“God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called” -Rick Warren
God often calls us then crafts us over time I preparation to serve Him. There are many examples in the Bible, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Paul, Ester, Deborah, Mary Magdalene etc…
Our abilities to fulfill our callings often accompany the Holy Spirit’s nudging. If we think of Paul, who was a Pharisee and a fierce persecutor of Christians before God called him. Being an apostle for God was way out of his comfort zone. And he had to be put through several tests that equipped him to fully step into his monumental calling. Maybe you can relate:
1 A time of waiting
Paul waited at least ten years after his calling before he began ministering to the Gentiles. While none of us know the details of what Paul did I’m sure God did not waste this time of waiting.
2. A test of spiritual opposition
Paul’s spiritual opposition came during his first journey for God. It came from forces of darkness in Cyprus in Acts 13:6-12. It’s a reminder to make sure we grow our roots down deep before asking God to send us to graft the gospel into new soil, through writing and speaking.
3. A test of emotional opposition
After Paul traveled to a place called Iconium his motives were questioned and his character slandered.
This makes me think I will never be equipped to serve God. I can still cry at the drop of a hat. I don’t know if I will ever be ready for others to downplay, desecrate or discredit me as Paul was.
But God calls us to lean on Him emotionally in our time of calling. He wants us to bring our emotional hurts to Him, where He will enable us to serve with pure motives and a clear vision. So, even if I don’t think I can handle whatever God calls me to do, I will eventually have to step out of my comfort zone.
4. A test of praise
When Paul traveled to Lystra where they were worshipped as gods God began to do the unexplainable through Paul. The people began to praise the messenger over the miracle-working God. Paul passed the test. Can you pass the test or will you think you’re something special? It’s a fact that nothing collapses a calling like our pride.
Some people think I’m doing something special by writing this blog. I don’t think so, I just read and research things that pop into my head, and then share what I’ve found. Nothing special here, I just share my findings from my overthinking brain. Anything good comes directly from God.
5. A test of release
I’m sure that Paul wondered what effect he would have on the churches he visited on his journey. It would have been tempting to stay at some places he visited. But he knew there was more God called him to do. And that meant letting go and letting God.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we are needed, as if God’s kingdom plans rest solely on our ability or involvement. It’s about doing good, planting seeds, and then walking away and letting God handle the rest.
Intentional Preparation
Whether you feel as though you are walking in your calling or waiting for it to be fulfilled, God calls us to intentionally prepare ourselves for what’s ahead. Passing tests in life will never be easy, but I think it will be worth it in the end. One thing is for sure we were not meant to endure life or our calling alone. God uses others to help us grow and prepare us for everything He has in store for us.
From Pity to Praise 