My Call to Go

{By Beth Roose}

I have been called to GO by the Master Designer of the universe. I will step out in faith and I will walk with joy the path set out for me.  When I fail to see the road or become discouraged in my own accomplishments, I will praise my God because He is perfect.  He is the embodiment of love and faithfulness.  Although I may not always be able to see the path, I know that He can.  Therefore, I will never stop pushing ahead, because I know that right beside me Jesus is guiding my every step.

As I go, I will strive to mirror my Companion in everything that I do; in the words I speak, and the words I don’t, as well as in the way that I listen.  This is not just because I am called to “Go and do likewise” or that I want to impress my Heavenly Father by the fact that I can keep up with His perfect Son, but because I LOVE Jesus with my entire being.   I look up to Him and treasure every second that He has spent with me—so much so that I want to show Him to others.  By reflecting His image, I hope that they may encounter and acknowledge this amazing God that I serve.

Moving forward in my race, I realize more and more that because I am a disciple of Christ – chosen by Him before the creation of the world—I must not only “make disciples of all nations,” but I must also help others begin their own race; teaching them about the unmatchable God that they serve, and helping them build their faith in a perfectly faithful God, so that they will not fear to step out when they are called.  Even though their faith may be small it can move mountains.

Finally, I run my race in peace.  I am not my own.  I was bought with a price that I cannot fathom.   Because of this great sacrifice, given for me, I am FREE.  By grace I now live.   Knowing that it is Jesus guiding my every step, I run my race in peace.  I now find my joy and passion in Him.  I fear nothing.  He is always by my side and I know that He will never leave me nor forsake me.  May I never forget this amazing love that has been poured out for me.

And now that I have told you all this, will you Go?  Or are you going to pause and count the costs?  But if you won’t go now, when will you go?

You have been called by the Master Designer of the universe, just as I have. So step out in faith and go somewhere.  Follow Christ’s lead and do as He does. Go and make disciples.  Most importantly go in peace, knowing that if God is for you who can come against you—and I promise you, God is definitely for you.

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Treasures in the Desert

{By Samantha Roose}

Recently, I have been reading “Hinds Feet on High Places.”  It’s a story of lame little Much-Afraid’s journey of faith in the Shepherd.  Shepherd has promised to take her to the High Places and on the way give her the feet of a deer.  After traveling several days the path turns, taking Much-Afraid down into a desert dashing her hopes—Shepherd had promised to take her to the High Places!  Exploring this book, yet again, I have found many similarities to my own journey with my Lord and Shepherd. 


The Lord has been revealing to me how much of my identity I find in having control (which is, I’m afraid, quite a bit).  Faithfully and gently, He has been bringing me to a spot of humble surrender, trust and reliance to Him.  It's hard because, like Much-Afraid, I feel that God is taking me down into a desert valley when He had promised that He would take me up.  I cannot see how this scorching plain with a few random and awkward pyramids is taking me to the promised place.  I can't see the end of this desolate and uncomfortable path.  Everything within me wants to run up the precipice despite the jagged impossibilities.  My heart cries and I wonder how long I can continue to look this way. 

It's then that He takes my hand and promises that this is not contradicting His promise in the slightest way.  How could someone as faithful as He go back on His word?  No, it is merely a postponement to teach me what I would otherwise be ignorant of forever.  Although my heart shrinks from this indefinite postponement, something within me breaks and I hear myself saying, "I will follow you, Shepherd, you have every right to choose the way that I should go no matter how backwards it seems." 

So we descend.  At first I cannot believe that I am actually, of my own free will, allowing myself to be taken so far away from my greatest dream and desire--the one hope I have clung to for so many years.  Suddenly I realize that we have entered the desert and I am surprise at our speed.  But I should not have been; it cannot be any less when I am relying on my Savior, who knows the way so well.

Once in the desert He leads me to the looming pyramids.  I follow Him inside grateful for His strong reassuring presence.  First He shows me where the wheat is prepared for making bread.  Each grain is bruised and beaten.  However, I find that they are not beaten forever.  As I watch more closely I am surprised to find that each variety of grain is ground in different methods according to its purpose.  Turning to me my Lord says, "in the same way you will not endure hardship and beatings forever, only for a time so that you can fulfill My highest purpose for your life.  And, just as each grain is ground in its own way so your beatings are not random, but specific because I know the things you need to be prepared for."

Entering another room my eyes fall upon a potter.  In his hands is a lump of clay.  I watch him cut it, knead it and finally shape it.  But as I am transfixed on the clever transformation I notice that the, now clay vessel was molded according to the potters desires, not the clay's whims.  "Can I not do with you as this potter does to this clay?"  My Lord asks placing His strong hand on my shoulder.  "Am I not as skilled as this craftsmen?" 

Gently leaning against His side I nod.  Words cannot express my welling emotions and swirling thoughts.  Besides, if I open my mouth I am likely to cry and who knows when I will be able to regain my composure.

