Divine Calling - 1 Chronicles 15-19

Are you like me, who has a difficult time deciding, when it comes to making a decision about something?

In a restaurant, choosing from the menu, I will come to a decision on what I would like, then a friend will say, "the chicken looks good, I will have that," and then I start to waver from my choice, and wonder if I should go for the chicken! I tend to struggle when I am bombarded with too many options! I often ask myself, "Am I making the right choice?"

On the other hand, our Sovereign and perfect God always makes the right choice. He never makes a mistake when choosing whom to use to accomplish His will, and He often chooses the weak to demonstrate His glory!

In 1 Chronicles 15, we witness the fulfilment of David's divine calling. A grand procession, with music and dancing, as he brings the Ark of Covenant to Jerusalem. David was chosen by God from humble beginnings to be King of Israel, and his leadership would become legendary. But a time comes when David desires to build a temple for God, and God tells him that this task is reserved for his son, Solomon. David's calling is not all he hoped.

Sometimes our callings are not what we expected or dreamed of either, and often look vastly different for each of us. Recognising the uniqueness of our callings can free us from our tendencies to compare and compete, everyone's calling is crucial to the health of our communities. Even though David did not build the temple, his calling was to lay the groundwork which allowed Solomon to focus on the building of the temple. Each role was essential. Living into God's call is not about personal glory, but about serving our heavenly Father and one another faithfully.

How do we know God is calling us?

We find our calling by listening to God's voice stirring inside us. There are lots of voices and worldly distractions competing for our attention. In a war for our souls, noise blasts their agendas to keep our ears for God's voice obstructed. If we are eager to pursue what God has called us to do, or even trying to figure out what He is calling us to do, we need to cultivate the ability to tune out all noises apart from God's voice. To tune in to His voice and just listen to Him alone. Reading the Bible is the best way to learn what He is about, what He desires, and how He approaches life. When we also spend time in prayer, coupled with studying the Scriptures, we can learn a great deal about identifying His voice.

Because of our human imperfections, we may be surprised when God chooses us for a particular task, but God is not surprised. He is the one who sets us apart for His work, even before we are born! We need to pay attention to the gifts God has given us. We need to look for creative ways to love God and others well, and to sow seeds of peace and justice in our world.

Are you alert to the opportunities God is giving you?

Don't let fear of what might happen, or our own insecurities cause us to miss a chance to answer God's call.

"I can't do this! There has got to be a better person for the job than me!"

Are these your words or thoughts when God calls you?

In Joshua 1:9 God says:

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

God calls us to serve Him, irrespective of our shortcomings, be they imagined or actual. We might feel as though we lack the courage, wisdom, education, strength, experience or knowledge to be used by God, but that is the furthest thing from the truth. We need to trust Him, and rely on His provision and guidance to do what He is calling us to do. For God, there is no such thing as unqualified.

If our hearts are saying "Here I am LORD," then naturally, His heart will say "Here I am" to us. If we already have a heart that desires after the things of God, then we can cry out to Him and know that He will be there. He will walk through the valley with us, hold our hands in moments of pain and uncertainty, guide our steps and stand beside us in the darkest seasons of our lives. We can trust that He is taking care of all the details concerning our lives, and that "Here I am" will be God's response to our call. Will "Here I am, LORD" be your immediate response to His?

God has great plans for us.

We were created to be torch bearers of God's goodness and faithfulness to mankind.

We were created to be powerful vessels for the Gospel.

And He is not done with us yet!

What is God calling you to do today?

Be open to whatever God has in store for you, and then step, with Him at your side, into the richness of His glorious plan, to use you powerfully in His kingdom. We can serve joyfully, trusting in God's wisdom and timing.

How awesome is that!