God’s call is not for the
fainthearted, whether to a mission field, an unpopular stand or a particular
task. When God calls, expect difficulty and hardship. Expect to shed some
blood, sweat and tears.
That’s not something we in
twenty-first century America like to hear. We’re used to convenience and
leisure and instant gratification. But as I read through the Bible, I see God
calling his people to specific tasks that require hard work and sacrifice. For
example, Noah was called by God to build an ark that would save his family as
well as the animals God had chosen. How long did he have to work on building
the ark? Scholars believe it was probably around sixty years. That’s sixty
years of gathering materials, measuring, cutting, fitting, pounding, sealing.
Hard work. Sweat. Is there anything you’d be willing to spend sixty years working on?
The Israelites fought many battles
in their conquest of the Promised Land. We don’t read the details about every
battle in the Biblical accounts, but this was war in all its bloody, gory, frightening,
painfulness. And these messy battles continued through the period of the judges,
King Saul, King David and beyond. God called them to the task, but it wasn’t
easy. Most likely, some of the Israelite warriors gave their lives answering
God’s call. Families were left without husbands and fathers and brothers and
sons. Blood and tears. What are we willing to sacrifice for God’s call?
The prophets were often required to
sacrifice their reputation and their safety in order to demonstrate God’s word
to his wayward people. Jeremiah spent time sinking in the mud of a cistern,
alone without food to strengthen him or sunshine to warm him. Isaiah was told
to walk around naked for 3 years. And of course, Hosea’s heart broke over and
over again as his wife played the harlot with other lovers. Rejection.
Embarrassment. Are we willing to suffer personal shame for God’s call?
Even in the New Testament, people
who believed Jesus was the Messiah were thrown out of the synagogues,
persecuted by both Jews and Romans. Nearly all the apostles were killed because
they felt called to follow the Lord. Paul even lists the times he was flogged,
shipwrecked, stoned, etc. Followers of the Most High God didn’t expect to have
it easy or convenient. They weren’t interested in a leisurely approach, and
understood well that their reward would come later.
As a writer, I have answered God’s
call but sometimes feel discouraged because the going is hard. The ideas aren’t
flowing. The words won’t come. Maybe I’ve misunderstood what God wanted. I
thought if He called me to write, He’d make it easy for me to accomplish. Oh,
no. God’s call is an offer to stretch beyond our own resources, our own
abilities. That’s hard. That can be discouraging. That involves long hours of
lonely work. But, if that’s where you are, you’re in good company, and in good
hands!
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of
witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so
easily entangles, and let us run with
perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1
“Have I not commanded you? Be
strong and courageous. Do not be terrified or discouraged, for the Lord your
God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Answer God’s call on your life, but
be ready to work to accomplish it.
Mary L. Hamilton is the author of Hear No Evil, Book 1 in
the Rustic Knoll Bible Camp series for tweens. She grew up at a camp much like
the setting for her book. When not writing, Mary enjoys knitting, reading and
being outdoors, though not all at the same time. She and her husband live near
Houston, TX within range of their three grown children.
Connect with Mary:
Website/blog: http://www.maryhamiltonbooks.com
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mhamiltonbooks
Twitter:@mhamilton122
Hear No Evil available through Amazon:
http://tinyurl.com/kl5bovo
Or Barnes
& Noble: http://tinyurl.com/kw2xmtr
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