My tour is not completed yet.  Opening the door for me, my Lord leads me into a large glowing room illuminated by a furnace.  Here gold is purified and dross is removed, but that is not all.  As I watch, crusty rough and seemingly invaluable stones are thrust into the scorching flames.  Awestruck I find that they are removed as sparkling precious gems, flashing as though they had received the fire into their souls.  How my heart pounds to be like those ugly rocks, transformed by intense fire. 

Interrupting my thoughts I hear His voice, "this is where I purify and prepare My rarest and most precious jewels."  And He leads me out.

Our pace is slow and thoughtful.  There is nothing to break the silence between us except the wind which stirs up and occasional flurry of sand as proof of its existence. Still I cannot see a horizon or any promise that this desert detour will somehow lead me to the hoped for promise, but my heart has become peaceful and content here.  I cannot endure indefinite postponement, beatings and bruising, cuttings and kneading, chiseling and fire unless there is hope for something better.  Surprisingly, that is the exact mystery which my Lord has revealed to me in this desolate desert—my heart is ready to follow.

My Lord enters the tent and I linger outside.  Although ready to follow my heart is still a swirl of emotions and thoughts as vast and tumultuous as a stormy sea.  Walking around the tent I catch the slightest glimpse of a color.  As I kneel I feel the warm sand scatter beneath me creating perfectly shaped cups for my knees.  Brightly and courageously stands a single flower.  I marvel at her willingness to live in such a place where there is no assurance of the next rain, yet she cheerfully stands confident that the One who planted her here will provide whatever she needs in due time. 

Acceptance with Joy is her name.  Sitting back on my heels I sigh and look up to the sky.  Tears travel down my face and a gentle breeze hits plays with my hair.  Can I not be as this flower, Acceptance with Joy?  Who am I to think that my Savior, my Shepherd and my Lord does not know what He is doing.  If the flower can bloom so joyfully and faithfully with no hope of rain, can I not delight in this desert while walking through it with my Shepherd?   Resolving to become Acceptance with Joy, I bend forward and take in the scent of this rare flower which has given me so much hope, etching its memory in my mind.

Ducking beneath the flaps of the tent I glimpse my Lord sitting but looking as if He had been watching and waiting for me.  I sit down close to Him amongst His pile blankets and pillows.  Meekly I begin, placing my hand on His great big one and looking up into His face, "I will trust You my Lord.  I will follow You.  Lead me where You would have me go as long as You choose.  I love You and trust You." 

My eyes begin to glisten as I let go of MY hopes and MY dreams.  I do love and trust Him.  Smiling feebly I finish, "I am Your handmaiden, Acceptance with Joy."

Gently, He reaches out and pulls my head to lie on His shoulder.  All is quiet for a time.  Then in His still small voice He spoke words I will never forget, "The trust in your eyes is the most beautiful thing on earth.  Beholding the trust in your eyes is more beautiful and precious to me than the loveliness of many queens."

I am unsure of what has happened since that time which is probably due to the fact that I am still in the desert and have yet to journey out of it.  But this I know: it is not nearly as desolate now as when I first entered.  Although the desert valley may appear ugly and foreboding to many, it has become a treasure chest to me.  I love being grown and changed by my Lord even when it hurts, because I am confident and secure in the fact that He IS faithful and will not give me more than I can handle.            

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Actual Real Truths from the Mouth of a Nine Year Old

photography credit: rachel coker

{By Rachel Coker}


It’s funny the life lessons you can learn from your younger siblings. I think, as an oldest child, I always tend to assume that I’m the one who has it all together. I’m supposed to be the example of godliness and humility, and they are supposed to be following me. But, more times than not, I continually find myself humbled and awed by the godly attitudes of my nine and fourteen-year-old sisters that stand out in stark contrast to my own selfishness.

Case in point: My nine-year-old sister Ruthie did something really brave this year. She auditioned for a part in a play. Now, to understand how truly jaw-dropping and astonishing this is, you sort of have to get an idea as to her past history of acting. When she was a toddler, we tried to get her to sing on stage with the other kids at church. She would not have it. Like, seriously, not have it at all. She would cry and hide her face and refuse to stand in front of anyone. She wouldn’t even look people in the face. And it didn’t get much better as she got older. Up until about a year ago, she still refused to do anything that involved words coming out of her mouth while someone else was listening.

But then it all changed. Because, a few months ago, Ruthie found out about a part in an upcoming play that she really wanted. It’s funny, too, because the role that she was pining after was this really spunky nurse with whole lotta attitude to spare. Which may not seem like something that would appeal to a stage-shy nine-year-old kid, but whatever. Ruthie wanted it. She talked about getting that part all the time. She prayed about auditioning, and babbled on and on about what she would wear if she got to play the nurse, and memorized all of the nurse’s lines before she even auditioned. She even talked to the director and offered her old hospital scrubs as a costume for Nurse Zelda.

There was only one problem. Her best friend wanted that role, too.

Here is where things would have gotten really sticky for me. Because I remember those days of auditioning and praying so hard for a part that I thought my head would burst. So I remember casually asking before prayer one morning, “Don’t you really hope you get the part? Do you want us to pray that the director would pick you instead of (your friend)?”

