Can we outrun God?

The Lord spoke to Jonah son of Amittai: “Nineveh is a big city. I have heard about the many evil things the people are doing there. So go there and tell them to stop doing such evil things.” But Jonah tried to run away from the Lord. He went to Joppa and found a boat that was going to the faraway city of Tarshish. Jonah paid money for the trip and went on the boat. He wanted to travel with the people on this boat to Tarshish and run away from the Lord. (Jonah 1:1-3)

Is it possible to run from God's calling in your life? Yes! Can you do it with a clear conscience? Nope! The truth of the matter is that we cannot outrun God, nor can we deny his calling in our lives. Those whom he calls are also equipped. The calling may not 'measure up' to what we 'desire' in our lives, such as when Jonah was called to go to an evil city, filled with all manner of sin, to bring them the message of salvation. His desire was likely to see them burn for their sins rather than go right into the midst of their 'filth' and 'depravity'. They were known for their idol worship, depravity, enslaving nations, and plundering the peoples of the land - but God wanted the message of salvation brought into their midst. Can we undo God's will? Nope!

We oftentimes don't understand 'why' God asks us to do what he does, but we should trust he has a bigger plan than we might first imagine possible. A big city - perhaps made 'bigger' in Jonah's eyes because of how depraved they were as a hostile people. Tell them to stop - a hard message to hear when you actually want to make a change in your life, much less when you like the way you have been living! When we are resisting the purposes and plans of God, we will find ourselves struggling with taking the first step of obedience. We might not really want to do what he says, but there is wisdom in taking the first step, even though we don't see the purpose or understand the bigger picture. 

Is it possible to outrun God? Nobody has succeeded yet, so I am pretty sure the answer to that one is 'no'. I had a friend in Bible College that told us of the many months he had tried to outrun God. A drug dealer, dishonest in all his business dealings, and living a hardened life. He recalled how he heard message after message about how he needed to change his life - get right with God and turn away from all the 'bad stuff' he was engaged in. Yet, he ran. While running, he was amazed to see that even the power poles on the side of the road looked like crosses! God won't let us resist forever - he will place reminder after reminder in our path to help us see there is no better way than within his will. Just sayin!

God's plan is...

If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.  

(Romans 12:7-8)

God has a plan for each of us, even though some of us think God isn't able to use us, or that we have no 'calling' on our lives. We might be 'gifted' in ways that aren't really obvious as 'God's calling' on our lives, but just because it isn't something obvious such as preaching from the pulpit doesn't make the gift any less needed or important. Are you a giver? Do you equate that to a 'calling'? If we read this passage correctly, it is indeed a 'calling', especially when one has learned to give abundantly and without selfish purpose. All of God's gifts are meant to be used - but have you stopped to notice all of God's gifts are for others, not ourselves?

Serve one another - do it well. Teach well, so others begin to understand what has been difficult for them to comprehend any other way. Encourage so as to build up, challenge, and create a drive to accomplish whatever is at hand. Give so generously that the blessing is multiplied many times over, but leave no strings attached to your gift. Lead in a way that honors those you are leading instead of assuming the honor belongs to you. Be kind in ways that produce goodness in others. Gifts that just seem to keep on giving are indeed God's calling - they are all because he has an anointing on our lives and uses us as he sees fit.

The willingness to be used by God is paramount. The condition of heart that leads to obedience regardless of where or when our gift is called upon to be used is critical. God's plan is to have a body of believers willing to be poured out exactly as he sees fit to use them to meet needs all around them. The one who thinks they are useless or of little worth in God's kingdom has probably not realized God's calling is real and backed by his grace in their lives. We may not 'feel' called, but when we finally begin to operate within the calling he has placed upon our lives, in ways he directs, we see great things accomplished in his name. Just sayin!

Does Plan B negate Plan A

Do God's plans ever change? It is a question I have often asked when things seemed to be going one way and then all of a sudden, they are all headed the opposite direction. Is it possible the 'turn of events' that happened was really all of the original plan? Could it be that I just didn't see the 'whole plan' when I set out on the journey? Is it possible God's plans for us include much more than we see right now? Perhaps God has things more 'under control' than we might think because he frequently reminds us that even before we were born, the plans for our lives were already marked out.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5)

But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. (Galatians 1:15-16)

Home birth or hospital birth? High School grad or Post-Graduate studies? Single or Married? A home filled with children or no children? High-paying career or farmer? Upstanding citizen or criminal? Think of all the various ways our lives 'could have gone' but didn't. There are probably thousands of examples of 'what could have been' that we could enumerate, but the fact remains that God knows the plan - the beginning doesn't really define the outcome - he does! It always amazes me to know that God uses sinful men and women to carry out his plan - a plan established even before they were born.

