Hindrances to the Call of God

Hindrances to the Call

 

The calling of God can be a call to Christ Himself, to a specific ministry, or as in my case, a call to be a husband, father and pastor.  Regardless of the specifics of our call, the nature of our call is missional and the Bible admonishes us to walk worthy of that calling.

 

Ephesians 4:1, "Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.”

 

…but oftentimes the emotions of our heart and mind get in the way of walking and instead we just want to sit down, rest, take a break, avoid the work, and before you know it, we are making excuses.

 

Moses was AFRAID (Exodus 3:1-10). 

What was Moses afraid of himself, God, Pharaoh, the Israelites and even his own abilities. Yet, Moses would eventually take the Rod of God into his hand, walk up to Pharaoh…and Face HIS FEARS(v.20-21) The fear of retaliation // the fear of his lack of ability // the fear of his future.  And Moses in the face of fear would lead the most exciting and thrilling emancipation  efforts in all of human history.   Over 600,000 men were liberated and led out of slavery, all because a man heard the voice of God in a burning bush and faced his fear, believing in the vision of the One who called Him!

 

Peter was DISCOURAGED (Matt. 26:69-75John 21:15-17)

The discouragement that Peter witnessed with Jesus’ arrest and betrayal would drive him to doubt the authority he witnessed, to doubt the hope of changing the world, to doubt that he could become anything more than a fishermen.

And so, Peter denied Jesus three times.  His Discouragement would snowball and Peter would eventually shrink back from his call,  but Jesus met him in his discouragement.  Jesus will always disappoint your disappointments. In John 20, after a morning breakfast, Jesus would infuse the vision and passion into the man who preach the world’s first Gospel message empowered by the Holy Spirit and 3000 people got saved!

 

Jonah was REBELLIOUS (Jonah 1:1-3; Jonah 2:1-10)

Jonah’s rebellious spirit almost missed the privilege of partnering with God. Jonah didn’t like God’s idea of saving a people he didn’t like, in fact he hated. There was prejudice in Jonah’s heart that made him rebellious against God’s heart.

Jonah didn’t understand an oftentimes our lack of understanding and limited knowledge of the big picture will drive our rebellion. But God gave Jonah a second chance inside the belly of a big fish: To recognize his failure. To reflect on his integrity. To restore his loyalty to God. And to recommit his dedication to God’s plan.  So, even in a heart that was resistant, Jonah became resilient and went and preached to a city called Nineveh, leading one of the most significant revivals in all of biblical history.

 

David was ASHAMED  (Psalm 51)

This man was considered a man after God’s own heart and yet, he committed great sin with great consequences.  At about 50 years old, David who was King of Israel would sleep with another man’s wife (adultery) and then murder the man to cover it up.    

Even though David’s actions were shameful, his life illustrates that God can still use us and will redeem and restore us, even when we have made a shameful example of God’s call on our life.    A broken and contrite spirit God will never deny.  David’s throne is established and the One who is Worthy of all the glory now sits on David’s throne.  What a calling!

 

Gideon was DOUBTFUL (Judges 6:11-16)

Gideon described himself as the least of his father’s household, and one of inferiority to everyone else.  So many were more equipped then him to fight in a battle. He was afraid, uncertain, and doubtful at the daunting task that was placed on him.

Did he have the insight, the charisma, the talent, the ability, the communication skills, the character? Would the people buy in to his leadership? But Gideon eventually would catch the attention of the world after destroying the altars of Baal and then destroy the entire Midian Army in an unlikely manner with very few soldiers. Gideon answered, obeyed, trusted and waited on God! It’s an example that no matter where we come from, who we are, or our current situation, nothing can keep God from using us for His glory!

 

Elijah was EXHAUSTED (1 Kings 19:1-18)

Elijah was one of the most amazing and powerful prophets of old, but after calling fire down from heaven, he runs for his life from a wicked queen named Jezebel, why? Because Elijah began to allow his emotions to guide him.    Emotional burnout is when we emotionally bankrupt ourselves. 

We begin to avoid the responsibilities of our calling

we look for ways to blame others for our problems

we are tempted to blur the facts of what’s really going on

and we tend to lead from the way we FEEL about ourselves.

But God doesn’t give up on us, he breathes resilience back into our empty souls just like He did Elijah:

In the still small voice of God, we can hear him say

Get back up on your feet.

I have called you, I have set you apart, I have anointed you

Elijah would eventually return and conquer that wicked queen Jezebel and pass on his anointing to Elisha in a double portion!

 

So no matter, what emotions are hindering the call of God on your life, what does the Lord require of you?  To walk humble, do justice and love mercy.  And let the Holy Spirit once again inspire you to live worthy of the calling He’s placed on you.   

Let it consume you, not exasperate you. 

Let it convict you, not condemn you.   

Let it ground you, not bury you. 

Let it guide you and not toss you around in the wind.

Let it not shake you, but shape you into the person God has created you to be.!