Nougat 15

Do we know what our calling is, and are we working in God’s purpose? Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Now

We may trivialize our role in God’s plans, and we might not be exceptionally sold on the idea of the fivefold ministry. But we can’t help but note that we each are included in God’s plans. What then do we do about that?

One common response is to ignore God’s call. In those circumstances, we do hear God’s call and conclude it’s not for people like us (whatever that means). I have been down that road several times before; and I find that in almost all cases, my real problem was lack of confidence in what God had placed in me. Yet we have no problem (well I didn’t) to tell others about what God was calling them. Weird eh, but even weirder was feeling envy at other people being used by God. I pray our ears are unblocked and we begin hearing again so we get past this. For God’s got work for each of us; and while others can do it, the blessings are intended for us.

Others of us are challenged by the scope of the work we are doing. It may be that we feel under-qualified or are suffering from burnout. We might even think God’s given us the wrong gift, because the scope is more than we anticipated. It may be a lonely call, or we face diverse trials, persecutions and maybe even temptation, but let’s not be weary in well doing – if God called us to the work; I guarantee that God’s with us as we work!

There’s a very special category of us who have predetermined our spiritual gifting and calling. I know that sounds off; but let’s use a bad example to illustrate the point. Years ago, my sole desire was to sing solos or solo parts when there were church concerts, etc. The problem was, I was not naturally talented, I’d not had voice lessons, and in many instances, I didn’t make the time to fully learn the song I chose to sing in my pitch. Yep, I’m sure you’re beginning to get the picture. My singing range is not very wide and I’m more of an alto (or O flat minor as I jokingly described it), but I wanted to sing soprano! Trust me when I say, in those moments, it was more a disservice to the song, song writer and to God than a blessing to anyone – including me. In the same manner, our desire for a particular calling-anointing, if ill-timed can do more harm than good all round. I pray we are open to God’s plans for our lives in each season and that we walk according to God’s will for our lives and not just our own.

The nougat makes a very critical point – Paul tells Timothy, his spiritual son and mentee, that God chose him Paul. Our previous reflections above help us to see that Paul heard, remained steadfast and no longer sought to have someone else’s anointing. And, the nougat indicates that he was also mentoring another. That’s what God desires for us.

Remember in Acts Paul began as Saul and misunderstood the calling on his life? Remember he was persecuting the People of The Way, rather than showing them The Way to Christ? When he started obeying God, his life was completely transformed that even his name was changed. I pray God’s transforming grace in each of our lives as we seek to live our calling.

May we also cheerfully and confidently say that God has chosen and anointed us for the work we are doing.

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May all we seek be found in Christ