“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (Proverbs 27:17, NLT)
In reading the words of a friend recently, I had a “Me too” moment. It’s the moment you realize you are not the only one who feels a particular way and are not alone in the way you feel.
You exhale a sigh of relief.
I have never been sure if my personality fits the definition of an introvert or an extrovert. It probably doesn’t matter a hill of beans because at this point in life, I realize I am who God has created me to be. One of the wonderful aspects of the passing years (aka – growing older) is becoming just a little more comfortable in our skin, which is ever sagging and showing wrinkles.
As comfortable as we may get with ourselves, God still calls us to the uncomfortable.
The uncomfortable may look like …
- a visit to a hospital room
- making that phone call
- giving up a dream
- forging a new dream
- speaking to a stranger
- sending a card
- stepping into a new church
- volunteering in a needed position
- praying, or even
- raising your children.
In a recent post, by an online friend, God reminded me again of this:
The call of God will always seem uncomfortable.
Do it anyway.
The disciples were the first ones Jesus called to follow Him. Can we even imagine what they felt as they recklessly, and without explanation, dropped their nets and went?
They had no idea of His plan. There was no job description. They were not given a list of job benefits nor guaranteed success, popularity, or fame.
They simply heard His call and abandoned all they had to follow Him.
The words from an old song by Steven Curtis Chapman began to echo in my head:
“Not for the sake of a creed or a cause
Not for a dream or a promise
Simply because it is Jesus who called
And if we believe we’ll obey.”(from “For The Sake of the Call”)
God is looking for a people, His people, to be wholly devoted to Him. ‘Wholly’Â means entirely, totally, every part of me, altogether. It’s not a word frequently used today.
But it’s a word He’s calling to mind lately as He asks – “Are you wholly devoted to Me?”
“Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, And I shall keep it to the end. Give me understanding, , and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart, Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it. Establish Your word to Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You.” (Psalm 119:33-35, 38, NKJV)
Here’s the thing – once we hear the question, we must give a response.
And we respond simply because it is Jesus who called.
No other reason at all.
He calls. We obey.
The post mentioned above was: Surrendered Worship: Lessons from Jonah Part Two (link included) by Debbie Putnam.
Today I am joining … #DreamTogether and Inspire Me Monday and Glimpses .
Oh, friend. Your words have confirmed this uncomfortable nudge I’ve been feeling in my spirit lately. Thank you for writing brave to remind us that we are called to do uncomfortable things in His name, for His sake.
It was a reminder and push to myself. Something I have been grappling with. Glad it brought confirmation to you as well. Blessings!
What a beautiful post. Praying God blesses you with His peace and joy as you step forward in surrender and serve Him, however, wherever, and whenever He calls. And thank you for linking to my post about Jonah. ((Hugs))
Debbie, your post spoke deeply. I had to mull it around for a few days before I could even share my thoughts. Thank you for letting God use your words!
God often calls us to uncomfortable places. He is looking for those who will be obedient to the calling. I haven’t always been. I’ve allowed fear to hold me back. Thank you for sharing and may God bless you as you continue to step forward in faith.
Barbie, I have been far from brave. Fear has held me back many a time. I am wanting to overcome this and perhaps, stating it out loud (or writing it here) is the first step for me.