I’ll never forget what Ruthie said after that, because it made all our mouths drop and minds spin. She just shrugged and said, “I just want her to pick whoever she thinks is going to be good for the part. It doesn’t matter to me. She can still use my nurse’s costume even if (my friend) gets the part.”

In the end, I think we all were shamed by our nine-year-old sister. All of us, me included, were so caught up in our excitement and competiveness and desire for Ruthie to succeed, that we forgot about what was really important. And that is that the director needs to choose whoever would be best for the part, and no one needed to be disappointed or upset about it.

In the end, Ruthie got the role of Nurse Zelda. And her best friend got another fantastic part, and they’re both really happy and enjoy running over their lines together. But despite the fact that Ruthie is coming out of her shell, and gaining confidence to speak in front of people, I think that I’m the one who really learned a life lesson through all of this.

Too often, I ask God for my wants and my desires to be fulfilled. I get so caught up in planning out my life and future, and deciding what I think would be good for me, that I forget to leave things up to Him. If God is the director of my life, than He already knows what role He wants me for. And it’s not going to be helpful to Him if I’m pouty and jealous that someone else is getting to do what I always dreamed of. It took my littlest sister’s unselfish attitude to remind me that it’s best when I can just say, “God, cast me in whatever role you’d like. I want to serve you in the best way that I can, and only you know how that would be. Just make me useful to you.” It may be difficult sometimes to give up the things I want, but my hope is that with this as my prayer, I’ll be able to do the absolute best job at whatever role I get in the grand scheme of God’s perfect will.

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Guy's Perspective: Beautiful

{By Anonymous}

Taylor Swift. Carrie Underwood. Kate Upton. Kim Kardashian. Colbie Callait. Pop culture produces almost as many airbrushed female celebrities (and apparently a fascination with country stars) as it does terms to describe their physique. Chick. Hot. Doll. Sexy. Nothing short of perfection portrayed or admired. Flaws minimized or surgically addressed. Hundreds of thousands of dollars every year for one person’s outer appearance. Body has become god.

‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.’ This antique cliché rears its head time and again, in every genre of life. But it almost universally accompanies some variable. ‘You really failed that last test at school.’ I need to study harder for the next one. ‘That outfit looks horrendous.’ Note to self: plaid shorts and striped tops do not go together. ‘Holy crap you shoot worse than my grandma.” I can practice kicking with the inside of my good instead of the toe.

‘You’re ugly.’ Suddenly, the variable skipped town. 

I cannot change my body absent unnatural intervention. How am I supposed to change how I look? Do I layer makeup? Do I hide behind designer clothing? How can I solve a problem I was born with? The words that could never hurt me just broke my heart. 

Regardless of the origin, self-inflicted or external, words that cut to the unchangeable core of existence hurt. They scar. They stare blankly, constant reminders of what I wish I could attain, but never will. I don’t live on a bird’s diet. I don’t have a full staff of dressing assistants. I don’t have curves like a Kardashian or hair like Rihanna (though she’s GOT to be close to exhausting the realms of the color palette). I don’t attract guys like flies to honey. I’m not on the cover of People Magazine. I’m me; plain, ordinary me. Unlovely and unloved. What did I do to get stuck with myself in the first place?

Denying the reality of this internal conflict – and of its external results that quickly become far too obvious – would be shallow and inappropriate. The pain, the hurt, the self-deprivation is far too real. I do not write to say the struggle does not exist, I write to say it shouldn’t.

‘Congratulations, writer!’, you say. ‘You have wasted nearly an entire page and five minutes of my time to tell me something that I already know. I know I shouldn’t worship my body. I know I shouldn’t be obsessed with reality. But ‘should’ is not reality. I can’t do it.

To borrow a weakly humorous phrase, ‘nothing is impossible. The word itself includes ‘possible.'' Escape presents a difficult road, but one that promises freedom from bondage to the deity of Body. Accepting who I am and living content in that fact is not a method tried and found wanting, but a lifestyle found publicly difficult and left untried. Do I honestly fool myself enough to believe those airbrushed figurines on magazine covers are happy? Do I honestly believe they have it made? Celebrity marriages do not last an average of three weeks for no reason. After three weeks, the thrill is gone; the emotional high; the searching for meaning. Even in their mansions with ‘friends,’ money and a perfect body, they still feel insecure. Because they wonder what would happen if they ever became less than perfect.

Body is a demanding god. It is also a treacherous one. It demands your entire focus, devotion and life, then abandons. Attachment to such a deity is not service. It is slavery. At the point where we submit to Body, our desires become insatiable. Nothing fulfills us. Perfection remains just one tuck, nip or trim away. Perfection means skipping one more meal, wearing one size smaller waist, weighing one less pound. Perfection never arrives.

You are beautiful for who you are. The bodies of airbrushed stars are just that, airbrushed. Unreal. Contrived. Those celebrities will never maintain their appearance; you shouldn’t try to reach it.

Those entities (the inhuman term used purposely) who call you ugly, who criticize your appearance, who condemn your being, are not worth your time. Don’t maintain friendships with entities who see your physique and nothing more. Their shallowness, their insincerity makes their ‘friendship’ status a liability to you. Lose it.

