“He is the one who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not based on our works but on his own purpose and grace, granted to us in Christ Jesus before time began” (II Timothy 1:9, New English Translation).
Calling. It’s a small word but it has great meaning. God has a special calling for each of us. Me. You. The sixteen-year-old three pews ahead and the recent retiree across the aisle. Each of us has been called—invited, summonsed, bidden—to fill a specific place in the body of Christ. But it is not up to us to determine the significance of that calling. God determines that.
Although I know it’s not wise to do so, one of my problems (and maybe yours) is comparing myself to others. This is especially true when considering their talents and abilities in service to God. It seems their calling is so much more significant than mine. It’s not true, of course. All we do for the Lord has significance.
- God called the twelve disciples (Luke 6:13).
- God called Barnabas and Saul for a special task (Acts 13:2).
- God called those living in Rome to be saints (Romans 1:7).
Do you want to know a powerful verse I discovered about God’s calling? Read Romans 1:6.
“Among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ.”
We might respond, “Who? Me?” I can hear the thoughts running through your mind now. But I’m only a wife. I am only a stay-at-home mom. I’m just a clerk in an office. I only drive a school bus. I’m a person with a disability and don’t get around much. We doubt the significance of what we do. It’s just “everyday stuff.”
In checking the biblical meaning of “called” in several New Testament verses, I discovered one meaning is “divinely selected and appointed.” That is powerful! Now let’s rewrite those statements above.
- I am a divinely appointed wife and will do my best to support my husband as he lives for God.
- I am a divinely appointed mother to (name your children) and Iwill train them to honor the Lord.
- I am a divinely appointed office clerk and will allow my life to be a witness in my workplace.
- I am a divinely appointed school bus driver, and I will prayer for the lives God entrusted to me on my bus.
- I am a divinely appointed child of God with a disability, and I will seek ways to show His love wherever I go.
God has called you—divinely appointed you—to fill a special place in His body. What He asks you to do is unique, just for you. You may not see its significance. Others may not see its significance. None of that matters. As II Timothy 1:9 tells us, it is God’s own purpose.
As you start each new day, remind yourself that you have been divinely appointed. Nothing compares to having God’s call upon your life.
“Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him” I Corinthians 7:17, English Standard Version).
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the assurance that You have a plan and purpose for my life. You have given me a calling, a divinely appointed task, to fulfill. Help me to never forget that all I do for You has significance and worth. I pledge myself to faithfully fulfill Your calling in my life.
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