Declined calls
I am sure that you have the same feature on your cell phone as I do… the ability to accept or decline incoming phone calls. There are tons of reasons why we shouldn’t ignore phone calls but at the same time there are tons of reasons why we might be inclined to hit the “decline”button:
We are in the middle of a writing deadline, we are on a date with our spouse or in the middle of conversation with your child’s teacher.
All of these are perfectly good reasons to not accept a phone call. But what about the calls that come in from someone that you just don’t want to take the time to talk to? If we were to be honest here, I know that I am not alone in being guilty of this.
Just as easy as it is to decline these kind of calls on our cell phones, it is also easy for us to miss the calling of the Holy Spirit. There are times when honestly, I don’t want to do some things that I know God is asking me to do. Sometimes the small whispering voice whispers things that it is difficult for me to listen to …. “Forgive them!” “Go bless so and so with $500!” “Swallow your pride and ask for help!”
I remember such a time that I felt God leading me to go up to a complete stranger and share my testimony about how God led me to be reconciled with my earthly father whom I had been separated from for over 40 years. To be honest with you, I did not want to. First of all, I did not even know this person, they would surely think I was a nutcase. Secondly, I barely could talk about my father without becoming emotional even with my own family and close friends, let alone a stranger!
This is one call that I should have taken, but I didn’t. I hit the “decline” button way too early. Later, I found out through a mutual friend that this “stranger” was going thru a hard time because her children wanted to find their dad who had been absent in their lives thus far. After hearing her story, I immediately knew that I had dropped the call and not adhered to the call and leading of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus told His disciples that if they loved Him, they would obey His commands and teachings.
“Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching” (John 14:23a, NIV).
Sounds simple enough, but this “if – then” statement is followed up a few verses later with the power that we need to have such obedience…
“But when He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.” John 16:13,14
Once we have accepted Christ, He lives within each of us. He equips us and when He prompts us to do something on His behalf, He will lead the way, open doors and give us the words to speak. We do not have to be an eloquent speaker, or even be well educated. He is looking for obedient vessels that He can work through. He may use our voice, but it is always His Words when we open ourselves up to be used by Him.
Often times I pray “Lord, have Your way!” But really what I mean is, “Lord, have Your way IF it is the same as my way!” But if this is a heartfelt prayer, than I will realize that sometimes God’s way will not be my way! In fact, sometimes, His way may interrupt my way, interrupt my thinking and interrupt my schedule.
I don’t want to decline Gods calls. I want to be a woman who is always willing to accept His call….how about you?
*Due to computer issues, I am uploading my post late, but I trust that this Word will be a blessing to someone this weekend. May we always be willing to accept the call that God places on our heart and act upon it. Have a safe and blessed pre-4th of July weekend. Go be a blessing to someone!
Thanks for always being a blessing my friend.
Oh, I so know what you mean, Laurie. Too often I decline the call from God to do certain things. However, I am getting better about it lately.
Thank you for the reminder to not decline God’s calls.
Laurie, I tend to screen my calls and often hit decline. Too many sales calls, I guess. But sometimes the interruptions in my life have been those Divine appointments. I had one real life example while traveling on an airplane. I hoped to spend my time reading but the woman next to me wasn’t allowing that. So we talked. Before the end of the flight the woman on the other side of me joined in. It was a Divine appointment and the Lord blessed this time. The three of us are now Facebook friends and encourage one another.
It helps me to have a daily quiet time when I ask the Lord to open my heart and to stay tuned all day to Him. I don’t want to miss out on what He has planned for my day.
Great post and I’m glad you were able to get it posted.
Blessings and love,
Debbie