True friends go deeper than the skin, than the makeup or the designer brands. They see you for who you really are. They see your soul. They see your compassion, your dedication, your love, your being. Individuals truly worthy of your friendship will affirm your beauty, not because of how you look, but because of who you are. Looks change. Being rarely does. Surround yourself with people who love you, with people think you look pretty without your makeup on.         

To those of you who are surrounded by true friends, but refuse to accept yourself for who you are, know that what you think never changes the truth. Culture worships Body. Remind me the last time culture got some life issue right? Oh. Yeah. Never. I urge you to rise above the storm, see yourself in new eyes. See yourself deeper than your skin. Realize all the ones who love you. Believe that you are beautiful. You are.

Ultimately, every single one of us goes to the same place: assisted living wearing diapers (again) rocking open back gowns as top fashion (ICU) and eating all meals in mush form (also a repeat from 70-some years ago). In the final analysis, Body cannot deliver on its promise. It claims to make you beautiful; it only subjects you to unbearable loads. It offers societal acceptance; the ‘society’ that accepts you on the condition of Body is no society worth participation.

You are beautiful for who you are. You are beautiful because you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are beautiful because your being goes beyond the paltry two millimeters of skin covering your body. You are beautiful for what you feel and how you love. True friends recognize this in you. Best friends affirm it and stand as constant reminders so you never lose sight of who you truly are.

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Rebels Without Causes

{by Rachel Coker}

I experienced my first major movie-star crush when I was twelve years old. I just happened to stroll through the living room one Sunday afternoon and see my dad stretched out on the couch, watching an old movie on TV. At the time, I didn’t think much of it. Nothing new there—just his usual Sunday afternoon movie watching. I grabbed a snack out of the fridge and was about to head upstairs when it happened. I saw him. James Dean. I’m pretty sure the earth tipped slightly on its axis. Was it just me, or had my heart stopped beating? Yep, that guy was definitely making my stomach do crazy things.

I casually perched on the edge of the sofa and pretended to be only semi-interested in the movie. “What are you watching?” I asked my dad, as non-suspiciously as possible. Rebel without a Cause. And with those four words, my Sunday afternoon was pretty much shot. Because I sat on the couch for the majority of it, soaking up that handsome face and sweet red jacket.

Looking back on it now, I’m not sure I can really put my finger on what it was about James Dean’s character that I found so appealing. Granted, he was extremely good looking and the best dresser I’d ever laid eyes on, but there was something else about him that I found downright intriguing. He was a rebel. He roamed the streets at dark in his 1949 Mercury, hung out in abandoned houses, and got into more trouble in twenty-four hours than most people can achieve in a lifetime. Basically, he lived the kind of life that every teenager, boy or girl, dreams about. The freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want. Forget adult supervision or rules. James Dean did whatever he pleased, and twelve-year-old me thought that was just amazing.

There’s a stereotype about teenagers that should probably cause most of us to cringe. And that is that teenagers are a discontented, rebellious, ungrateful bunch of kids. But you know what? It’s totally true! And, to make things worse, I am one of those teenagers! And, if you’re going to be one hundred percent honest, you probably are, too.

My sisters and I recently completed a Bible study on contentment. It was definitely eye-opening to me, because for the first time I realized how little I have to be ungrateful for. Every day, God showers me with blessings and mercies—most of which I don’t even recognize. And yet, I fight. I push for what I want and demand what I think I need. I’m not always grateful or content with the life God has given me. In fact, I often want to rebel against it.

As fallen human beings, we’re born into that state of sin and rebellion. We’re constantly fighting and struggling for things that aren’t in God’s plan for us. And yet, what do we have to fight for? God has been nothing but good and merciful toward us. We play the part of rebels, but we really don’t have a cause.

Every time we rebel against God, there are serious consequences. We lose fellowship with Him, we are kept from receiving some of His blessings, and we are sometimes even punished. No matter how romantic it might seem sometimes, the life of a rebel isn’t a great one. Even in James Dean’s classic film celebrating teen freedom, things end badly. Death, degradation of the family, ruined friendships… Rebellion comes with a price.

The world is full of enough rebels without causes. What we need is more young women and men willing to stand for something worthwhile. The cause of truth, and love, and grace. Those are true causes. The blessings of God are the only things that are really going to last, after all. What good is a few years of living hard and fast? What will we really gain by rebelling for our own desires, if they are only things that will pass away when this life is over?

So stop fighting. Stop rebelling. We really have no reason to be discontent and unhappy. Instead we should spend more time thinking about all the wonderful blessings we enjoy. We don’t have a cause to rebel, but we do have so many causes to be grateful.

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On a Mission: Asking the Hard Questions {Part 3}

Check out Part 1 and Part 2 if you missed them! Today we'll hear from Rebekah, who has shared her heart for children several times on this blog before. Here are some of her thoughts on Kisses from Katie, what we can be doing today, and how this issue has impacted her life:

Rebekah:

How has the Lord touched your heart on this issue?

