“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17, NASB)
“Call” is a word often reserved for great and lofty aspirations. The words describing the experience of God’s call are not easily found. The word “missionary” can bring about the same thoughts as “call”. Christians sometimes see missionaries as superhumans who are perfect in their spiritual walks that God pulls them out of the mundane to do extraordinary things.
It’s hard to remember that it is not we who do the work, but that we are just supposed to be available to God so He can do His work. We must realize that we don’t have to be superhuman to do God’s will, but we do need a heart that trusts Him where He leads us.
Prayer: Dear Lord, strengthen the call of missionaries around the world today. Let them see You at work among the people they are serving. Give them hearts to trust You. Show each of us today how we can trust You more. Amen.
(from Voices of the Faithful compiled by Kim P. Davis, page 311)
Today I am joining … Open Sunday Thoughts and Spiritual Sundays and Scripture & a Snapshot and Sunday Scripture Blessings .
I’ve been doing some thinking about the word “calling” lately in relation to the book discussion group over at my blog, and this quote helps me to see more clearly the partnership between the believer and God in living our way into his calling upon our lives.
Thanks, Joanne, for your faithfulness to the truth in your writing home!
Michele, you put it well – calling is a partnership between God and us and we are blessed to join Him in His work. It truly all comes back to Him.
I love this Joanne…the idea that it is not US who does the work. What is required of us is simply to be available (but in never feels simple at the time). I think we often put too much pressure to DO DO DO, when we really need to wait and listen and follow. Thank you for sharing this and blessings on your Sunday, my friend!
Jamie, you have so well pointed to the fact that we think we must ‘do’. And yet in sitting thinking on this again, I realized that most times when my response come naturally, out of the abundance or fullness of my heart, His call becomes clear. All He needs is for us to stick close to Him. And you are right, again – it is simple although we tend to make it complicated. Oh, to live and learn! Blessings, friend!
“we don’t have to be superhuman to do God’s will, but we do need a heart that trusts Him where He leads us.” These words blessed me this morning!
Inspirational reminder for sure. There are so many times that I feel that I’m just spinning my wheels with my Christianity. I keep praying to use me as God would, but see no difference. Your post reminds me that sometimes, the result is not always in black and white so I pray, along with you for the missionaries, that they know their work is impacting even when no evident. Amen to your prayer.
This is such a good reminder for us to pray, pray, pray for our missionaries – not just support them with our funds and forget about them. Thank you for always reminding us of the importance of missions – and then relating it to our own daily lives.