Rise…To The Level Of Your Calling

Sometimes people who think they know you cannot appreciate the essence of who you truly are. They can only see you as they perceive you based on your past or because of comparisons. Can’t really fault them for that but that’s why you can’t wait for the approval of people when God calls. Just answer the call and those that will see, will see and those that will hear, will hear. Move in the power of the Lord and strive to rise to the level of your calling. Don’t let fear call the shots. That’s evil.

It’s important to be aware and pay attention to things that kill us slowly and sabotage our destinies quickly:

Holding on to past hurts (offense leads to oppression)
Never Taking Action (procrastination: the number one killer of what could have been)
Believing the hype (yours or someone else’s)
Believing that dumb unbelieving voice (lying whispers)
Half-hearted belief ….But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6
Unable to recognize the hand of God especially in lessons learned (it traps you in bitterness and regret)…And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
No gratitude (for opened doors as well as closed ones)
No understanding that this will pass (keeps you stuck)…weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5
Inability to recognize and accept the end of something (when God is through move on...stop looking and reaching back…He is trying to do a new thing...can you perceive it? see Isaiah 43:19)
Refusal…stubbornness…arrogance…pride (you’re the vessel don’t act as the Creator)…“I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; ( prudence meaning wisdom put into practice)I possess knowledge and discretion. To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Proverbs 8: 12-13

If you relate all too well with this list don’t fret, God is not condemning us but convicting us (bringing to our attention and convincing us of the Truth). The cool thing is, God does not give up on us and the Word says we can be confident of this:

Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

His Light is contagious..spread it..but beware, so is darkness..it’s insidious don’t underestimate..stay alert….pay attention Life is short…make it count….you’ve got the green light…you were created for such a time as this.

Following your destiny is a beautiful thing. It centers you…simplifies the vision, gives you a peace beyond understanding and settles your spirit but it’s not for the faint of heart. There will be challenges, opposition, dark days, feelings of insecurity, loneliness, confusion and trolls at the bridge ….But God says

Isaiah 43:4-8 (NIV)

4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. 5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. 6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth— 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

8 Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf.

Something President Bill Clinton said about Maya Angelou at her memorial service inspired me….he said Maya’s greatest gift was that she lived her life paying attention… And immediately in my head popped the phrase: Rise to the level of your calling and of course immediately after that was my question.. How do you rise to the level of your calling?…and then the answer…….by paying attention.

Can’t wait to see what God will do when He uses you! Go get it!