Have You Answered the Call?
Having just finished writing and publishing my first book, I stand amazed at God’s hand on my life. Twenty years ago, I would not have imagined that I would become a published author. Though it was my childhood dream to write a book, it seemed like a distant and out-of-reach fantasy for much of my life. But then I met Jesus, and over time, he set me on a course to be a writer as I committed myself to Him (Psalm 37:4, Proverbs 16:3, Matthew 6:33). And what a process it is to write and publish a book! I had no idea, but I’ve learned so much along the way, and I’m still learning. One thing I know for sure is that I answered the Lord’s call to write The Dream because it’s His book, His way, and for Him.
God has been calling. He calls all of us, but it’s our choice as to whether or not we answer. We’re called to salvation (John 6:44) and to a holy life (2 Timothy 1:9), and these callings were given through Jesus -- by His grace and for His purpose -- before time began. That grabs my attention because anything given before time seems like it must be pretty important, and I know I wouldn’t want to miss that call! Another scripture that always gives me pause is Jeremiah 1:5 because it makes it clear that God has distinct plans and purposes for us before we are even conceived in our mother’s womb. These scriptures, demonstrating the sovereignty of God and His hand on our lives before we are even conceived, should be enough to convince every Christian to be unwaveringly pro-life.
If you’re reading this, you are one of the fortunate ones who survived abortion. You were born. So many others (over 61 million in the United States alone) did not have the chance to be “here.” Alive, breathing, walking, talking, living, loving. Don’t take life for granted, and don’t miss out on what God is calling you to. He will take you on the greatest adventures of your life, if you’ll only relinquish your own plans and give him the reins. You won’t miss out. You won’t be sad or disappointed. Instead, you will be enriched beyond words by the very one who created you. The one who planned and purposed you before you were even formed in your mother’s womb. He has wonderful things for you, and you will never regret answering His call.
When I chose life for my son when I became pregnant at the age of 14, I was answering God’s call even though I didn’t think of it that way at the time. I didn’t know Jesus as my savior yet, and I certainly wasn’t living for Him by any stretch of the imagination. Yet I knew my baby was precious, valuable, important and created by God.
Perhaps God is calling you to preserve, in love, your marriage. Maybe He is leading you into a new career. Perhaps He is calling you to speak out at a time when rhetoric against Christianity and pro-lifers has been ratcheting up. Or if you have been living your life apart from Christ, He may be calling you to a relationship with Himself. If you’re already saved, He may be calling you to a closer walk with Him through prayer, fasting, praise and worship, Bible reading, etc. Perhaps He’s calling you to serve others through a particular ministry. The more time you spend with Him, the more you will be able to discern His leading.
The Lord calls every day; He speaks continuously. I’m not perfect, and I know there were times that I missed His call, and I regret those times. But when I did respond to His calling, I have never regretted a moment, though I certainly struggled with doubt and fear on occasion. Thankfully, our Heavenly Father is full of grace and mercy, goodness and love. Even though we are often called out of our comfort zones, His calls always bring forth life, even if we can’t see it immediately.
Have you answered the Lord’s call? If you do, you will never regret doing so, and you will be embarking on the most amazing, most enriching experiences of your life. Notice I didn’t say easy; I said amazing and enriching.
Don’t miss out! Your greatest adventures come from the one who knows you best – the one who had you in mind before you were even conceived. So, GO, answer the call!
Lord, I pray that I, and every person reading this, would hear your voice and respond to your call on our lives.
In Christ’s Love,
Deborah Arlene Author of The Dream
Writer of Light – #2