Ever since I was a little girl I have always loved children. I have spent most of my childhood playing with, being around and babysitting children. So when it came time to start looking at careers, my choice was of course to do something that had to do with children. The love that God has given me for children is incredible. I sometimes wish I could hug every child in the world and show them just how much God loves them. And while I can't do that, I can show a great number of kids God's love by going to in missions work of some kind.

How has that passion impacted your life or how do you see it impacting

your life?

My love for children overflows into pretty much everything I do. Wherever I go, if I see a child, I am immediately drawn to him. If there is ever a child in need, I try to do whatever I can to help him. As I said above, I have spent a lot of my life around/with children, and so I think they have made a huge impact on my life. I think I see the world differently when I am with children. Children have such a sweet view of life, and I love it. I wish everyone could see the world as a child does. They also have an amazing amount of faith in things they cannot see. And that is truly priceless. We could all learn a lesson or two from them about trusting God :)

If you could tell people of one way they can make a difference, what would it be?

To love God, and love children. So many people in the world today see children as a burden, when really they are a blessing from the Lord. They are incredible gift that we don't deserve. They are eternal beings that have a heart and soul just like you and me. 

What kind of an impact did Kisses from Katie have on you?

I actually have followed Katie's blog for over year before the book came out. Naturally, when I heard she was releasing a book, I pre-ordered it and read it as soon as I could! It is an amazing book. I would recommend to anyone, even if they don't feel God calling them into missions work. It will change your life.

Katie makes it clear that she’s not saying all people need to become foreign missionaries. But that does not release us from our duty to care for orphans. What can we be doing, here and now?

I definitely agree that not all people are called into foreign missions. But I do think that God calls everyone to some type of ministry. Even if that is as simple as being a stay-at-home mom, it's still doing as the Lord has called. I also believe that God can use you to great things wherever He has called you. That may be spreading the word through out the office you work in, or teaching your children about God. I think as Westerners, we can have an impact. Even if we aren't the ones going over to foreign countries, we can be the ones who support those missionaries by raising funds, organizing events, getting the word out, or any other ways you can think of helping. Many times there is just one missionary who goes to different country, but they really have a team of hundreds of people back home supporting them and helping them.

Is giving money to good causes enough?

There is a book called Crazy Love (by Francis Chan) that greatly changed my thoughts on this issue. I think the best thing to do is have a mindset of where are treasure is, we will be there also. And for us, as Christians, ALL of our treasure should be in heaven. We shouldn't be too attached to anything on earth, so if God asks us to give it up, we can. Mr. Chan in his book talks about selling his big home and moving to one half the size so that he could donate the extra money to missions work. This is something that seems so radical to us, but if you think about it, he probably changed hundreds, if not thousands of people's lives, but just listening to what God wanted him to do, and being willing to do it. I think if you are willing, God will call you to make a difference bigger then you could ever imagine.

To the girls who have grown up reading missionaries biographies and have always dreamed of the missionary life, what would you say? What would you say to the girls who are pretty much happy with their American life and “don’t feel the call”? What has God said to you on this issue?

To those girls dreaming of being missionaries, I would say, If God calls you, Go. It might be scary, and it might be the hardest thing you have ever done, but I can guarantee you giving up everything you know and love to go serve the Lord is the best thing you will ever do. To the girls who love their American life, I would say, evaluate your loves. If you love your American "treasures" more then God, then there are some priority issues there. But if you are loving God and He calls you to stay and serve in America, then by all means, listen :)

Personally, I have felt God calling me for a while to do some type of missions work. As of right now I am planning on going to a missionary Midwifery school and then hopefully serving the Lord somewhere, in some country (I am leaving that up to God right now!) I am so very excited about going to different countries, and serving God in different parts of the world. I know it will probably be hard, but as I said before, I also know it will definitely be worth it.

Ok, so now it's your turn: what are your thoughts on some of the tough questions about missions work? How would you answer these questions? 

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On a Mission: Asking the Hard Questions {Part 2}

"People tell me I am brave," says Katie Davis, "People tell me I am strong. People tell me good job. Well here is the truth of it. I am really not that brave, I am not really that strong, and I am not doing anything spectacular. I am just doing what God called me to do as a follower of Him. Feed His sheep, do unto the least of His people." 


Would that be your answer? What does that mean for us? How can we be loving the least of these... today? Hannah shared her thoughts with us last time, here is another young lady to offer her perspective on some of the hard questions of missions work:

Carolyn:

How has the Lord touched your heart on this issue?

I'm not really sure why the Lord gave me a burden for orphans, child slaves, and abortion. He just did. I can't really remember who or when it started but I've always felt called to something with children. All I know is that He has given me a hurt for these hurting children and someday He will show me what He wants me to do about that. Until then I need to keep listening, keep preparing, and keep praying.

How has that passion impacted your life?

It has helped my relationships with my siblings a lot. I have three younger siblings and I believe the Lord has given them to me so I can practice. It has also helped me become more humble I look at others who have gone before me and I stop thinking I'm so wonderful.  

What is one way we can 'make a difference'?

