Remember Your Encounters by Lisa Burkhardt Worley
I could do it. I could easily sell everything I own and become a beach bum. I love waking up to the sound of waves crashing the shore. I love the salt air and the feel of sand between my toes. And I could eat a Grouper sandwich or shrimp tacos every day. So what’s stopping me? It’s simple. I can’t disregard the calling on my life and that call is not to make sand castles every day.
I’ve heard the audible voice of the Holy Spirit only a couple of times, but both times it was about what I’m on this earth to do, so I keep doing it, even when it seems difficult to maintain.
Today I was reading about the Apostle Paul who, in 2 Corinthians 11, who listed off all the hardships he faced during his evangelical outreach. “I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm” (2 Corinthians 11:23–27, NLT).
Whew! I wonder if Paul dreamed of retiring to a little villa by the sea?
But Paul had an encounter with Jesus on the Damascus Road, and continued to hear from Him throughout his life. He had a calling that he could not dismiss or walk away from.
The truth is that even though I’m here at my happy place, I’ve still worked. I’ve produced one POP Talk television show and I’m working on another. I have finalized a prayer event for church and will be editing a radio show today. Although a little later than usual, I wrote this blog. Even in the midst of a more relaxed gulf-side environment, I can’t escape my calling and so I keep at it, while taking afternoon breaks for beach time.
So what calling has the LORD spoken in your ear? Every believer has a purpose. But is it becoming difficult? Maybe you are thinking it’s time to retire. I’ve got news for you. Except for the Levitical priests in the Bible, God never instructs us to retire. Our lives are a living sacrifice for Him. If you are feeling tired, remember your encounters. Those times when you unmistakably heard the voice of the Holy Spirit or felt an impression on your spirit. The touch of God will be enough to keep you moving forward in your calling.
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Won’t you join us for POP Chat on Wednesday, May 26th at 6:30 p.m. CST? Dr. Lynnette Simm will be speaking about “Being You Bravely.” Our guest Worship Leader is Flautist, Katherine Legg.You won’t want to miss this, as it’s our last POP Chat before our Summer Break. Just click on the link to sign up.