The Book of Acts: Turn Your World Upside DownSample

Today’s Devotional:

During my college days in the late 90s, I knew I had received my calling from God. I had already been walking with Him for many years, but I wasn’t sure exactly what my calling was. I knew His will for me was my way of life—believing, following, being set apart, and being thankful to Him. A calling, however, is more specific. It’s hard to describe, but my best efforts land me describing it as that burning passion He puts in your heart as you walk closely with Him. In my late teens, as I lived on a college campus, God called me to a life of serving foster children. I don’t even know how He did it, but I know He did. I was drawn to and driven to pursue jobs and opportunities to serve the children in my community who needed a loving adult in their life. That led my husband and me to foster six teenage boys at a time at Place of Hope and then to foster babies in our home. It also led to the adoption of my youngest child, who was my 35th foster child. That calling was clear, and although it was the hardest thing I have ever done, I knew that nothing less than ‘all in’ was acceptable. It was hard, and on many days I wanted to give up, but I didn’t. It wasn’t my own strength, it was completely the grace of God, but it did require my commitment. After the adoption of my youngest son, almost in an instant, my calling changed. It was like I completed that part of my calling, and it brought me so much joy to look back and know God Himself released me.

As quickly as that calling was removed, He placed another one in my spirit as I spent time in a daily relationship with Him. He called me to teach, lead, and pastor in the Church with my husband—another challenging call but a burning passion I can never get away from. I am quite sure you know exactly what I am talking about because He has given you one too. We read in Acts 25 about Paul's calling on his life. He couldn’t do anything else—he had to be faithful to it and preach in the lowest places, and in the highest places in the presence of King Agrippa, about the Good News. Paul never gave up his commitment to that calling; He persevered—he spoke and preached when he felt like it and when he didn’t. He gave all of his best to his calling. You and I aren’t going to give up, either. We will complete what our Savior has called us to do. There is purpose, peace, and joy right in the middle of these callings that nothing else this world tries to distract us with can offer us. I am praying for you today! Walk confidently and committed to your calling because God is using it to bring glory to Himself and to bring salvation and encouragement to His people.

“But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak His name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!” Jeremiah 20:9

—

Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Jenni O’Neal.

Questions to Consider:

• What is your calling from God?
• What can you do today to stay faithful to that calling as Paul did in Acts 25?

Prayer:

God, thank you for your calling in every season. Help me to stay focused on your plan for my life and not get distracted by lesser things. Help me remain faithful to you and whatever you call me to. In Jesus’ name, amen.