God's Call

When we follow God’s leading in our lives, we will often encounter challenges and face opposition. The Jews whose hearts God had moved to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple were afraid of the people around them (Ezra 3:3). Yet, despite their fear, they built an altar to God and offered sacrifices on it. They had responded in obedience to God’s call and were prepared to follow His leading in the face of fear. We, too, can experience this kind of courage as we follow God and His plans for us. There is something powerful about knowing that we are doing what God wants that emboldens us to attempt the difficult and even what looks impossible. Besides, as Walt Disney was known to say, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”

Do you ever feel like hiding when you sense God calling you to do something that is out of your comfort zone? When Samuel announced Israel’s new king, the new king was nowhere to be found. In fact, Saul was hiding among the baggage (1 Samuel 10:22). Without reading too much into the story, it appears that Saul did not feel up to the task. It was easier to hide in the shadows. However, God often calls us to leave the shadows. Perhaps, today is the day to step out from your hiding place and boldly follow God wherever he leads.