15 But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, …
Paul knew that God had His hand on his life. There was no doubt in his mind. Once Paul heard God’s voice and understood the call, nothing pulled Paul off that course. And there were many things that could have pulled him off that course. All the trials and difficulties he went through, both natural and human, could have easily discouraged Paul in his pursuit of the call. But Paul remained true to that call. Even other believers tried to get him to not go up to Jerusalem where he was arrested and eventually sent to Rome. They saw what was going to happen to him and they wanted to spare him this difficulty. But Paul somehow knew that he must go up to Jerusalem, so he went. What is the burning passion of your soul? What group of people brings you to tears when you think about their plight? What ministry that you participate in now brings an increased sense of God’s Spirit working in your life? Just thinking about that cause excites you, drawing you closer to the Lord and more eager to have His power flow through you to meet that need. These kinds of causes, the ones that are Spirit led and Spirit empowered are the causes we need to pursue. But pursuing those causes cannot lead us to violate other portions of God’s will. For example, I heard of a husband & wife pastoral team who felt god leading them to get a divorce so that they could each pursue god’s calling on their life. Notice the small ‘g’s. God’s will cannot involve a violation of God’s will. Following God can’t involve sin. Light and darkness do not coexist. Light drives out darkness. Obeying God’s will drives out disobedience. Have you found what God is calling you to? If not, pursue Him today, right now. Pursue until you find Him. It might not be to go half-way around the world. It might be to serve your spouse and your kids. It might be to reprioritize your work so that home grows in importance. No matter what that calling entails, God’s presence and power will be there, so it is worth the effort.
The Arnold Journey 