God Calling

Last night my cat darted outside and refused to come back even though a cold front was quickly dropping the temperature.  This morning as I was getting ready for work I could hear her outside the window calling to me.  As I got ready for work, she followed me from room to room and called to me from each window.  She was relentless until I finally took the time to go and open the door for her.

God is also calling to us.  Like my cat, He will follow you to every room of your life calling out to you.  Maybe He’s sent messages through the words of a friend, a scripture, a devotional, or a song.  Maybe He’s calling to lead you in a particular direction, to guide you back to a close relationship with Him, or most importantly to offer you the gift of salvation. 

Do you remember the story of Jonah? God called him to go to the city of Nineveh, but he didn’t want to go. Instead he boarded a boat and ran in the opposite direction trying to escape God’s plan. But when God sent a huge storm, the men threw Jonah overboard after deciding that he was the reason for the storm. God then sent a big fish to save Jonah because He still had a plan. After three days in the belly of the fish, Jonah finally agreed to obey God’s calling and go to Nineveh. 

Imagine how much easier things would have been for Jonah if he had answered God’s calling the first time. I’m so glad that He is persistent like my cat and keeps calling my name. Unfortunately sometimes He must take drastic measures (like a huge fish) to get our attention, but thankfully He’s also a God of second chances. 

God speaks to us in many ways. I’m so glad that He is persistent like my cat and keeps calling my name when I don’t listen. Honestly I don’t often respond to His first call because I’m busy, hard-headed, in denial, hindered by pride, afraid, uncomfortable, or just want to do things my own way.  Recently, I  was contacted by two people about using a gift more, one a dear friend and the other someone I’ve never met personally.  I now recognize that as God calling my name.  He is calling me to open the door.  A door that He is waiting to lead me through, a door of obedience. I just have to prayerfully open the door. 

What is He calling you to do?  Maybe it’s a call of action.  Something He wants you to do.  Someone He wants you to forgive.  Someone He wants you to contact. Something that is outside of your comfort zone and makes you want to run like Jonah. Don’t keep ignoring His call.  Whatever the reason you’ve not answered, stop now and listen.  Really listen and open that door of obedience instead of running in the opposite direction. I assure you that once you make the choice to obey, God will equip you with all that is needed.