Answering the Call by Donna R. Patrick
Our guest blogger today is Donna Renay Patrick. Donna has a passion for praise and worship ministry, and teaches the body of Christ in the true meanings of praise and worship from a Biblical perspective via conferences, workshops, and video training and development.
She is a contributing writer for www.experiencingworship.com. Her first book, At All Times, a devotional, won the Henri Award during the 2013 Christian Literary Awards. Her second book is entitled It’s In Your Praise! She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Bishop College, and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Dallas Baptist University.
What has God called you to do?
Have you ever asked yourself that question?
It can be a tough one to answer. Sometimes God makes it clear what he has called us to do, but there are other times when we are not at all sure, and have to seek the face of God in prayer, and search the Scriptures to gain clarity on what our gifts and callings are.
Who has answered God’s call on her life?
What does that look like?
In the movie, The Lion King, a young Symba witnessed the death of his father, Mufasa. Symba’s Uncle Skar led Symba to believe that his father’s death was his (Symba’s) fault. Too young to discern his uncle’s wicked motives, and having too much respect to disbelieve his uncle, Symba ran away to hide from the guilt he felt. But years later, a grown-up Symba, having reached the end of his feelings of guilt and shame, began to hear his father’s voice saying, “Symba, remember who you are.”
You may not be clear on your individual, and unique calling God has on your life, but there are some things you can be clear on. Here are some of the things that God, in His Word, is calling us to do:
(1) Obedience. Answering the call of God on your life means walking in obedience. In Deuteronomy 28:1-14 God makes it very clear the blessings that will surely follow when we walk in obedience to Him. I once heard a preacher say the only scripture you believe is the one you obey.
(2) Humility. In James 4:10 we are told to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, and He will exalt us in due time. Answering the call means that we are mere servants of Almighty God, and have been sanctified for His use.
(3) Prayer. First Thessalonians 5:17 states very clearly that we should pray without ceasing. Colossians 4:2 teaches us to devote ourselves to prayer and keep our minds alert and our hearts thankful.
(4) Worship. Worship is one of the 12 spiritual disciplines. We don’t have to be sitting in church to worship, according to John 4:23-24. It isn’t about the place of worship, but the condition of our hearts.
(5) God has called us to be People of the Word. God told Joshua that if he would meditate on His Word he would experience prosperity and good success. That Word from God wasn’t only for Joshua – it’s for us, too!
(6) Watch how you talk. Ephesians 4:29 tells us to not allow foul language to come from our mouths, but allow the things we say to be helpful and encouraging to the listener.
(7) Guard your heart. Proverbs 4:23 says for us to guard our hearts, for from it flow the issues of life.
If you are in some ambiguity about God’s calling on your life, I encourage you to search His revealed will – His Word. What is yet unclear, God will reveal it to you in due time as you continue to seek Him in prayer and meditation on His Word.