GodReflection: When God Calls
There was only once in my life, perhaps twice, when I received what I would describe as unmistakable calls from the Holy that were recognizable at the time of the call. Neither time was there an audible voice direct from God.

The first was the sense of call at the time of baptismal waters. For whatever reason it was a—dare I say nagging—silent voice in my head for a solid week prior to my immersion.

The second I will refer to at a later time in this series of posts.

As previously mentioned, God’s call was more likely to be recognized over a long succession of events that led to markers placed along my earthly walk.

God’s call to prepare took such a route.

It was in my earliest years of elementary school when I knew I wanted to preach. When my young classmates affirmed their goals to be firemen, policemen and nurses, I declared my decision to be a preacher. Obviously, I didn’t know exactly what that entailed, but I never wavered in my resolve.

Over my twelve years of hometown schooling I remained involved with my church. I always loved the sermon times as I sat mesmerized from the pulpit occupants.

It was in high school that I drove to my first preaching appointment. I still have a Bible that is inscribed: Bought with money earned from my first sermon, Sunday March 7, 1965, Del City, Texas.

For reasons I do not remember I knew college was a must for preparation. I do remember I took every shortcut I could find in high school that would allow me to graduate early so I could get on with life.

The early graduation didn’t happen so with required courses in my rearview mirror my senior year was spent mostly in fun classes and what we called study hall. Study hall was supervised free time to study for the fun classes that I judged not to require much work.

While in high school I would take off four days each winter to attend Bible Lectureship at a university six hour from my home. It was an exciting week.

Thousands would gather for classes and theme lectures. A large circus tent complete with enormous gas heaters provided warmth and space for book venders with an ambience for fellowship fueled by continuous cups of hot coffee.

Then came college. I don’t know how I could have been less prepared. I enrolled in higher education without the slightest clue of the expectations involved. The unimaginable width of the gap between a do-nothing study hall to first year Greek caught me off guard. No one told me college would be hard.

I no longer see any of the above as random choices. I suspect God orchestrated these and other activities I failed to numerate to prepare me for my life’s work. I now see them as woven together as His call to prepare.

Can you reflect upon five or six times God may have nudged you in certain directions to prepare you for your life’s work?

If you are reading this and are young enough to have not yet entered your life’s work can you spot a pattern of directional moves in your own life that might possible be Holy God’s orientation as He calls you to prepare?

Stay tuned.

Dr. Gary J. Sorrells
A GodReflection: Called to Prepare

Gary@Godreflection.org
http://www.GodReflection.org
http://www.MakeYourVisionGoViral.com