Something Old for Feb Continued…
In these crazy times why does it sound even more crazier to step out in faith and GO…
Has Father God stop calling His people to do things totally out of the ordinary? Was being called to serve just an Old Testament phenomenon?
Father God called many people and prophets like Noah - Build an ark because there is a storm brooding - the earth needs a deep cleansing - Genesis 6 This was a 150 year project. People came out to see just what crazy thing dear old Noah and his sons were doing. There is no word in scripture of Noah’s doubt or bother with the jeers of his neighbors. He just did what Father God called him to do, even though it was totally unheard of… but, undoubtedly Noah never went back or against Father God. His family went along with their patriarch, Noah, and assisted to the best of their abilities.
Then eventually, there was dear Abram and Sarai in just six chapters later, “ Get thee out of thy country and from thy kindred and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee…” GO! Leave everyone that looks and acts in a manner, like you… Leave your father’s household and GO - somewhere that only I can will show you when you get there and I, Father God, will bless you and you will be a blessing… BUT you must GO and leave your known history…
…And later, that promised son that I gave you in your old age and to your barren wife… The one you named “Laughter”… The one you love…Sacrifice him - Genesis 22. Abraham did not tarry. He got going the next morning to commit the deed unto the Lord… Abraham had a three day journey to Moriah and then he saw “the place” and he said to the two young servants who accompanied them, “Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.” Abraham had faith that the God he served would provide somehow even in his angst and God did!
Fast forward to Exodus 2 - Moses - a murderer and fugitive… told to return to Egypt and have a chat about freeing his people who were enslaved to Pharaoh…
Oh, and let’s not forget about Moses’ mother… Put your beautiful baby boy, three months old; in a basket and set him afloat down the River Nile. Pharaoh’s daughter will become his adoptive mom and you will nurse him still until it’s time for him to go into Pharaoh’s household… but Moses’ mom was not privy to this when she set him afloat. I suppose watching him float away to an unknown death was better than the sure death by Pharaoh’s guards killing the Jewish baby boys.
Elijah in 1 Kings 15, (I know I’m skipping a lot…), had food delivered to him by ravens. The ravens were the delivery service - not the meal and oddly these were considered unclean. Hmmm?
Ezekiel laid on one side to sleep for over a year and when his wife died God told him not to mourn openly, and lastly he baked bread in cow dung!
Isaiah 20 talks about how he was called to walk about preaching for three years without clothes nor sandals on.
I could go on and on pointing out the odd but true and crazy things Father God called people to do… even into the New Testament starting with Mary/Miriam - she was a virgin carrying the Son of God… and her betrothed did not have her stoned nor divorce her but married her and cared for her until her time had come… Then he got to be a adoptive dad of sorts to Jesus -Son of God. The perfect child - submissive to His Father God.
So, to my question: does Father God yet call people to do Kingdom work? Of course, we have pastors, teachers and church workers, missionaries, but what about the rest of us - Jane and Joe Schmo? Does Father God yet call us to do outlandish treks and things, for His Kingdom?
Jesus as fully man was called to take on the sins of the entire world. To shed His blood, taking our punishment for our sins - not His, He was sinless - as in perfect. He bleed and died and rose again- Hallelujah- defeating death and the devil and giving everyone the freedom to choose eternal life. To choose Father God’s love. From the foundation of the world Jesus, Son of God; knew this is what it would take and He created us anyway and so went willingly to the cross… Perfect Love.
So… What of us?
What of me?
Father God has given me talents that He has honed in my wilderness, and now I feel called to be of service, which means leaving my home and family; to a create a sanctuary space where art and bread making happens. It sounds so insane to me. Like I’m the player of pickleball, a walker of the parks and lakefront and neighborhoods. I’m the baker of sourdough bread and sharer of the fruits on my labors. I’m the quilter of lap quilts and pillows for grandchildren… I’m an old lady with an empty nest and quiet days and nights… Father, You would call me? I am just dust… As I used to tell my mother - I thought of myself as only good enough for the garbage… I know -odd child back then too.
But Father sees so much more than I ever will and He lovingly and patiently says I am created for such a time as this, for His purposes, for His Kingdom work… for a specific people He’s sending me to…
This is a major step in faith for me - I the OCD queen of control. I anticipate the need. I try to control and plan for everything. I don’t go blindly, but I do have Father’s eyes and His presence going before me and He alone will do whatever is needful for His glory. For His Kingdom, For His children who yet are still being called to Him, all because of HIS love.
Mind blowing.
Nina
Soli Deo Gloria
It’s not by sight, says Father God, it’s by faith
| Taken while on the train to Rugby, ND Foggy |
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