THE CALL

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;

  Before you were born I sanctified you;

  I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”  (Jeremiah 1:5)

Being back in my hometown, I occasionally have run into someone who knew me, “back in the day.”  That was B.C. history—before Christ—when I was as lost as a goose in a snowstorm.  Of course, one of the first questions they ask is, “What are you doing these days?”  When I answer, “I pastor a Baptist Church,” it has often brought looks of shock. 

I will assure you none has been more surprised that God called someone like me to preach the Gospel than me!  So unworthy, and yet such a definite call from God, that I had no doubt it was His plan for my life.  I did not hear an audible voice—it was just as clear, however.  Through a sequence of events, the confirmation of others, and now through the grace of God upon my ministry, I have occasionally become discouraged and wanted to quit, but I never doubted that I needed to press on.

When I announced my call, my pastor—the late Raymond Shumpert—encouraged me, but he did not gloss over the challenges that would confront me.  Ministry is a glorious work, but it is that—work!  It involves labor.  The prophets often spoke of the burden of the Lord.  The inspiration must be matched with perspiration.  It is more than work—it is warfare.  The man of God is on the frontlines, leading the troops, charging the gates of hell—and is the most obvious target for the enemy.  At times, the gravest wounds come from so-called, “friendly fire.”

Jeremiah would face much pain in preaching.  His call had to be definite, because it would be too easy to abandon the battle in the heat of the conflict.  That poor fellow was warned by God that he would have much struggle, but he had to experience it to fully appreciate it.  Little did I know when I stepped out in faith and obedience what I was getting myself into!  I do not wish to imply that there are no blessings.  It is an honor to be called of God.  It is grace.  Grace is definitely needed, however, as the issues we deal with are enormous—beyond human ability.

Men, make sure you have a definite call.  It does not have to be dramatic, but it has to be definite.  That conviction will give you courage when you face the ferocity of the enemy’s fire.  As my late homiletics professor, Dr. Kenneth Ridings used to say, “If you can do something besides preach, then do it!”  As for me, once more this Lord’s Day, I will stand with a Bible in my hand and preach.  I do it because I must.  God has called me.  Has He called you?