We all agree that God calls each of us to Himself. Yet how often do we stop to consider the implications of this truths:
- God calls each of us personally. God knows us, drawing us to Himself by our name. “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine” (Isaiah 43:1, NKJV).
- The call is individual and unique. God entrusts a specific aspect of ministry to achieve His plans and purposes. “… Â for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13, NKJV).
- Our gifts and talents are as individual and unique as our call. “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit … But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills”
(1 Corinthians 12:4, 11, NKJV). God has equipped us according to our personalities. Our gifts and talents will not be used in the same way. The people we encounter and rub shoulders with each day need us to be ourselves. God has molded us perfectly for His purposes, in His ways, for His people.
God is always working in and through our varied personalities to achieve His purposes. He created us distinctly, designing tasks specifically fitted and suited for us.
The call of God is a distinctive calling … The commissioning is always personal … Moreover its object is always precise; never merely haphazard or undefined.”
(Watchman Nee, What Shall This Man Do?, page 9)
We need to break free from the entrapment of comparisons and jealousy. Both will cause division and distract us from God’s best. Let’s free one another to be ourselves, the ones God created us to be.
Instead, ” Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24, NLT).
Be the best you that you can be – by and through His Spirit.
Answer His call for your life.
Today I am joining … Porch Stories and Tell His Story and Coffee For Your Heart and Woman to Woman and Recharge Wednesday .
I found some books by Watchman Nee on my bookcase when I was cleaning it off and organizing over Christmas break. Now, I really want to read them!
I need to send you a photo … a few months back, I took all of the ones my dad had. What a treasure! I am hoping to share each Wednesday from my reading of these books.
I see the common theme that we both are aiming for, Joanne, and I love it! Yes, I agree that God has made us all unique and with distinct callings. Therefore, we shouldn’t feel in competition with one another. I think of ministry or blogging like being part of a choir that needs each unique voice to make the harmonies swell. So thank you for unintentionally harmonizing with me! 😉
And it’s interesting that you bring up the spiritual gift passage, since that’s one passage that I’m focusing on in my post about grace next week. I guess it all makes sense since this is where the Lord’s mind has and is going! Happy New Year, my friend!
Beth, I look forward to reading your post next week!
Ugh – comparison is such a trap!! I know this. And yet how easily I am caught in the same trap over and over again. Praying that I can embrace my unique calling more this year.
Yes, may we all join you in that prayer, Jennifer.
Amen to this: answer the call on YOUR life not someone else’s. YES, LORD.
I’m so grateful for this truth: “He created us distinctly, designing tasks specifically fitted and suited for us.” It’s so easy to get too tangled up in comparison and feeling less than. But when we remember that he spoke us into being, just the way he wanted us, we can rest and live out our purpose. Thanks, Joanne.
Well said, Lisa. May we live out our purpose for we only have one life to live!
Your words dovetail nicely with mine today, Joanne. Hearing good words more than once is never wasted.
Your post blessed me when I read it. I so appreciate when God works this way. Blessings!