Into the Fire

As we ease into 2007, I just want to mention “the call” on a person’s life. There are those who think “the call” only refers to those who are set apart for leadership in the church: the 4 year (or more) university gig that produces pastors of all kinds, missionaries, etc.

But a call from the Lord puts a special and identifiable definiton on a life’s direction, and it doesn’t really matter what that call is. All that really matters is if the call is embraced and eventually fulfilled. Sometimes these calls are almost unnoticed as people move along in life, doing something they seem driven to do without stopping to analyze it, instead just compelled to pursue it. Oftentimes those individuals have yet to meet the Lord Jesus Christ to assimilate why they’re supposed to be doing just what they’re doing. There is a plan for every life. So many lives go unfulfilled in so many ways, the saddest way being deterred from meeting the One who gave them life.

Several years ago a visiting youth group needed places for some of their group to spend a night. We have an accommodating home, so we had the youth pastor and three boys as guests. My husband took home the youth pastor and the oldest boy, and my son and I took the two younger boys with us. When one of the younger boys walked up to the car to get in, the Call on his life was so profound I had to discreetly turn away from him as I was overwhelmed by whatever it was God planned to do with the little guy. Tears bubbled up in my eyes, and I had to do some serious praying so I could get a grip to greet the two young boys and make them feel welcome.

This young boy was a scrawny, somewhat unkempt blonde kid with what few belongings he’d brought in a plastic bag. But the call on his life was so real and so dramatic that it hit me the instant I saw him. It brings tears to my eyes even now as I recall it here for you. Later on in the evening we learned he was determined to go to the mission field–already embracing what the Lord had put on his heart. When we all went back to church the next day after a late night talking, I said goodbye to the little guy, and I’ve never seen him again. In fact, I don’t remember his name, but I will never forget the call on his life.

If you’ve been dancing around the call on your life, have yet to embrace what the Lord has been pulling you toward, now is the time. Stop the dance. Get a new partner. The Holy Spirit knows all the steps and the melody is sweet, yet complex. Beautiful, but can be difficult to learn. Nevertheless, it’s the one you need to know, to do, to give your everlasting devotion to, because it is God’s direction for your life right now. If you’re struggling with unfulfillment, disobedience, a lackluster effort toward what you’re doing, regroup. There’s a plan. Designed for you. No, it’s not always easy, nor is it always swift, and, yes, it takes effort, real effort, but when it’s in full operation, the doubts cease to exist as to the plan. The hows and whats and wheres can get complicated, but faith has to be involved. Trust in the One who designed the plan, the dance, the strong embrace of loving what God has just for you. Each call is profound because of the One who gives it. It doesn’t matter what it is: what matters is what you do to fulfill it. Don’t delay. Don’t keep your Partner waiting. Make beautiful music together.

Lord, thank you. You have kept things simple for this single-minded girl, woman. I’ve needed you my whole life, but you waited until I was ready to lay down my independence which got me nowhere but in trouble. Thank you for your patience with me. Thank you for waiting. I love you, Lord. Help me to continue in the call. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.