Have You Answered the Call?

By Kandice Adams

Recently, my son told me that he had given a few chapters of a book he had been writing to his teacher to review.  As any momma, I beamed with excitement and pride-- not only because of the accomplishment, but because I was proud of him for taking a step and plunging into the deep end of his passions.

When my kids were little, I can’t even tell you how many times they shared something they really wanted to try but were too afraid because they didn’t want to fail.  I also can’t tell you how many times I have pushed them into the deep end of things because I really feel that life is about taking risks. 

I know how hard it is because when it comes to my own ministry, I am timid about jumping into the deep end myself. 

Sometimes I allow the negative voices in my head to out-do the voice of God.

You aren’t a good writer.
No one will read what you write.
You have nothing to share that will make a difference.

So instead of finding time to write, I find excuses. 

Instead of learning more about the craft that I so love, I leave it so far down on my to-list that even mating solitaire socks is more of a priority.

Instead of looking to God for encouragement, I try to talk myself out of the dreams that He has placed inside my heart.

I have realized from years of these spiritually unhealthy behaviors that I have been ineffective at showing my kids how to live out their passions, their callings.

And unfortunately my blunder doesn’t end with my unrealized dreams.  My unfulfilled calling is passive disobedience because I fail to allow God to use me to impact the world.  

The world…

He doesn’t merely place passions deep within me for my own enjoyment, He hides them in my heart that I may dare to live from the inside, out… to bring Him glory, in my obedience.

And it is through my obedience that my quietly penned words will have an echo that reverberates to eternity.

Your obedience would reverberate to eternity, too.

Today, do you need encouragement to pursue your passions?

Maybe for you it is cementing your decision about staying home with your little ones.
Maybe it is leading a youth group at your church.
Maybe it is opening a flower shop.

Whatever your passion, He is inviting each of us today to find the time, instead of the excuses.  He is inviting us lean into His presence and soak in the whispered words of encouragement.  He is calling us to live from the deep place where our passions thrive… to live from the inside out.

Sweet friend, won’t you join me in taking the plunge into the deep end of your passions and live inside out before the world? 


Word of the Day:
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.  I Peter 4: 10-11 (NIV)

Prayer:
Father, Thank you for hiding my hopes, dreams and passions in my heart so that they can be used to glorify you.  I ask that on those days that I want to quit and on those nights when the words won’t come, please remind me that you have provided me with this ability to glorify you.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

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