Heavenly Calling

“…I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision.” (Acts 26:19)

Even the enemies of God understand the requirement of accountability to a universal Creator. That’s why they hate him, because they understand that such a Creator requires obedience and acknowledgement of his “eternal power and Godhead” (Romans 1:19-20). But why, as believers, do we run and hide?

“If I serve God, I’m afraid he’ll make me a missionary and send me to Africa or China, or worse yet, the Middle East!” “If I serve God, he may tell me to preach, and everyone knows I’m not very literate or a good orator!” “What if he wants me to become a pastor or evangelist ?” “No way, that’s just not me!” And so we run!

But heaven is not a democracy, and God does not give us a choice; he gives us an “offer we can’t refuse!” All we can do is accept or reject his invitation (Luke 14:16-24).

A call from God will not make us popular, and it is for sure that we will not be everyone’s “friend!” In fact, the greater the anointing upon our lives, the greater the isolation, misunderstanding and rejection will be. As the power increases in our prayer life or ministry, we also become a greater target for demonic attack and harassment (II Corinthians 12:7, II Timothy 1:8).

Am I talking about the calling of an apostle? A prophet? Or maybe an evangelist, pastor or teacher? Perhaps, but rather the calling of every believer, to take up his cross and follow him (Hebrews 3:1).

God has not called us to walk an easy path; the road to heaven is narrow, and the way is difficult, and it is not for the weak or faint-hearted (Ephesians 6:10). Few choose to travel this path, and the casualties and desertions are many (Matthew 7:14).

This present age is drawing to a close, and we must draw near to the Lord as never before. He does not require us to fulfill our calling in our own strength, neither does he permit it. For our strength is wholly inadequate for the job, and it only gets in his way. If we ask him, he will help us; if we submit our plans to him, he will show us what is needful for the day, and give us the strength and ability to do it. Time is our friend, not our enemy, when we live and walk in the Spirit.