Why God Doesn't Give Easy Assignments
I've been studying the lives of people in the Bible whom God called. I'm talking about people to whom God spoke directly, such as Moses, Zacchaeus, Jeremiah, Mary, and many others. I realize that God is always reaching out to people through his Holy Spirit, but I'm interested in the individuals whom God tapped on the should and said, "I want you."My theory is that we can learn from these people because God will eventually call each of us in exactly that same way. It may not be as dramatic as, say, Moses, whom God called with a burning bush, or Balaam, to whom God spoke through a talking ass (though that may be more common than we realize). But God calls everybody.
Here's what I've discovered. God never chose anyone so they could live a long, happy life completely free from worry or stress. Make a study of all the people God called, you won’t find anybody who fits that profile. Not even one.
When God calls people, he gives them a task that extends his work in the world, and that generally involves some sort of sacrifice. Moses led people who didn't really want leadership; it was frustrating. Jeremiah spoke truth to power; always dangerous. Mary was called to bear a child out of wedlock; a challenging role even today.
When God calls, he has a job in mind that will be rewarding and deeply satisfying. It will also take you considerably beyond the comfortable vision you may have had for your own life. God does not bless us so that we alone may prosper. God blesses us so that we may bless others.
So what do you think? Does God have a purpose in mind for every person? For you? What purpose has God given you? Continue Reading >
