Called From Something

Grass sprouting up, leaves appearing on trees, birds tweeting, and people digging out shorts and light tops while stuffing in sweaters, sweat pants, and coats—all signal the entrance of spring. This time of year, calls us from the cold, dreary winter months to the warm, fresh spring season. During this season, a lot of people talk about being called to something… to exercise more, eat less, clean out junk, etc. However, most do not speak about being called from something.

During one of my devotional times, I realized when God called Abraham, he left his home not knowing where God was leading. He went from his family, from his father’s house, from his comfort zone, and from the life he knew. He faced many difficulties such as famine, fear, and family disputes which probably gave him strong reason to doubt. But Abraham, believing this direction came from God, persevered and due to his faith and obedience, God blessed him and counted him righteous.

What are you being called from? God moves us from situations, people, places and things to change, develop, use, and bless us. He calls us from chaotic environments; from unhealthy and inappropriate relationships; complaining and ungratefulness attitudes; from watching, listening to and reading inappropriate materials; from lying lips; from toxic people, from our comfort zones, etc.

For me, it’s unrighteous anger. Those who really know me describe me as a highly competitive person or fighter. But I struggle with anger when someone wrongs me or hurts someone dear to me. I will not cuss you out, but my words will slit your throat if you burst my last nerve. The earrings pop off, the boxing gloves come on, and I enter the ring with this mentality, “One of us is going down and it won’t be me.” I usually emerge as winner of the fight, but I lose so much more spiritually. God calls me from unrighteous behavior to righteousness-responding to anger with my words and actions Jesus’ way.

How do I do it? Abiding in His word. I learn and memorize scriptures that keep me grounded when Satan tempts me or God tests me in a situation or trial. A few scriptures I use when I feel anger flaring up and seeping into my pores:

James 1:19-20 – “This you know, my beloved brethren, But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.”

 Proverbs 10: 19 – “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.”

 Proverbs 3:3-4 – “Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man.”

Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Proverbs 29:22 – “An angry man stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.” 

See I choose to be obedient. In a disagreement with someone a while back, I commented, “You know the word, you refuse to do it.”  The person responded, “You are right. I don’t want to do it.” Sad, right, but the truth be told, sometimes I don’t want to do what Gods says do either. I don’t want to say “I’m sorry” or to forgive someone or pray for my enemies. But I do it because I want to be right before the Lord. I choose to be obedient because I want to be blessed and experience His benefits. Sadly, the person chose not to obey God’s word.

Again, what is God calling you from? The real question: How will you respond? Will you refuse or obey? Growth requires change. Change results in unsettling feelings. God never asks for your opinion. Knowing where He leads you or trying to figure out all the details of your journey prove meaningless. A life of obedience may not be easy, but it will be blessed.

I don’t know about you, but I choose to obey as He calls me from unrighteousness to righteousness. He knows where He wants to take me, and what it will take to get me there.  The results will always be for my good and His glory if I just trust and obey Him. Why? Simply…