Please Stand By

Thursday, September 5, 1996

Matthew 28:18-20 – Then Jesus came to [His disciples] and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been granted to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

As a Christian teenager, I heard this message a lot: God calls each of us. I've repeatedly sought His call for me over time, through university, embarking on a career, and starting a family. Yet when I asked Him, "what is my call?", I still heard back, "Please stand by".

I had no doubt I had a calling. Yet as gratifying as that was, it was also terrifying. I could imagine God one day presenting me with an IOU for His many favours rendered. Then He would require me to pay Him back by calling me to some difficult mission overseas. God had the right to ask this of me, but I would not like it. I'd have to uproot my family, abandon my career, and give up my lifestyle.

I recently heard the message again: God calls each of us. This time the emphasis was: He prepares us for our calling, calls us to something we want to do, and that call provides us opportunities for personal growth.

A week later God revealed to me His call for me. It was something I could do and something I passionately wanted to do. Six months later, He continues to confirm my calling by the opening of doors and by the maturing I've had to do to meet this call.

"Please stand by" until tomorrow's devotional to find out what my calling is.

Prayer: Lord, in Your time you accomplish all good things. I thank You that You include me as part of Your plan. Give me wisdom to accept that Your plan will unfold in its own time in ways known only to You. Give me patience to know that You will call me in time. Give me wisdom to know Your voice when I am called. Amen.

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About the author:

Stephen Sutherland
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

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