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November 11, 2022

God’s Eternal Calling

November 11, 2022 by CARISSA JOY STRUM CALLING Expectations God’s guidance & direction Obedience Purpose
God’s Eternal Calling
  • by CARISSA JOY STRUM
  • Comment
“Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts.”
1 Corinthians 7:17-19

The other day, I was getting all stressed out because I felt like my workouts had to be at the same time each day and look like the workouts I saw other people doing in order to be effective. When I told my husband this, he kindly explained that workouts that are done differently at random times of day actually promote health; our bodies do well with variety. I had to let go of my idea that “more order = better” in light of the truth that God designed our bodies to handle (and even thrive in) the change. The answer is not a perfect workout plan, but rather finding time to move our bodies in a way we enjoy in the days God has given us.


Similar to my fear of having to do the same workout, I sometimes fear having to fulfill my calling in the same way all of the days of my life in all of the stages of life. If God has called me to something, don’t I need to fulfill that calling in a specific way and in the same way each day? Thankfully, no! Just as there are numerous ways to fulfill the need to exercise, there are plenty of ways to fulfill our callings, and God calls us to different things in different seasons. There is not one right or best way to fulfill your calling; rather, obey God in each day and watch how those small steps of obedience draw us closer to God and are a means of following his calling. As today’s passage reminds us, the point is that we are believers and daughters. By living as God’s beloved daughters in whatever season He has placed us in, we are fulfilling our calling and bringing our Father glory.


This season, God might be calling you to take care of a house and family. Maybe He’s calling you to be on your own for a bit and experience the companionship of His presence, attend school and learn for His glory, proclaim His Kingdom in faraway places, or rest and be rejuvenated. Whatever the specifics of the way you’re working out God’s calling, remember that His calling does not change but the daily living does change.


This week, let’s look for the Lord’s presence as we experience new ways to live out His calling. As we follow God and experience obedience in different ways, we get to see new aspects of who our God is. What an incredible blessings and gift! 

Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for Your presence with us. Thank You for leading us in Your calling instead of leaving us to try to figure it out on our own. We are so comforted by the fact that Your calling gives us eternal purpose and a means of bringing glory to Your Name. Please reveal how we can fulfill Your calling in each moment throughout this week, and please lead us to make choices and say words that are a reflection of You and in line with Your calling. We are Yours, Lord. We trust You to place us wherever You please, and we are so grateful that You choose to call and use us each day. We love You! In Jesus’ eternal Name we pray. Amen.
Resources
Article: Is There a Difference Between a Dream and a Calling? By Emily P Freeman This article is a thought-provoking short read that encourages us to think about callings and dreams as we glorify God with the passions and gifts He has given us. I love the focus on the joy and freedom we have within our callings. This article is a great starting point if you’re thinking about callings, and I encourage you to read more of Emily P Freeman’s work!
Song: Heart Full of Praise by Phil Wickham This song is such a powerful and beautiful reminder of the Gospel and of our common calling to proclaim God’s Kingdom. I highly recommend the entire album! As you listen to these words, allow the Holy Spirit to remind you of God’s truth and the high calling He has called us to—proclaiming His truth to the world!
Question for Reflection

How can you see the rhythms and days of this week as opportunities to glorify God and fulfill your calling? How can you see any interruptions that come up this week as ways to further God’s Kingdom?

Comments
Carissa Joy Strum
November 11, 2022

Instead of seeing this season of preparation as a time when I’m only preparing for my calling, I can choose to see it as a time when God is working in me to fulfill His calling even now. When interruptions come up and people ask things of me I’m not expecting, I can view them as opportunities to be the hands and feet and listening ears of Christ to people Jesus loves and died for. I can thank God for the opportunities He brings, and seek His help when I feel lost or impatient. I want to have His Kingdom purposes on my mind and heart, so that words of truth and His Kingdom flow out of my responses and reactions! I am so thankful for God’s grace as we grow in Him!