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Is God calling you to a special service for Him?

If God has called you to do something in service to His cause, more than likely whatever the calling may be, it has been given according to the analogy of Jesus concerning the gifting of a talent - the talent being a measure of money invested in activities to produce profits. Perhaps you have begun serving Him, but have become discouraged for some reason, and have given up or neglected it. Jesus uses an analogy that illustrates a Christian's call to special service for Him.

The talent illustrates the natural ability that God gave you when you were born, or acquired as you lived your life up to this point. His reward for serving Him is based on how many "talents" you have been given. Percentage wise, if you have been given many abilities or great ability along a certain line, more is required of you. Those who have been given lesser ability in a different category of services will be rewarded the same as those with greater abilities (talent), percentage wise.

All are rewarded according to what they have been given by God - for an ability they have. God is just, equal, and fair. He is no respecter of persons. The Apostle Paul illustrates this principle in describing the body of Christ, the church, with each member's equality and importance regardless of position of ability. (Romans 12:4-8).

Whatever you do, if you have in you heart a Godly conviction that you should serve Him according to the vision in you heart, do not ignore or put it off. One of the Holy Spirit's jobs is to convict. One of those convictions is to lead Christ's servants into that which He has equipped, or will equip, them to do. Godly conviction is like a candle that has been lit. It burns brightly at first, but with the passage of time it grows smaller and more dim. If this occurs, you may effectively bury your talent in the earth. The result of this is both sad and terrifying (Matthew 25:14-28)

Lets assume that you choose to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit's urging, and you step out on faith to do what He has put into your heart in service to Him. Everything may go well, and you exult in the realization of how He has empowered and led you. Now begins a time that Satan desires to intervene in your life and service. You are basking in the light of the success you are having.

Now, Satan through his "devices" begins by any means that he believes will be successful in discouraging you. Discouragement often strikes when you are worn, and become tired through the routine and effort. You are giving all you have to make your effort for Christ a success. This can be the onset of what is often called "burnout". The weariness and tiredness of success. This is perceived by Satan as just as an opportunity to strike, as if you were discouraged by failure.

Now could be the time to take a break - in whatever way that you perceive the Holy Spirit is leading you. We are not spirit beings. We are human, with all the attributes and weakness of the flesh. God knows and understands this. Jesus and the disciples took time off, and went into a desert place to rest.

There is another parable Jesus uses to warn and inspire us concerning our calling. This parable can be applied in many ways and to many circumstances. Jesus expects us to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading in applying it, as with all of His parables. This parable is perhaps easier for a farmer or one who earns a living with manual labor, using a strong back and strong arms in earning their living. However, it is the principle that Jesus wants us to understand. (Luke 9:57-62)

When you have begun your service for God, endured the ups and downs of life while doing what He has called you to do, you could become discouraged to the point of being tempted to quit - to just give up your efforts to fulfill what God has called you to do. Combining the two parables, we receive a complete picture of special service to Christ. It can be summed up with this:

By releasing your hand from "the plow" and "looking back" you automatically "bury" your talent.

This God never intended for you to do. He never starts something with someone and then changes His mind about you. His never makes mistakes. If, through physical or mental difficulties one becomes utterly unable to continue their calling, God understands that also. He may allow it for various reasons. He knows your limits within the confines of His will. He knows all human limitations. He could heal you. Or, He may allow certain debilities such as disease, age, or other factors to enter your life which seem to prohibit your continuing the same level of service you began with. Perhaps He wants to alter your service in some way, etc.

This is between you and God, and the Holy Spirit will convict you of the will of God in all cases.

If your desire is still to serve Christ without reservation, He will guide you within the confines of His will for you. Be open to whatever He wishes to do in your life. Humbly seek His will, and be open to anything He wishes to do through you. He will never leave you or forsake you - never!

"For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.]" - Romans 11:29 (AMP)

"Word from Scotland" from Sandy Shaw

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