We are inclined to forget the deeply spiritual and supernatural touch of God. If you are able to tell exactly where you were when you received the call of God and can explain all about it, I question whether you have truly been called. The call of God does not come like that; it is much more supernatural. The realization of the call in a person’s life may come like a clap of thunder or it may dawn gradually. But however quickly or slowly this awareness comes, it is always accompanied with an undercurrent of the supernatural—something that is inexpressible and produces a “glow.” At any moment the sudden awareness of this incalculable, supernatural, surprising call that has taken hold of your life may break through—”I chose you . . .” (John 15:16). The call of God has nothing to do with salvation and sanctification. You are not called to preach the gospel because you are sanctified; the call to preach the gospel is infinitely different. Paul describes it as a compulsion that was placed upon him.If you have ignored, and thereby removed, the great supernatural call of God in your life, take a review of your circumstances. See where you have put your own ideas of service or your particular abilities ahead of the call of God. Paul said, “. . . woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” He had become aware of the call of God, and his compulsion to “preach the gospel” was so strong that nothing else was any longer even a competitor for his strength.If a man or woman is called of God, it doesn’t matter how difficult the circumstances may be. God orchestrates every force at work for His purpose in the end. If you will agree with God’s purpose, He will bring not only your conscious level but also all the deeper levels of your life, which you yourself cannot reach, into perfect harmony.________________________________________________________September 29, 2014

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, thank you for this devotional about preaching the Gospel. It appears that when a person is called by You, the power is supernatural, and the call undeniable.  Chambers also seems to be saying that when we have been called, it is both unavoidable and unexplainable. The call from You is unmistakable. However, we cannot put it into words. How are we to respond to your guiding us in this area? It seems powerful and yet overwhelming.

And God says…”Everything about our relationship can be overwhelming if you try to figure it out, understand it, or make it make sense within your natural mind. When I reach out to you I reach out to the Holy Spirit living inside of you.  You cannot, in your natural mind, understand or even recognize my voice or direction. However, the Spirit of God living within you does hear my voice; and by the power of that Spirit of God, you do understand and can respond to Me. My sheep know my voice.  So we are back to where we always start; be connected to Jesus, allow Jesus to live through your surrender and remain curious and expectant about how I will use you.  And when you hear My voice, be obedient.  Sometimes I may call on you to preach the Gospel and occasionally use words.  Trust in the Lord in all your ways, do not rely on your own devices and I will make your paths straight.  You can do nothing apart from Me.  But when we are connected, and you have surrendered yourself to Me, you can do anything.”