To This You Were Called (#260 of 365+)

Whenever I’ve heard a person say he or she was “called” by God, it was usually to do something positive and significant—like being a Christian counselor, a missionary to a remote people group, a
teacher for disabled students, etc. But with every calling comes some sort of sacrifice. It could mean earning less income to pursue one’s calling or settling for an unsatisfactory career that will help fund a part-time calling. I’ve heard those real-life examples among many others. For some, their calling cost them cultural acceptance. They lost the respect of their peers or they were shunned by their family and friends. Others were forced by their calling to move or live where they didn’t want to. Most pastors I’ve talked to said they struggled with the Lord for months or even years before they finally submitted and enrolled in seminary.

For Joni, her life’s calling is to be confined to a wheelchair as a quadriplegic.

So whether I’m truly suffering or I’m just feeling unhappy about my circumstances, and I want to ask the Lord, “Why is this happening?” or “Why me?”… I need to remember that he said, “This is what I’ve called you to do.”

“To this you were called…” (1 Peter 2:21)

And if I feel my situation is extreme or unfair (which usually happens when I try to compare my life with others) I need to follow Jesus Christ’s example and just be “content to let God set things right” (1 Peter 2:23 MSG). Even if I feel that my situation is so negative that it must be a punishment for sin—I need to remember that it isn’t. Life in an imperfect world will never be perfect. What I’m experiencing is actually a gift from God. He has given me the privilege to be a part of his plan and to go through circumstances that will bring him glory and honor.

“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him” (Philippians 1:29)

Even Jesus Christ needed to submit to the Father. So if he wasn’t too good to suffer for his calling then I most certainly am not!

“Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8)

The most important thing of all to remember about suffering for one’s calling is this: All of life’s pain, struggles, and disappointments have a way of bringing me closer to God. They make me want to pray more as I cling to the One who gives life and hope.

Lord, may I abandon all my preconceived notions and simply trust and obey you more every day. Amen.