Remember that God makes the difference, if you are ready to always be his tool he will use you. Sometimes that means taking the first step without knowing what the second step is. The best way to make a difference is to not wait for the faith you need but to trust that God will give you the trust you need at each individual time. I know that sounds paradoxical but it works. He may give you a lot to do he may give you only a little. But it will always be just enough.

Not all Christians are called to physically move to foreign countries and devote their time to the desperately poor. However, when compared with the work missionaries are doing, sometimes our lives seem superficial and in some ways selfish. What are your thoughts on this?

I've actually been struggling a lot with that lately. There is so much work to do close to home and so much work to do  in other lands. Part of me wants to help carry the light into areas that have never seen it. Part of me wants to go help the children over seas who are hurting. then another part of me wants to stay here and help the babies that are being murdered right here in my own country. So I think that each individual should trust the Lord to give him or her their own assignment. Knowing that the assignment might change. After all as long as you are doing the Fathers will how can you be doing wrong? There is no "better way" then the way He has placed you in. 

Is giving money to good causes enough?

No. Money is not enough. The Bible tells us to give of ourselves. To give what we really prize. The Christian is taught to prize time and love, not just money. So giving our money, while good, is not enough.  We need to also give our time and our talents. However, you can be a missionary at home! Giving your time and talents to the Lord at home is the same thing as giving them in Africa. Once again the important thing is to be living the will of the Lord.

To the girls who have grown up reading missionaries biographies and have always dreamed of the missionary life, what would you say? To the girls who are pretty much happy with their American life and “don’t feel the call”, what would you say?

To the first group I would say this: Hi sisters! You're just like me! I am so glad that the Lord has spoken to your hearts. I have two cautions though: 1.) Don't get caught up in the romantic vision of the mission field make sure its the Lords' glory you want not adventure. 2.) Prepare yourselves by ministering to those around you. Don't expect to get out there and be instantly the perfect example to the heathen.

To the second group I would say this: Are you listening? Do you have a close relationship with the Lord or are you drifting? And if you are you are just like me! I have huge dry spells when I feel like just doing what I want to do.  But you know what? It's always my fault! If you want to be called, you have to stay within calling range; draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you.

What has God said to me on this issue? The verse I have picked as my own this year is this. "Walk in wisdom toward them which are without redeeming the time."  Life was given us to glorify God. The Lord has called us to use each second to the fullest. To seek for wisdom, to be an example, and to glorify God. A missionary is someone with a mission, my mission is your mission; to bring glory to God. That is the bottom line.

Don't forget to look for Part 3, coming soon 

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On a Mission: Asking the Hard Questions

One girl. About the age of most of us. One countercultural decision. One crazy awesome God and one heart surrendered to His wildest ideas.

The result? Thousands of orphans given homes and cared for, thousands of ways for the Gospel to be shared, one amazing ministry begun, one beautiful book written, and thousands of hearts inspired.

The girl? Katie Davis, now young mother of 13 orphaned girls and founder of Amazima Ministries. The book? Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption, the exciting and heart-wrenching story of her adventures in Uganda. My advice to you? Read it.

Kisses from Katie is Katie Davis’ telling of her own story, how she turned her back on the traditional American life of college and career and chose a radically different life than the one she had grown up with and expected to live. But more than that, Katie’s book is the story of the people, and particularly the children, of Uganda; it is the story of the approximately 143,000,000 orphans around the world today, voiceless and alone; it is the story of a God big enough to use a little girl to do great things.

Reading Katie’s story is not exactly the kind of book you want to read curled up in a comfortable chair, sipping a $4 latte… without seeing the complacency and self-centeredness of our culture mirrored in yourself, that is. Because Katie’s book is like that. Unless you’re reading it from the depths of Africa or somewhere where you are engrossed in full time mission work with orphans up to your ears, Kisses from Katie raises interesting, and convicting, questions. As high school girls, wrapped up in activities and friends, are we truly living for anyone other than ourselves? As college students, busy with heavy course loads and meeting new faces, are we living with an eternity-mindset? As 20-somethings, moving on with life and careers and schooling, are we so focused on the next bend in the road that we forget the crying, hungry world around us?

Not everyone is called to leave their home, families, friends, and the beaten path of classic American life to directly minister in hungry and sick, poverty-stricken third world countries. We can be missionaries wherever we are [we all know that right? the whole ‘bloom where you’re planted’ thing?]. But in the face of thousands of children who live in conditions so desperate our minds can only imagine, that platitude, although truthful, can seem to fall a little flat.

Three girls, each with a passion for children, orphans, missions, and the voiceless, are here to share their thoughts with you on this topic, and why it has become a passion for them.

 

Hannah:

Why do you have a passion for orphans/children/missions?

I didn’t originally have a passion for this issue. I mean, my heart would hurt when footage of starving children came on the TV screen, and I’d feel compassion for children without families--but mostly I didn’t think of them. I tried not to let them cross my mind too often because I doubted that there were real, tangible ways I could help. 

If you could tell people of one way they can make a difference, what would you tell them?

