Sacrificially stepping into God’s calling does not mean everything will be clear sailing. In fact, if Biblical narratives are any sign, the opposite seems to be the norm. However, if you study those same narratives, you’ll quickly learn that the safest place a child of God can be is in God’s loving hands during the storm.
Case in point, Amos. God’s call turned Amos’ simple life as a shepherd and a carer for sycamore-fig trees upside down. (Amos 7:14) Shepherds carried little clout in Biblical days, and people of influence looked down on them as hicks. Amos was from Judah and had to deliver a hard message to the King of Israel, which made things worse..
Amos was resolute, even though he was out of his comfort zone. He would be obedient to God’s calling, and he would speak the message God had given him to the people to whom God instructed him to speak. God miraculously opened the doors into the inner sanctum of the elite for this shepherd/orchard worker. Amos’ guileless response to those who opposed God’s message indicates his character. He wasn’t trying to be something he wasn’t; he didn’t put on airs. He stated who he was, what his previous occupation was, and what God told him to say. I have a feeling if I met Amos in person, I’d like him. Simple and utterly loyal to his God. The book of Amos doesn’t give us any clues about what happened next, but I hope Amos returned home to his peaceful pastoral life.
God calls us to be faithful and to be obedient to His call, and to state His message without pretence or guile. When we face intimidating situations, it’s tempting to compromise who we are to present ourselves in the best light. If we keep in mind that we are only conveying God’s message, we will aim to showcase HIM in the most favourable way. We do so by remaining humble and authentic, while confident that the One who sends us will equip us.
Personal Application
Luke 12:11 (NLT) – “When you are brought to trial in the synagogues, and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”
1 Peter 5:6 (MSG) – “Be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time.”
Did you know the word hypocrite comes from the ancient Greek word for ‘actor’? Be yourself! Has God given you an assignment? Then keep this truth in mind. He called YOU to fulfill that assignment. He did not ask you to imitate ‘someone else’, even if you feel less qualified than that ‘someone else.’ Be the best you that you can be, but never lose sight of the person God intended you to be.
Until Next Week
©2023 Katherine Walden