The Impossible Calling

"For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37

It can be done.

That thing that you feel God has called you to do, but you think it sounds absolutely crazy and out of your reach.

It is out of your reach...if you are doing it on your own.

But if you're doing it with God, it is most certainly possible.

God wants you to have faith in Him...not just that He exists (that's where faith begins), but that He is on your side and is leading you down a path to greater things.

The key is to take it one step at a time. Don’t worry about what tomorrow will look like; just focus on today. 

You may be years away from actually doing what God has called you into. You could be close to being there. Or...maybe you're already there and don't think that you can do this.

I have had the same dream since I was a kid, but I always thought it was out of my reach. If I keep looking at the big picture, it still seems impossible. However, I have seen what God has done in my life in the past year, and I believe that He will continue to grow me towards where He wants me to be.

It is the same for you.

God would not lead you to do something that you could not do with His help. There may be some days you are ready to quit, and other days where you love what you're doing and know you're right where you need to be.

No matter how you feel in the moment, God is always there, ready to help you with the next step.

What is the "impossible calling" you feel God has placed on your life?

The Connection Between Thoughts and Attitude

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5

“I don’t like her”.

I didn’t start out with that attitude. But by the time I rehashed my reasons for disagreeing with her idea for the tenth time, that’s where I ended up. Suddenly, I began questioning her motives and her character.

Attitude is a powerful thing. It goes hand in hand with thoughts, and if one is negative, the other will also be negative. You will never be able to maintain a positive attitude while you are having negative thoughts, and vice versa.

However, as Christians, we are not expected to simply change our thoughts on our own. We do have to put forth some effort in acknowledging that our thought patterns are going in the wrong direction and choosing to change their direction, but then we have the Holy Spirit who works in us to change our thoughts.

“Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” Ephesians 4:23

It is important to have faith that if you turn your thoughts and attitudes over to the Holy Spirit, He can change them.

Wondering how you can have a mindset like Jesus in your relationships, especially with other Christians (who we sometimes hold to higher standards)? Here are a few examples from 1 Peter 3:8

• Sympathize with each other. Respond to the needs of others at every opportunity that you can. Keep your ears and heart open to someone who needs help but may never ask for it.  Pray for understanding of their situation.
• Love each other as brothers and sisters. Accept the differences that could cause division, and choose to love and help those around you. Celebrate the things that you have in common.
• Be tenderhearted. Show compassion for others as they are going through joyful or tough seasons in life. 
• Keep a humble attitude. Encourage others and rejoice in their success. Be gentle when dealing with others. Think more of others and less of yourself (Philippians 2:3).

The Holy Spirit will help you develop these attitudes as you choose to depend on Him. That is why it takes faith: even on the days where you feel like you've failed completely, you can get up and start over.

What negative thoughts have you had recently that are having an effect on how you view another person or group of people?

From Unrest to Inspiration

Have you ever found yourself in a season of unrest?

You don't feel like you can do what you've been called to do, or you might even feel like you aren't in the right place at all.

I've been there. Transitions that I have faced have sometimes taken a toll on my confidence that I can do what I feel that I've been called to do. I've wanted to throw up my hands and run away on multiple occasions. 

In those times where you feel like just giving up, asking “what’s the point?” take comfort in the truth that God has a purpose for it all.

• God is there, with you, right now.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Everywhere you go, God is there. More than that, He has gone in front of you and knows what is ahead. Do not let situations or conflict discourage you.

• God will not disappoint you.

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given to us.” Romans 5:5

If God has promised it to you, He will do it. It may not be on the same timetable as you would complete it, but just keep trusting Him.

• Be enthusiastic to bring honor to God.

“He and his descendants will have a covenant of a lasting priesthood, because he was zealous for the honor of his God.” Numbers 25:13

If you feel that you have lost passion for what you do, just focus on one thing: bringing honor to God. He will restore your passion as you focus on Him.

• Do what you do now well.

“Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.” Ecclesiastes 9:10

Once you reach the end of your life, there is no do-over. You won’t need to work, plan, or have knowledge and wisdom after you are gone from this earth.  This is the time to do what we are called to do, and do it well.

Sometimes we fall into states of depression or dissatisfaction; but we don’t have to stay there. Rest on the faithful promises from God, and allow them to inspire you to move forward just where you are right now.

How can you become enthusiastic for the honor of God today?