THE CALL TO PREACH THE GOOD NEWS
When I was young, my grandmother told me that she thought I was going to be a preacher when I grew up. I disagreed and insisted I was going to raise chickens with Papaw. Turns out, she was right. God called me to preach. But I do still love chicken. 🙂
The first time I felt God’s call was when I was 19 years old. I was attending a Christian conference for college students and the speaker instructed anyone who felt God calling them to vocational ministry to stand up. I looked around to see who would stand, when I suddenly realized that I was standing up! I seriously don’t remember telling my legs to stand. But there I was, standing with tears pouring down my face.
Flash forward 11 years. I was 30 years old, married with three kids, a mortgage and a good corporate job. And I still hadn’t answered God’s call. I taught Sunday school, I sang in the choir, I served on church committees, I was a deacon… I was trying to serve without selling out completely. Yet, I knew that God wanted my all in all. I was afraid, but like Paul, I felt compelled. My misery grew so great that I finally surrendered (It’s miserable to run from God’s call. Just ask Jonah.). So I quit my job, went to seminary, and planted Wilson Community Church (Now Eastgate Church).
Like Paul, I can’t boast about this calling. Like Jonah, I tried my best to run from it. Yet now, thirty-four years later, I am so thankful. How terrible it would be if I didn’t preach the gospel.
What’s God compelling you to do?
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the gospel. For whether we are called to vocational ministry or not, we are all called to proclaim the gospel. Strengthen us to answer Your calling. For we do not boast in the calling, but in You, the One who calls. In Jesus’ name, amen.