A guest blog post from Amy Carroll – source: http://www.proverbs31.org/devotions/getting-where-youre-going-2012-04/
“… continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out.” Nehemiah 4:21b (NIV)
While it’s true that God ultimately accomplishes His purposes in ways far beyond what we can ask or imagine, we have a part to play in His plans. God recently had me read the book of Nehemiah to see how one of His servants accomplished the huge task of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem.
I came away with a deep appreciation for my part of success—organization, communication, energy, delegation and hard, hard work. Scripture actually says that Nehemiah and the Israelites “…continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out.” (Nehemiah 4:21b NIV)
I’ve been guilty like many Christians in talking about my calling and spiritualizing “trusting God” without being willing to follow Him in obedience into the day-to-day labor required to build His Kingdom.
How about you? Is something keeping you from doing the work? Perhaps you’re faced with paralyzing questions posed by fear? “What if I try and fail?” “What if nobody else believes in me?” “What if God doesn’t show up?” or worse “What if I’ve misheard God and am missing His will?”
Or, are there distractions and time-wasters that take your focus off of what you know God’s wants you to do?
It’s taken me many years to come to a place that I find the thought of working toward my calling encouraging rather than discouraging. I’m encouraged that it doesn’t take innate genius or prodigal gifting to fulfill my calling. I don’t have either of those.
In an article published in The New York Times, David Brooks wrote about the place of hard work in success. He shared:
“The key factor separating geniuses from the merely accomplished is not a divine spark … Instead, it’s deliberate practice. Top performers spend more hours (many more hours) rigorously practicing their craft.”
A study cited in the same article said that musicians who were said to be virtuoso practiced 10,000 hours; 5,000 more than those simply considered to be good.
It reminded me of something I’d heard in an interview with my friend Lysa TerKeurst. She said that many people ask how she became a New York Times bestselling author overnight. Her answer was simply, “Through 17 years of hard work. I determined that I would do all that I could do while completely trusting God to do what only He could do.”
I’m called to become an increasingly effective communicator for Christ, not so that people can stand in awe of Amy Carroll but so that they can stand in awe of the One I speak about—Jesus. I’m called to help other women to grow too. I can’t do that unless I’m a life-long student, learner and worker.
What’s your calling? Are you doing the work? My definition in this case is simply moment-by-moment, day-by-day obedience to God’s Word and the leading of His Spirit. Some days that will look like moving forward while other days it will be stillness, waiting and listening. Either way, let’s start working right now!
Dear Lord, thank You for the calling on my life. Even though parts of my heart are nervous and struggle, I want to do the work and walk in obedience to You. Thanks for helping me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Hi Amy,
I really enjoyed this article and it inspires me to embrace my daily work in a different way: as part of a whole that God wants to accomplish through me.
I had a great talk with your husband a few weeks ago. You have a very unique and important ministry.
Thanks for your wise words.
Warmly,
Bettina
I am at this very point, I made an appointment to talk to the Pastor, to discuss what I know I am to do. I even know that this is just a starting point, that what I am to do will be even bigger. Still I said those exact words, I am nervous, what if God isn’t there, what if they don’t see or hear what I know God has laid on my heart to do. All of sudden I have no confidence. I am afraid, what if it is me, what if I just think this is what I am to do? This is hard to know what to do!
Hi Barb –
As I read your comment, these thoughts come to mind from the book of Jeremiah 29:11-13
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord
Isn’t that just like God to tell us that you will find Him! Keep seeking. Reach out. He is there. Do not fear what might not happen, but trust in His word. We will be praying for you.
Blessings!
I am also at this place where I know that I need to take steps every day to do what God has called me to do. I can come up with reasons to not get moving and saying that I am waiting for other people but the time has come for me to stop doing that and just obey.
Amen Rona. Well put! Obedience is key as we surrender to God’s will in our lives. It’s amazing what happens when we listen to His voice to guide us. Blessings to you!