…for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! —1 Corinthians 9:16
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.
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Journal DJR
Good Morning Lord, I agree with that last paragraph and it’s what I want… to agree with your purpose and enjoy having all of my “levels” especially the ones I can’t reach, brought together into perfect harmony. What seems to be preventing this? Because I don’t feel that perfect harmony. It’s true, I’m getting glimpses of it and this Cancer Journey is helping to focus on the important things. But I have a ways to go to get to that perfect harmony place.
It is a journey and always will be. Just follow me today. Tomorrow will have it’s own issues. I’ll be there for you then. But I’m here for you now today. Cast your cares on me (1 Peter 5:7) can take on new meaning in times of crisis that are just unavailable when everything is going smoothly. You can allow crisis and issues to shut you down into stress and depression or they can be an invitation into our dance. It’s a dance based on Love and Love always wins. Come on in, it’s better than sitting out. That harmony of levels that you seek, and I want for you also, comes in the ebb and flow of the dance.
Like right now, you are looking out into the bay. The tide is going out. Earlier it was coming in. The flow cleanses the bay. Like the flow of the Trinity dance will cleanse you of things that don’t fit. And what will be left will be harmony and congruence. Remember the invitation into our dance is always there for you. You can step in from wherever you are.
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