Prayer. This should not be disregarded or downplayed. Jesus speaks repeatedly on prayer in the New Testament--He uses strong imagery to emphasize how we should appeal to Him boldly and often. These kids are under His watch. He loves them more than we do. So why would we hesitate to appeal to Him to care for their needs, and equip us to help them?

To the girls who have grown up reading missionaries biographies and have always dreamed of the missionary life, what would you say? To the girls who are pretty much happy with their American life and “don’t feel the call”, what would you say?

To the girls who (like me) were raised on missionary stories--don’t downplay your involvement. You might not be in a place in life where you can drop everything and go overseas. You may never be given that opportunity. That doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Mother Teresa emphasized that all we can do are “small things with great love.” I would add--I don’t think anything done for the Kingdom is truly small. Everything matters. Everything is seen by God. 

To the girls who don’t think you’re called...I would suggest reconsidering. The truth is, if we love Jesus, caring for orphans isn’t a question. James 1:27 says it is a mark of “pure and undefiled religion in the sight of God.” The question isn’t whether you’re called. The question is “how.” How can you specifically help love these kids? Prayer? Active involvement in a local orphan ministry? Fundraising for orphan ministries or places that support potential adoptive families, like the Abba Fund? But mostly...I’d encourage those girls to dare to see yourselves in these children. But for the grace of God, we’d be there too. How can we possibly bear to live without giving them a second thought? If God’s heart breaks for them, why should our hearts remain whole?

check back soon for part 2... 

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Discourse on Being Called {Part 2}

{by Katrina Rebsch}

Upon my arrival home after a busy semester, with plenty of time on my hands for Bible study, I decided to dive into a study of this word, “calling” (and its derivatives) to really get an understanding of Scripture on this topic.

My discoveries have been nothing short of fascinating!

First of all, I looked up every reference to the terms “calling,” or “called” in the New Testament.  Then, based on these verses, I compiled the following lists:

What is our calling as Christians?

(the order as read in the New Testament)

-  Called to be saints, “the called of Jesus Christ”

-  Called according to His purpose (first foreknown, then predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, then called, then justified, then glorified)

-  Called unto the fellowship of Jesus Christ

-  Called into the grace of Christ

-  Called unto liberty

-  Called in one hope of our calling

-  Called in one body

-  Called unto His kingdom and glory

-  Called unto holiness

-  Called to glorify the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ in us according to His grace

-  Called by the Gospel

-  Called to eternal life

-  Called and saved with a holy calling according to His own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began

-  Called of a heavenly calling

-  Called out of darkness into His marvelous light

-  Called to follow His steps who did no sin (even in the face of suffering)

-  Called unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus

-  Called to glory and virtue

-  Called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb

Categorized by preposition:

-  Called out of darkness into His marvelous light

-  Called of a heavenly calling

-  Called of Jesus Christ

-  Called by the Gospel

-  Called in one hope

-  Called in one body

-  Called according to His purpose (first foreknown, then predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, then called, then justified, then glorified)

-  Called and saved with a holy calling according to His own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began

-  Called to be saints

-  Called to glorify the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ in us according to His grace

-  Called to follow His steps who did no sin (even in the face of suffering)

-  Called to glory and virtue

-  Called to eternal life

-  Called into the grace of Christ

-  Called unto the fellowship of Jesus Christ

-  Called unto liberty

-  Called unto His kingdom and glory

-  Called unto holiness

-  Called unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus

-  Called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb

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It is very interesting to me to note that based on the majority of verses in the New Testament, the Biblical usage of this term “calling” is quite different than how we commonly use it today (i.e. specific vocation/ministry/task).  From these verses, we see that the term is always and only used to refer to believers; who we are called to be in Christ, how He calls us to live, what we are called to do (in a general sense), and where we are called to go when we leave this planet.  It is noteworthy to mention that these callings are always by God, for God, to God, and through God.

Now, is it wrong to use the term “calling” to refer to a specific task or position?  No.  There is certainly Scriptural reference of this definition as well.

New Testament references to a specific calling:

-  Barnabas and Saul were separated for a specific work the Holy Ghost called them unto. (Acts 13:2-3)

-  Through a vision, the Lord called for Paul and Barnabas to preach unto the people of Macedonia.  (Acts 16:9-11)

-  Paul noted that he was called to be an apostle, and later stated, “He hath saved us and called us with an holy calling...according to His own purpose and grace...whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.” (Romans 1:1-7, 1 Cor. 1:1-3)

-  Aaron was called of God to be the first high priest. (Hebrews 5:1-5)

-  Abraham was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance. (Hebrews 11:8)

As I thought about other people who were specifically called by God for a specific task here is the list I came up with:

-   Noah

-   Moses

-   Joshua

-   Samuel

-   Isaiah

-   Jeremiah

-   Ezekial

-   Jonah

-   Mary of Nazareth

-   The 12 apostles

There were probably others that I’m just not remembering, but it is interesting to note that the people called in Scripture by the Lord for a specific task were relatively few in number.  However, we see in the New Testament that all of us believers are called to be saints, to be in fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ, to walk in holiness and liberty, to fulfill God’s purposes for us, to glorify the Name of Jesus Christ in us.  I believer that inherit within this calling, therefore, is the call to obey the Lord’s commands which include loving God wholeheartedly, making disciples of all nations, being witnesses unto Him, preaching the Gospel to every creature, doing good works, visiting the fatherless and widow, raising children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and so much more.  Granted, some men are specifically given the instruction by God to be pastors or evangelists in a vocational sense (Ephesians 4:11), but I believe that all Christians should be involved in ministry and obedience to the Great Commission no matter where they live and no matter what they do to earn a paycheck.  Our “calling” is the same; to glorify the Name of Christ and engage in Kingdom work.

