do.  My redemption is at the top of the mountain.  I feel pretty awesome right now.  I can see how God is weaving together my story for others, and how I'm breaking through to the other side.  I feel freedom from so many things that have hindered me and held me back for years, and I give all glory, honor and praise to God for the work He is doing and has done in me. 

I am re-learning who I am in Christ.  If we know who we are in Christ, all that other stuff just doesn't affect us the same way.  In Christ, I am more than a conqueror.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  In Christ, I am blessed with every spiritual blessing.  In Christ, I have been given great and precious promises.  In Christ, I am redeemed and forgiven.  In Christ, I have been made righteous and am reconciled to God.  In Christ, I AM A NEW CREATION.  There are many more scriptures that show us who we are in Christ.  Praise God for the work He did through Christ to make us joint heirs with Him.  We inherited the promises of God when we became "in Christ", when we made Him our Lord, when we submitted to Him.

I spent over an hour in prayer yesterday, and it recharged my batteries and recharged my trust and complete confidence in Him.  He is so good.  He is so faithful and loving and true.  Get a hold of what has gotten a hold of you!  WOW!