The Summons of God | his purpose; my part
I’m sure you’ve heard it said or even said it yourself that, "God has a plan.” But I wonder if you realize that God has some specific roles and purposes he’d like you to carry out as a part of that plan?I was reading Isaiah 46 a couple of days ago and was reminded of the plan of God and how he calls us to participate.
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. (Isaiah 46:10-11 NIV)
I want you to note verse 11, "he summons... a man to fulfill his purpose." What an incredible phrase and concept! All throughout time and all over the earth, God is working a master plan and calls us to be a part of that plan – how incredible! The question this raises for us is:
When God calls me to fulfill his purpose, will I respond or will he have to call another?
I don’t know about you, but I want to be someone who quickly responds with a willing and available, “yes” to God. Whether he calls me to reach my next door neighbor, encourage a co-worker, give to the poor, travel the world in missions, serve at my church, go to school, start a church or start a business, I want to obediently respond.What a privilege to be a part of the plan of God; to be summoned for his purpose!
Here are a couple practical ways you can know and follow God's plan:
Know God's Word: It's simple but the Bible clearly lays out God's overall desire and purpose for humanity. Adjust your life to align with God's word.
Listen for God's voice: You may hear God's audible voice, but most often when God speaks to us its more of a "feeling/sense in your gut". While you don't hear audible words, you sense God's speaking to your heart.
Council with God's leaders: We often forget that God uses the people around us to direct us. If you want to know God's plan, consult the godly leaders in your life to help guide and shape your decisions. This practice will help you avoid a lot of bad decisions.
Do What You Hear: Often the voice of God will get stronger in your life when you obey him. You may be asking God to speak to you but you haven't obeyed the last thing He told you. Act on what you know is in his Word and follow what you feel the Holy Spirit speaking to you.
