Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1, NIV).
Not long ago, I was watching "LIFE Today" hosted by James and Betty Robison. That day's show featured writer, director and producer Randall Wallace, best known for penning "Braveheart"and directing "We Were Soldiers" and "Secretariat." Wallace was there to discuss the latest film he has directed, "Heaven Is for Real."
James Robison noted that it’s obvious Wallace is very selective when choosing projects, as many of them tell wonderful, uplifting stories–stories that have a spiritual application.
"You want people to know the Lord…you want people to know Christ and know him personally? Is that right?" James Robison asked.
The award-winning director thought for a moment and then answered, "I was a seminary student…I left the seminary thinking that I wasn’t getting the call, so I spoke to my family pastor.
"He knew I was studying religion in school and he said, 'Do you feel the call to pastor?' I said, 'Honestly, I don’t, though I know it is the greatest call anyone can have,' and he said, 'You’re wrong. The greatest call you can have is the one God has for you.'"
Wallace went on to say that his call is to tell inspiring stories and to tell the truth as he knows it. He is thankful to be walking in his calling.
I am thankful Wallace is walking in his calling, too, or we might never have seen his inspiring films.
I am also thankful I watched "LIFE Today" that afternoon because when I heard that one statement–the greatest call you can have is the one God has for you–I actually stopped what I was doing and wrote it down. I didn’t want to forget those powerful words.
I don’t want you to forget them, either.
Just because you weren’t called to be a pastor doesn’t mean you won’t impact the world with the love of God in your own way. Maybe you will never preach a sermon about kindness, but you show kindness to that homeless man every day when you pass him on your mail route.
Maybe you’ll never write a book about the love of God, but you have your elementary students write letters of encouragement to soldiers overseas every semester.
You don’t have to be behind a pulpit to have divine purpose.
Whether you’re called to be a firefighter or a teacher or a stay-at-home mom, you are important. Your life means something. And, God called you to fulfill that special role because he had a plan for your life from the time you were in your mother’s womb.
It’s so powerful when you realize that you’re doing exactly what you were born to do, and the devil knows this truth. That’s why he will do everything he can to discourage you and get you to compare yourself with others and their callings, trying to convince you that your calling is not as important.
Don’t fall for his lies. Instead, thank God for your calling and walk in it with great enthusiasm and courage. Run your race. When you do, you’ll enjoy the journey, and every step toward that finish line will be purposeful.
Pray this with me: “Father, I thank you for creating me for such a time as this. Help me to never forget the importance of my calling, and help me to fulfill my divine destiny. I love you, Lord. In the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.”