*********

Here are some other thoughts I scribbled down in my study of this topic:

There is a difference between our calling as Christians and our spiritual gift/measure of grace given.  One is general and one is specific.

There is a difference between having a desire for being or doing something and having a calling to that same thing.  Let’s not get the two confused and say that God called me to a particular work simply because I have the desire to go and do it.  Nothing wrong with such a desire; the Bible makes it clear that when you “delight yourself in the Lord, He will give you the desires of your heart.” 

I propose that to have a calling to a particular work means that God specifically spoke to you.  In the Bible, He always did it vocally, whether through a dream, a Damascus road experience, a burning bush, etc.  However, now we have the Word of God as our guide.  I therefore believe that it is possible to receive a specific calling of God through His Word speaking to one’s heart, as a result of a sermon heard, or through a distinct impression that He is speaking to your Spirit.

Sometimes, God’s calling to a particular place or work will be temporary.  Such was the case with Paul and Barnabas being called to preach to the people in Macedonia.  They did not devote the rest of their lives to that place.  They simply followed God’s calling there and then when the work was finished, they moved on to the next location as God led. 

Sometimes, God will lead and give direction but I don’t know that it is right to use the word calling in such a context.  Nevertheless, there would seem to be overlap in the two ideas.

 **********

Now, what about women?  I’ve often heard it said that a woman’s highest calling is to be a wife and mother.  I am not arguing with the intended meaning behind this statement; that being a wife and mother is a noble and honorable position and one to be embraced with wholehearted enthusiasm.  However, if a woman remains unmarried and yet “cares for the things of the Lord” all during this time, does that mean she is living a “lower” calling?  Women like Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Gladys Aylward, and Corrie ten Boom come to mind.  I agree that women were created to be the helpmeet of the man and that this is the normative pattern God has established for women.  Nevertheless, there are those who never do for a host of various reasons.  Was their life a waste?  A mere shadow of what it could have been if they had married?  Did they miss their high calling?

What about women, whether young or old, who may eventually get married, but for right now, they are in the season of being unmarried?  During this season, are they living according to a “low calling” while they bide their time waiting for God’s choice in a husband so they can live the “high calling” of being a wife and mother?

Do you see how this word can get us in trouble?  If we stick to the Bible’s use of the word “calling” we will see that all Christians, men or women, young or old, married or unmarried, share the same calling from God.  Forgive me if I seem repetitive, but it bears repeating!  We are all called out of darkness into His marvelous light, called by the Gospel, called to the fellowship of Jesus Christ, called to His Kingdom and glory, called unto liberty, called unto holiness, called to glorify the Name of Christ in our very beings, called to eternal life.  It doesn’t get any higher than that. 

So back to women specifically.  “The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit.” (1 Corinthians 7:34)  It’s a statement of fact that communicates the Lord’s will for an unmarried woman.  Therefore, the unmarried woman who is living according to this verse is living according to the specific purpose God has laid forth for her and is bringing Him glory!  That is what it’s all about, right?

The married woman, on the other hand, “cares for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.”  We know from other passages that God’s will for married women is to bear children, guide the house, love their husbands, love their children, be keepers at home, and obedient to their own husbands that the Word of God be not blasphemed and that the adversary have none occasion to speak reproachfully.  This is God’s stated purpose for married women; that’s not to say they don’t “care for the things of the Lord” as an unmarried woman, but simply that the way they care for the things of the Lord is different, with a focus on husband and children that an unmarried woman simply doesn’t have. 

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Conclusion

So, back to the original question that started this whole journey.  Should I marry a man that has the same calling in life as myself?  That would depend on how the word calling is defined.

YES, I should marry a man who is called by the Gospel of God to be a saint, called to the fellowship of Jesus Christ, called to glory and virtue, called to holiness and liberty, called to His kingdom, called to glorify the Name of Christ.

Does he have to be a missionary going to South America to work with orphans? 

NO.  This is the vocational work God has led me to pursue at this moment as an unmarried woman, but it is not a pre-requisite that my future husband must share this same pursuit.  If God allows me to marry one day, my role will be to serve as the helpmeet of my husband; to go where he goes, to support and enable him to be all he can be in whatever vocation he chooses or is called to and in his role as leader of the family.  While I will still seek to make disciples in obedience to the Great Commission, my first and most important disciples will be my children.  And Lord willing, our family will strive together to view ministry as a life-style.

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”   2 Peter 1:10-11 

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