If we are following Christ, living a righteous life, it makes sense that God can use us, but what about when we mess up a whole lot along the way and struggle with this sin nature we have? Can he still use us? Absolutely! In fact, he might even use some of the things we learn as a result of our sin to help others who struggle along the way, too. Did he plan for us to sin? Absolutely not, but he provided a way for us to be forgiven for that sin - grace. Could it be that God's 'Plan A' has always been in effect even when we chose to follow our own 'Plan B'?

Our calling is established - we might veer from it on occasion, but the calling remains. That means the empowerment to walk within that calling is still there even when we choose to follow our own plan for a while. Is there a way back? Always! God's grace is sufficient, his love is enduring, and his renewing power is available to those who seek a way back into his 'plan'. Plan B need never negate the power of Plan A. Just sayin!

Replant me

Compared to ............ I am like ...........

This is a pretty open-ended statement, but one we run over and over in our brains, most of the time without even being aware that it is happening! Why do we find it necessary to compare - to put things within our lives on a scale against what another has, does, or is on the opposite side of that scale? I guess we will never learn that God has a purpose for each of us - independent of what another does, is, or has! Comparison is often the very thing that erodes at our faith and brings decay into what we refer to as contentment or fulfillment. We need to guard against this erosion and decay, but how?

It makes little difference to me how you or any human court passes judgment on me. I even resist the temptation to compare myself to the ever-changing human standard. (I Corinthians 4:3)

If we spend today looking at ourselves in the mirror, what will we see? Will we see exactly what is there - no more, no less? Not likely - because we will eventually think about our skin in comparison to that friend a few years old who looks even better than we do, or the one who works out regularly, eats mostly veggies and fruits and is the size of a twig. We do this all without much encouragement. In fact, we have to do a whole lot of 'discouragement' of our thoughts in order to get them back under control. 

If we are always looking at the 'them' in our lives, we will likely begin to do one of two things - fear they think less of us than we'd like them to, or fear they think more of us than we see as our value or worth. Either way, we lose! Human standards are an ever-changing target, so God warns us to not use them. I had a professor in Bible College who always tried to tell us there was a danger in comparison because it took our eyes off of what God was calling each of us to do as individuals. We each have a calling - no matter how small or large, mature or immature we may be! We need to keep this in mind anytime we do some 'mirror-gazing'.

Resist the desire to compare. That means you have to actually get those thoughts under control and refuse to entertain them! This is the only way to actually begin to settle into the purpose God has for us in our lives. Yes, I did say 'settle into his purpose' because it just doesn't happen in a 'poof' all at one time. God's purpose for us is constantly developed - even though he has designed it fully - we will take time to develop into it. Fruit in our lives isn't instant - it is grown. Callings don't develop overnight - they are grown, refined, and sometimes even 'replanted'. 

What do I mean by 'replanted'? There are times when it seems God brings 'death' to a vision in our lives - something we were pursuing or a purpose we felt we were to fulfill. When these times come, we don't just stop in our tracks and not move on. We seek God's will in the 'replanting' of our purpose once again. Renewal brings new growth and with that newness comes a difference aspect of how that purpose will be fulfilled in and through us. As with all callings in life, the very thing that stands in opposition to the fulfillment of them may actually be the pathway to the 'replanting' that will bring even greater purpose and fulfillment. Just sayin!

You cannot avoid it!

I can recall many 'camp meetings' and 'youth conferences' in which young people flocked to the altar, responding to the evangelist with a commitment to the 'call' on their lives. Very few of those who responded actually went into what we might call 'full-time' ministry, though. In the course of time, those who had not yet counted that cost when they made that commitment backed out. They began to discover the demands of ministry were great and the rewards may be equally great, but the calling was a pretty hard one! When we consider the prophet Jeremiah, we might just see one of those individuals who tries very, very hard to NOT accept the calling on his life - because he isn't quite sure he wants it!

"Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you.  Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations—that's what I had in mind for you."  But I said, "Hold it, Master God! Look at me.   I don't know anything. I'm only a boy!"  God told me, "Don't say, 'I'm only a boy.'  I'll tell you where to go and you'll go there.  I'll tell you what to say and you'll say it.  Don't be afraid of a soul.  I'll be right there, looking after you."  God's Decree. God reached out, touched my mouth, and said, "Look! I've just put my words in your mouth—hand-delivered!  See what I've done? I've given you a job to do among nations and governments—a red-letter day!  Your job is to pull up and tear down, take apart and demolish, and then start over, building and planting."
(Jeremiah 1:5-10)

Jeremiah was called into his ministry as a prophet during a time when Judah, the Southern kingdom consisting of mainly two tribes (Judah and Benjamin) that remained loyal to David's offspring after Solomon's death.  The nation of Israel was split into two kingdoms at this time - the Northern Kingdom and Southern Kingdom.  Those who made up Judah were loyal to the line of David - serving under a king from the line of David.  Josiah is king at this time and is known as a "good king" because he called the nation back to the worship of God and God alone - calling for the destruction of the idols that they had come to worship in the land.  Jeremiah did not have a great message to bring to the people of Judah - in fact, it was one of impending judgment if they did not fully repent of their idolatrous ways and return to close relationship with their God.

Jerusalem was the capital city of Judah - the place of God's Temple and the center of the nation's worship.  During the ministry of Jeremiah, a heartless marauding Babylonian king by the name of Nebuchadnezzar would take Jerusalem and its inhabitants.  Jeremiah would undergo all kinds of torture, rejection and ill treatment during his ministry - beatings by his family, being placed into stocks by the priests, and then imprisonment by King Nebuchadnezzar.  If he had known all this would happen to him from the beginning of his ministry, I kind of doubt that he would have "signed up"!  The fact of the matter is that the call of God is a difficult thing to avoid.  Like Jeremiah, we may try to escape it, looking for all kinds of excuses for why we are not suited for the calling. His first "excuse" for not being qualified to be a prophet to the nations was that he was "only a boy" - his age limited him.  He wanted to show God how "disqualified" he was because he was untrained and really did not know whatever it was that prophets were supposed to know - he was not 'educated'.  Alas, we see the response of God that age does not matter, schooling is really not significantly important, and the fact that when God calls, he enables - regardless of age or pedigree.  

If there is a lesson for us in the life of Jeremiah it is just that - when God calls, he enables.  Jeremiah was called to pull up, tear down, take apart, demolish, and then start over with the rebuilding project of making a nation strong in its love and service to their God.  A pretty phenomenal task if you ask me! My first inclination would be to ask God if he had the right person! The nation was already torn into two - the pagan kings were rallying to take advantage of the divisions that had occurred.  Now God expected Jeremiah to rise up in his youth and prophesy about their sin, need for repentance, and  if it did not happen, judgment would be swift! Can you see why he did not feel he was qualified? God's enabling is not something we realize at first. It is often in the steps of obedience that we take that we begin to realize that the calling of God comes with the necessary enabling. As we begin to dig into the Word, we find that he brings little tidbits of truth to the surface that help us to stand strong. As we find ourselves stepping out into unfamiliar territory, he comes alongside to give us strength to face the fears head on. The process of enabling is really the process of equipping.  What we need, we have at our disposal. Even when we do not fully recognize it.

The next time we feel impressed by God to step out into unfamiliar territory, we will do well to remember when God calls for our obedience, he also enables (equips) us for the very step of obedience he requires. He places within us the exact words we will need. He even brings us into the exact "audience" we need in order to accomplish what his purposes are for our life. No encounter is ever accidental when we are walking in the calling of God. We may not "feel" equipped at first, but when the needs arise, we have all the moment requires. This is what Jeremiah learned as he stepped out in faith to do what God required of him. He had what he needed to face all the opposition, doubt, and lack of enthusiasm he would encounter. Why? Simply because God enables those whom he calls into service. If you think that the "calling of God" does not apply to you - think again. Each believer is called into service for the King of Kings. Each believer is asked to step up, embrace the call of God on their lives, and to step out in faith to go where he directs, do what he requests, and touch those he brings across our path.  Remember this:  Those he calls, he equips. Just sayin!

On mission with Jesus

Ever wonder if there is a particular way we should be acting in the face of those with the many needs we see around you?  Jesus chose twelve - sent them out - not to be observers, but to participate in the mission he was on.  We often find ourselves in the position of observer when we are called to act.  Often it is because we really don't know "how" to be on mission with Jesus - we complicate it so much!

He gave them power to kick out the evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives.  (Matthew 10:1 The Message)

Jesus chose twelve - none of them were the most stellar of citizens, the most educated, or the most "qualified" for their "calling".  Yet, each of them possessed something Jesus was looking for - obedience!  Willingness to do as instructed - even when they did not fully understand all which was involved in their calling.

