30 Aug The Validation of a Call
It seems like everyday somebody is announcing to me, Pastor I’ve been called, Pastor I’ve been called! More times than I care to count, I’ve encountered self-appointed prophets, preachers, and the like who proclaim from the proverbial mountaintops that they’ve heard and answered the call of God on their lives. And as much as I want to rejoice at the birth of a new minister, the spiritual father in me must ask of these individuals, where’s your validation?
They look at me quizzically as though I’m speaking in tongues. Validation? What validation? They proclaim to me, “I’m saved, sanctified, filled with the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in tongues!” And I say, “That’s wonderful, but where is your validation?” They proceed to tell me about the burning desire that they have in their hearts to carry the gospel. They tell me how they know God is calling them to minister to nations and on platforms of the highest order. I say, “That’s all well and good, BUT WHERE IS YOUR VALIDATION?”
By now, they (and you) are wondering what do I mean by validation. It is my belief that every man, woman, and child who has ever been called into ministry can be identified by very specific validating events in their lives.
First and foremost, how do you know that you are called? Did God speak to you? If so, what did HE say? Surely, if God is calling you to sacrifice your life in service to His people, HE would do so in a way that was clear and unmistakable. The call of God on your life can certainly be confirmed by others to whom the Lord speaks, but at some point, you have to know it for yourself. You can’t operate in your calling firsthand, based on a secondhand confirmation. All I’m asking is how do you know?
Secondly, what was your “burning bush experience”, your God-encounter, that one unmistakable, irrevocable encounter with the most High God that confirms your calling? Do you have one? It’s not enough to step out into ministry because of a strong feeling in your belly or unction in your spirit.
The calling of God costs too much!!!
It costs too much and it requires too much for you to step out in ministry without having a close encounter of the God-kind.
Thirdly, has your calling been tried and proven by fire? What do I mean? I’m so glad you asked. Don’t think for a moment that Satan is not aware that the Lord may have a plan for your life. That knowledge alone is reason enough for Satan to try to stop you in every way possible, including kill you. There are times in life when you must guard your calling, but there are times when your calling must guard you. Has your call been proven in the fire?
Lastly, who covers you? All too often churches, and people are victimized by maverick preachers who are self-appointed saviors. If God called you to service, then most assuredly your first service is at the feet of those who can instruct you in the ways of ministry. The power (and calling) of God is dangerous in the hands of an unlearned individual who emphatically refuses to be taught (a fool).
My friends, this is not a jab at those who are young in ministry, nor is it an indictment against those who came to serve in ministry under different sets of credentials and experiences. However, my “pastor’s heart” aches when I hear of servants who’ve abandoned their call or who’ve become burned out in ministry. It is in those times that I can’t help but to wonder was their call valid? So many are blinded by titles or positions or seduced by adoring crowds. The calling of God is both sacred and sacrificial. It is not to be entered into lightly, nor is it to be abandoned haphazardly. Look before you leap, even if it is a leap of faith. Make sure your call is valid.
Think On These Things…
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