Why did Jesus choose these twelve?  It was in response to the needs around him!  Look at what Matthew records for us in the ninth chapter:  ³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.³⁷ He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. ³⁸ So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” (New Living Translation)  He SAW, was MOVED to compassion, and PETITIONED his Father to send workers into the fields. 

He "noticed" the need.  This is the first step toward being on mission with Jesus - we have to notice the need around us.  It may be as simple as a kid who needs a ride to basketball practice after school because his single mom works full-time and cannot be there to get him safely to and from the practices.  It may be as complex as starting a foundation to help those plagued with life-debilitating diseases such as HIV.  Regardless, in the "noticing" there is a "calling" which God beckons us to respond to with our hearts and hands!

He was "moved" by the need.  Noticing is only one part of being on mission with Jesus.  We "see" much - we are "moved" to very little!  Jesus saw their confusion, helplessness, and their need for a Savior.  He knew where they were walking - connected with their need.  This is all he asks of us - connect with the need.  

He "petitioned" because he knew the greatness of the need.  In calling others to work alongside, he is asking us to be on mission with him, but to also make disciples of all men.  When we are doing this, we are helping them to also be on mission with Jesus!

So, we are each called to "tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives" around us.  The harvest is ready - how about you?  Ready to be "on mission" with Jesus in the practicality of meeting the needs of those around you?  Step up - then step out!  Be on mission!

Called, Conformed, Convinced Conquerors

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. ³⁰ And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

(Romans 8:28-29)

What a joy it is to come to the place where we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is at work in our lives - doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.  Paul says that we "know" - we have come to recognize, understanding completely, become so familiar with God and his ways that we don't question his plans or purposes.  This comes through experience - there is no substitute for seeing God work in our lives - no substitute for the manifestation of his purpose.

What is it that we come to know about God and how he works?  We come to a place where we recognize that he works "in all things" - in every kind or variety of circumstance - taking the whole matter into his hands, nothing being left incomplete.  We cannot say this about ourselves - we leave "loose ends" all the time.  God is not a "loose ends" kind of God - he ties them up, one by one.  

We can also know that God takes all things - every matter or concern for us - even the accomplishments of our lives, and works them for the good in our lives. He puts the pieces together - placing them into effective operation like only he can do - bringing the results that only he can orchestrate.  His ultimate purpose in intervening in our lives is to bring what is morally honorable, pleasing in every way, and beneficial for us.  

Who are those who "have been called according to his purpose"?  We are - we have been invited and roused from our place of spiritual slumber, in order to have him move within our lives.  As we respond to his movement, we begin to participate in the fullness of what provides:

• A holy life - a spiritually pure walk, separated from sin and consecrated to a holy God (2 Tim. 1:9)
• A life of fellowship with God - living in complete partnership with him, enjoying intimate communion with him.  It is only possible to be a partaker of all he provides when we begin to move into a place where we have things in common with God.  As his holiness becomes a reality in our lives, we draw closer to him, learning to share in his graces more deeply.
• A life of freedom - purchased out of bondage never again to be sold into slavery to the things of our past.  We are now the unique property of God and as such, we enjoy the freedom of release from past sin, present resentment, and future short-falls.
• A life of light - all moral and spiritual darkness fading, now able to receive and reflect the light we embrace.  We become radiant reflections of his grace.

We are called according to his purpose - in conformity to his plans and intents.  This calling is designed to bring us into conformity to the likeness of Christ.  When we begin to embrace what it accomplished in his calling (invitation), we see the possibilities of living in harmony with the standards of a holy God and the miracle of his likeness being re-created in us.  We are becoming a copy of him - his moral attributes being into full agreement within us so that our character is deeply affected and changed.

We are in a transition period in our lives - being transformed into his image - no longer conformed to the world.  The transformation of mind, will, and emotion is a divine work - we participate in obedience to what he reveals - but it is his work.  Minds are readied, will is brought under control, and emotions move into divine hope by the alignment of our hearts with his.

We are in this to be conquerors.  It is not enough to be called - we must be conformed.  It is insufficient to be conformed - we must be conquerors in all things.  Conquerors have gained the mastery over the old nature - no longer responding to it as master of our lives.  How?  Through the revelation that Christ now lives in us - where holiness dwells, freedom abounds.  In becoming a conqueror, we move to a place of being fully convinced of our standing in Christ.  Belief moves from head knowledge to action - when we are persuaded fully of his love and his protection - we do not hesitate to move in obedient action.

Called, conformed, convinced conquerors - that is the description of a child of God.